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NEW LITERARY
INITIATIVES
THE COOP UNVEILS NEW LITERARY INITIATIVES, EMBRACING ITS HERITAGE AS AN ICONIC BOOKSTORE DESTINATION
New author talks and launch events; a community-driven book club; and expanded children’s programming mark a new chapter for the 144-year-old cooperative
Cambridge, MA, May 11, 2026 — The Harvard Cooperative Society (the COOP), a cornerstone of Harvard and MIT communities since 1882, today announced a comprehensive series of new literary initiatives designed to re-center the organization around its founding identity as a bookstore. The COOP is debuting an expanded calendar of author talks and book launches, introducing a community-driven monthly book club, growing its children’s story hour programming, and repositioning books at the forefront of its flagship store in Harvard Square.
For generations, the COOP was known first and foremost as a bookstore, frequently hosting world-renowned writers,” said Jodi Goldstein, CEO of the COOP. “In the years ahead, we look forward to reclaiming that identity as we strive to become a global leader in celebrating and elevating authors.
“IN THE YEARS AHEAD, WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECLAIMING THAT IDENTITY AS WE STRIVE TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER IN CELEBRATING & ELEVATING AUTHORS.”
JODI GOLDSTEIN, CEO OF THE COOP.
Launching a Platform for Authors, From Emerging Voices to Cultural Icons
In 2026, the COOP is expanding its calendar of book talks and launches, not simply as a bookstore hosting routine author appearances, but as a curated forum for engaging with two of the world’s leading universities, Harvard and MIT. With a primary focus on non-fiction, the COOP’s events are designed to bring authors into dialogue with Harvard and MIT faculty, researchers, students, and practitioners. Select 2026 speakers include:
- Nate Berkus, an acclaimed interior designer, author, and television personality known for his design work and bestselling books on creating meaningful, personal spaces.
- Nelson Dellis, a world memory champion and keynote speaker who writes about practical strategies for improving focus, resilience, and cognitive performance.
- John McNeill, former president of Tesla and a veteran technology executive, writes about what it takes to build and scale a successful company in today’s data-driven economy.
- Demond Martin, CEO of WellWithAll, writes about the relationships, values, and pivotal moments that have shaped his journey.
Additionally, The COOP is now accepting submissions for authors seeking a dynamic venue for book launches and discussions, reinforcing its commitment to elevating diverse voices and fostering intellectual exchange. Interested authors can contact press@thecoop.com
Building Literary Community
The COOP recently debuted a new monthly book club in collaboration with the founder of CommonReads, a grassroots book club that began on the Boston Common. Each month, members are presented with curated selections, with the final pick announced by the book club’s founder. Authors periodically join discussions as part of an “authors in residence” series.
The COOP has also kicked off weekly children’s story hours, welcoming families into the store and nurturing the next generation of readers. In March, The COOP hosted a Dr. Seuss birthday celebration, bringing young readers together for stories, activities, and prizes.
About The COOP
Established in 1882, the COOP is not only the oldest and largest university bookstore in the country. It is deeply rooted in the tradition and the fabric of the Harvard and MIT communities with a long history of supporting student groups and initiatives. The COOP, as a cooperative, is owned by its members, yet open to all. All members of the Harvard & MIT communities are eligible to join and enjoy a 10% member discount. The COOP of the future will build on its storied history and will continue to evolve, enhancing the value we provide and reimagining what it means to be a member. The vision is dedicated to curating experiences that captivate and unite — a new model of modern retail and community engagement, leveraging innovative collaborations, products, and spaces, all designed to spark new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen our community.
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