The Ultimate Guide to New York City's Best Bookstores
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cdteliot
6 min read
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New York City, a literary hub teeming with independent bookstores, offers book lovers a diverse array of reading havens. From the iconic Strand Book Store with its "18 miles of books" to the charming Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, these local establishments provide unique atmospheres and carefully curated collections that cater to every bibliophile's taste.
1. The Strand Bookstore: A NYC Institution Since 1927
en.wikipedia.org
The Strand Bookstore, founded in 1927 by Benjamin Bass, has become a New York City institution and the last surviving remnant of the city's historic "Book Row"
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. Located at 828 Broadway in the East Village, this family-owned business boasts an impressive collection of over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books1
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. The store's famous slogan, "18 Miles of Books," actually understates its current inventory, which is closer to 23 miles of books2
. The Strand has expanded beyond its original location, now occupying three and a half floors of its building and operating additional kiosks in Central Park and Times Square5
. Despite challenges faced by independent bookstores in the digital age, The Strand has thrived by diversifying its offerings to include rare first editions, literary-themed merchandise, and even curated bookshelves for other establishments2
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. This iconic bookstore continues to be a beloved destination for both locals and tourists, united by their love of literature and the unique charm of this enduring New York landmark2
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2. McNally Jackson Books: NYC's Literary Gem Founded by Sarah McNally
en.wikipedia.org
McNally Jackson Books, founded in 2004 by Sarah McNally, has become a beloved fixture in New York City's literary landscape. This independent bookstore chain now boasts five locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering a carefully curated selection of books from around the world
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. Known for its unique atmosphere and commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community, McNally Jackson regularly hosts in-person and virtual events featuring award-winning authors2
. The chain's growth is evident in its recent expansions, including the opening of its largest store at Rockefeller Center in 20232
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. McNally Jackson has also ventured into publishing with McNally Editions, a paperback reprint series dedicated to rediscovering overlooked literary gems3
. Beyond books, the stores feature Goods for the Study sections, offering high-quality stationery and writing supplies2
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. This combination of thoughtfully selected books, engaging events, and complementary products has solidified McNally Jackson's reputation as a premier destination for book lovers in New York City.5 sources
3. Books Are Magic: Brooklyn's Beloved Independent Bookstore Since 2017
lithub.com
Books Are Magic, founded in 2017 by novelist Emma Straub and her husband Michael Fusco-Straub, has quickly become a beloved independent bookstore in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood
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. Located at 225 Smith Street, this pink-hued store on a sunny corner offers a diverse selection of books, from bestsellers to children's literature and works by local authors1
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. The bookstore has gained popularity for its carefully curated collection and vibrant community events, including book launches, readings, and talks2
. Books Are Magic has expanded to a second location in Brooklyn Heights, further cementing its status as a literary hub in the borough1
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. The store's welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and personal touch, such as employee recommendations tagged throughout the shelves, have contributed to its success and loyal customer base5
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4. Three Lives & Company: A West Village Gem for Book Lovers Since 1978
theshopkeepers.com
Three Lives & Company, a cherished independent bookstore nestled in New York City's West Village, has been a literary haven since 1978. Founded by three women, the shop's name reflects its origins
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. Now owned by Toby Cox, who acquired it in 2001, Three Lives continues to embody the spirit of a neighborhood bookstore, celebrating the joy of reading and thoughtful book displays2
. Located at 154 West 10th Street, this cozy shop serves as a community center for book lovers, offering a carefully curated selection of new and interesting titles1
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. Despite its small size, Three Lives & Company stands out for its knowledgeable staff, personal touch, and commitment to fostering connections with patrons2
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. The store maintains a traditional approach, eschewing computerized inventory systems and social media in favor of index cards and personal interactions, emphasizing its role as a local hub for literary discourse and discovery2
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5. Greenlight Bookstore: A Cornerstone of Brooklyn's Independent Bookstore Scene
vibemap.com
Greenlight Bookstore, founded in October 2009, has established itself as a prominent independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. With two locations in Fort Greene and Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Greenlight serves the wider literary community with a diverse selection of books for both adults and children
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. The store offers a range of services, including preorders for upcoming releases, curated staff picks, and a First Editions Club4
. Greenlight's commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture is evident in its active engagement with readers through social media platforms and online book ordering options3
. The bookstore's staff, known for their expertise, provide personalized recommendations that cater to various reading interests, making Greenlight a beloved destination for book enthusiasts in Brooklyn1
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6. Albertine Books: A French-American Literary Gem on Manhattan's Upper East Side
atlasobscura.com
Albertine Books, located in the historic Payne Whitney Mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side, is a unique bookstore dedicated to fostering French-American intellectual exchange. Opened in 2014 and sponsored by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Albertine houses over 14,000 books from 30 French-speaking countries, making it the only store in New York dedicated entirely to books in French and English
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. The bookstore's stunning interior features a hand-painted ceiling depicting celestial scenes, busts of famous French and French-American figures, and a floor-to-ceiling mirrored Venetian room2
. Visitors can browse an extensive collection of literary titles, attend public events such as debates and readings, and immerse themselves in French culture within this beautiful space that serves as both a bookstore and a reading room1
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7. Rizzoli Bookstore: A NYC Gem for Art, Architecture, and Fashion Enthusiasts
vogue.com
Rizzoli Bookstore, a distinguished establishment in New York City, is renowned for its exquisite collection of illustrated books focusing on fashion, design, art, and architecture. The bookstore offers an extensive selection of titles in these fields, including architecture surveys, monographs, and publications from Rizzoli's own imprint.
