30 Brattle Street ~ Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-1230

For the Fine Art of Writing ~

Welcome 2026! The joy and peace of writing and drawing endure, requiring only comfortable instruments and a brief moment of inspiration. Restock your favorite pens and papers, or explore new ones to help you express yourself and connect.

Celebrate our 95th year providing the best in paper and writing instruments to Harvard Square and beyond. Throughout the year, we will offer special Bob Slate merch to mark the auspicious occasion, and hope you will join us in celebrating. Write on!

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In the Heart of Harvard Square since 1930

Since 1930, Bob Slate Stationer has provided an immersive analog experience of distinctive writing papers and instruments, backed by expert consultative staff, located in the heart of iconic and literary Harvard Square. Our highly-curated collections are sourced worldwide, and include well-known global brands as well as independently-sourced artisanal products. Our designs range from refined, museum-store styles to the whimsical and humorous. Our broad offerings help you express your personal style, whether you are journaling, sketching, planning & organizing, giving gifts, or sending greetings across the miles. Make Harvard Square your destination for a unique and quirky stationery experience!

Calendar of Events

Appointments are requested for personalized stationery, sign and rubber stamp orders. Please call the store to schedule so that we can be sure that staff are available to help you.

SEPTEMBER 18 - 20: Commonwealth Pen Show at the Somerville Armory! See CommonwealthPenShow.com for details. Please note that the ENTRY FEE is CASH ONLY; once inside the show, many dealers do accept digital payments.

We are hosting special guests from Faber Castell, OMAS and Nahvalur with their collections so be sure to stop by our tables!

SEPTEMBER 18 - 27: The 2026 Kaweco Do-It-Yourself event allows you to make your own Kaweco Sport fountain pen using the actual presses from the factory in Germany. The 2026 color is a fantastic glow-in-the-dark green, and is available ONLY at the in-store DIY event. Available at our table at the Commonwealth Pen Show from September 18 - 20, then at our store from September 21 - 27. Stop by and make YOUR pen!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14: Leuchtturm1917 in-store embossing event! Buy any Leuchtturm1917 hardcover A5 journal and get your initials embossed for free!

New & Notable Product Releases

2026 Moleskine Alice in Wonderland Special Editions: in stock now!

2026-27 Academic Planners: Still in stock!

2027 Calendar Year Planners: Arriving!

2027 Jewish New Year Cards: Available now!

2026 Halloween Cards: Coming soon!

2026 Thanksgiving Cards: Coming soon!

Our Collections

Our collections span the breadth of stationery product categories to support all of your creative writing and gift-giving activities. The common themes behind our curated selections are well-priced quality and functionality, spiced with Harvard Square quirkiness and often vintage vibes. We invite you to unplug and explore the joys of thinking with your hands!