Written by Johnna Kaplan
In most cities, the Jumping Frog would be on a major shopping street, where even hapless or lost visitors would be sure to stumble upon it. In Hartford, it’s tucked away where few but the most curious of urban explorers would think to venture. Which is a bit unfortunate, because this distinctive bookstore deserves to be more widely discovered.
Hartford’s only used bookstore is hidden behind Real Art Ways in an old typewriter factory on Arbor Street. You might not notice it if you’re going to see a film or art exhibit at RAW, but drive around to the side of the parking lot, walk down a little path lined with flowers, open the door, open another door, and there it is.
The Jumping Frog does not conform to the used bookstore stereotype of a musty jumble of books no one wants. Instead, it’s bright and well-organized, and the shelves hold an intriguing collection of rare, used and out-of-print books as well as vintage magazines and catalogs.
The Jumping Frog is located at 56 Arbor Street, and is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by chance or appointment. There’s also an online store, selling a greater variety of books, collectables, ephemera, and a good deal more. For more, visit thejumpingfrog.com.
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