Seasonal Bookseller

About Lovestruck Books & Cafe

Lovestruck Books & Cafe is an independent, romance-focused bookstore in Cambridge, MA. We are a community hub grounded in inclusivity, joy, and a deep love of the romance genre. We are looking for passionate, dynamic Seasonal Booksellers to join our team for the holiday season and contribute to our growing literary community.

Role Snapshot

We are seeking Seasonal Booksellers to provide temporary coverage during the holiday season and support our team through this busy time of year. Booksellers are the face of Lovestruck Books & Cafe and the primary architects of our guest experience. This role involves a blend of customer service, active selling, merchandising, and essential operational support. Beyond daily retail operations, Seasonal Booksellers are a vital part of our events team helping to bring our calendar of author signings, themed release parties, community gatherings and more to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional service by greeting customers, handselling titles through knowledgeable book recommendations across genres, and ensuring a positive, inclusive shopping experience.
• Actively participate in the lifecycle of store events, including physical setup and breakdown (moving furniture/displays), guest check-in, providing on-site assistance to ensure events run smoothly, and more.
• Utilize POS systems for transactions, handle online and special orders, and assist with daily store operations such as shelving and maintaining organizational standards.
• Address customer inquiries and resolve complaints promptly to maintain high levels of satisfaction.
• Support the Cafe & Bar team as needed, help maintain a tidy shared space, ensure a seamless transition for guests between the retail and hospitality areas.
• Perform other related duties, tasks, and special projects as assigned by store leadership to support the shifting needs of the business.

Schedule & Compensation

• Role Type: Temporary, seasonal, part-time or full-time, Non-Exempt; onsite in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.
• Wage: $15.00-16.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Store discounts, professional development opportunities, access to free Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) and Advanced Listener copies, and a vibrant literary community.
• Seasonal Dates: November 15, 2026-January 10, 2027. Employment may cover all or part of this period based on staffing needs and candidate availability. Candidates available for only part of the season are welcome to apply; please include your available dates in your application.
• Hours: Includes a mix of weekdays, weekends, nights, holidays, and special events. Must commit to work at least three shifts per week
• Holiday Availability: Must be available to work at least three of the following four days: Black Friday (November 27, 2026), Small Business Saturday (November 28, 2026), Christmas Eve (December 24, 2026), and the day after Christmas (December 26, 2026).

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Lovestruck Books, we believe that diversity enriches our workplace and enhances our ability to serve our community. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nationality, and educational background. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported.

What You’ll Bring

• Prior bookselling experience is preferred, especially in a high-traffic bookstore. Experience in a high-traffic retail or service environment is also valued.
• A passion for books and literature; interest in romance literature preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer and cash handling skills.
• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time and able to lift up to 50 lbs independently.