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Rizzoli's commitment to visual arts is evident in its curated offerings, which feature high-quality illustrated books on various subjects, including Louis Vuitton's influence on art, fashion, and architecture.3
The store also showcases cutting-edge contemporary design and art publications, reflecting architecture's avant-garde trends.4
Rizzoli's dedication to presenting the finest in visual culture extends to recently published works, such as those exploring expressive architecture and serene interiors, as well as international publications like the first comprehensive book on the acclaimed Brazilian architecture studio MK27.5
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8. Bluestockings Cooperative: The Lower East Side's Radical Bookstore and Activist Hub
en.wikipedia.org
Bluestockings Cooperative is a radical bookstore, café, and activist center located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Founded in 1999 as a feminist bookstore, it has evolved into a worker-owned cooperative that actively supports movements challenging hierarchy and systems of oppression.
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The store offers a diverse selection of books, zines, and events focused on social justice topics, including intersectional feminism, anti-capitalism, and queer politics.1
Bluestockings serves as a community hub, hosting author readings, discussions, workshops, and panels, most of which are free to attend.1
Despite facing challenges such as gentrification and the COVID-19 pandemic, the bookstore has persevered, relocating to 116 Suffolk Street in 2020 and continuing its mission as a space for activism and progressive literature.1
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9. Book Club Bar: NYC's Cozy East Village Bookstore and Bar Combo
yelp.com
Book Club Bar, located in New York City's East Village, offers a unique blend of bookstore and bar, creating a cozy community space for literature lovers. Opened in 2019 by long-time East Village residents Erin Neary and Nat Esten, this independent bookstore features a full-service cocktail and espresso bar, allowing patrons to enjoy handcrafted drinks while browsing or reading
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. The venue's warm atmosphere includes comfortable seating options like leather armchairs, a long wooden bar, and outdoor spaces in the front and back garden3
. Book Club Bar hosts various events, from poetry nights to author talks, and offers a curated selection of books, locally roasted coffee, and New York state craft beers3
. To maintain a balance between socializing and reading, the establishment has implemented policies such as limited laptop usage and no public WiFi, encouraging patrons to unplug and engage with books or each other4
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10. The Center for Fiction: Downtown Brooklyn's Hub for the Art of Fiction
nytimes.com
The Center for Fiction, located in Downtown Brooklyn, is a unique literary institution dedicated solely to the art of fiction. Founded in 1820 as the Mercantile Library, it now occupies a modern 17,000-square-foot space at 15 Lafayette Avenue, featuring a bookstore, cafe/bar, membership library, writers studio, and reading rooms
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. The Center offers a vast collection of over 100,000 fiction titles and hosts dynamic public programming, including author events, writing workshops, and reading groups3
. As a non-profit organization, it provides free reading and writing programs for NYC public schools and supports emerging writers through fellowships2
. The Center's design, created by BKSK Architects, incorporates sustainable practices and celebrates Brooklyn's maker community with custom furniture and locally-inspired decor, earning LEED Gold certification3
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Closing Thoughts On The Ultimate Guide to New York City's Best Bookstores
New York City's diverse array of book shops offers something for every literary enthusiast, from cozy bookstores to expansive emporiums. While this guide has highlighted some of the city's favorite bookstores, it's worth noting that the Big Apple is also home to numerous indie bookstores specializing in antique books and secondhand books. The Strand Bookstore, with its claim to the largest collection of books in the city, remains a go-to place for both classic titles and nonfiction titles
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. However, other establishments like Argosy Book Store and Bauman Rare Books offer vast selections of rare and antiquarian volumes4
. Whether you're seeking the largest selection of contemporary literature or hunting for out-of-print gems, New York's vibrant book scene caters to all tastes, ensuring that every book lover can find their perfect literary haven in the city that never sleeps.5 sources
Related
Which bookstore in NYC has the largest collection of classic titles
What makes The Strand Book Store a go-to place for book lovers
Are there any indie bookstores in NYC known for their vast selection of nonfiction titles
How do Westsider Rare & Used Books and Argosy Book Store compare in terms of antique book offerings
What unique features do Housing Works Bookstore and Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks offer
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