Books In New York

Books In New York- update

2010-05-26T18:20:00.000-04:00

I've received a lot of emails today about various stores on this blog that have closed. It's a crying shame and a frustrating part of posting anything about bookstores that they are closing at an alarming rate. I began this project after I had lived in New York for about 6 years and felt very familiar with the bookstores there and their relative health. I moved to the west coast about 2 years ago, while this blog was still in its beginnings, and haven't really kept it up. I suppose I should have simply deleted the blog, but the response for it was very good and I figured that as long as it was at least somewhat useful to people, I would leave it up. I fear that the time of its usefulness may be drawing to a close. I've been moving some posts over to my new blog, and I may, in the future, continue to make new bookstore posts there. I appreciate all the great feedback I've received since I first published this blog, and I hope someone there in the city, with lots of time to devote to it, can create a similar visual catalog of New York's great book places. (Photo from Unchanging Window).

Moving

2010-03-27T01:51:00.000-04:00

Hi friends. I'm consolidating my book related blogs. Future bookstore and library posts (as well as some of my favorite previous posts from this blog) will be found here. Thanks for visiting!

Street Vendors- West Broadway

2008-06-27T13:07:00.003-04:00

Here at the corner of Houston and West Broadway most Saturdays, the street vendors in these shots have been at it for for over 15 years, proving that it's not impossible to survive in New York doing what you love (at least for now). The selection is bookish and brainy with a wonderfully reliable selection of classics. The vendors are chatty, smart, and experienced, with plenty of observations on changing New York from the streets-eye view. They've even appeared in the documentary Book Wars. Plus: You're not far from Kiosk, you lucky person!

Unoppresive, Non-Imperialist Bargain Books

2008-06-15T15:24:00.009-04:00

6o's counterculture types never seem to stray far from their original obsessions (i.e., comic books, Che, tarot cards, Tantric sex, Art Nouveau), and Unoppresive has a pretty reliable selection of these kinds of books. They remain a great bookstore however by transcending these topics and branching further out into a wide range of subjects. And no matter what your politics are, you can't argue with the prices. No empire building here; the markups on these books can only just cover the rent in this beautiful, pricey West Village neighborhood. Plus: Don't be scared to head back into the dungeon-like kid's book area, it's actually pretty good.

Strand Kiosks

2008-05-21T17:03:00.007-04:00

Reminiscent of the green wooden bouquinist stands that line the Left Bank in Paris, the Strand Kiosks at Central Park offer a nice selection of used & reduced-price new books to take strolling down the leafy colonnade of Poet's Lane, or on your rowboat in The Lake. The kiosks are open May through October, weather permitting. Plus: They even take credit cards, thanks to hand held machines also reminiscent of Paris restaurants.

Barnes & Noble- Union Square

2008-05-21T16:40:00.007-04:00

In many parts of the country, a big chain store like Barnes & Noble seems like a bland, monolithic mall store, stomping out the charming little guys with overblown, cookie-cutter architecture and ever-changing, minimally book-wise staff. But here in New York, it's nice to be able to do a little one-stop shopping sometimes. B&N started in New York & it kinda feels like the hometown spot; it suits the scale and demands of New York, offers free same day delivery in Manhattan, and, with locations going out of business all over the city, it almost feels like an underdog these days. For those who turn their noses up at huge chain stores like Barnes and Noble, read this. Those who can see the value will enjoy the massive cast iron columns, 4 floors of books (not a matter of a narrow space, each floor is sprawling), and generous "sit down anywhere on the floor" policy that gives it a distinctly casual air. Plus: Some of the biggest author readings anywhere.

Urban Center Books

2008-05-12T09:33:00.003-04:00

Located in the leafy courtyard premises of the Villard Houses (the storied, long-time home of publishers Random House), Urban Center Books is a jewel box of books and journals on architecture and design. Stacked to the ceilings with nearly impossible to find titles, this airy, be-laddered shop turns browsing into a visual education. Plus: Urban Center events will put you at the center of discussion on architectural matters in the city.

Mid-Manhattan Library Book Sale

2008-05-07T21:12:00.005-04:00

If you show up to the Mid-Manhattan branch of the NYPL about ten minutes to 11 on a weekday, you'll notice a long line of people waiting to get into the Book Sale section of the library. If you come back the next day at the same time, you'll see the same people. In a word: dealers. And why not? Hardcovers are $2.00, paperbacks 75 cents and the selection is pretty quality. These aren't ex-library books either (for the most part), they are almost entirely donated. This was found there recently for $4, to give you an idea. There, the cat's out of the bag. Let's just hope the dealers aren't too angry now. Plus: The volunteer staff are always a treat!

*another one bites the dust...

Skyline Books

2008-05-07T08:59:00.006-04:00

While their massive neighbor has shuttered its windows, Skyline continues toward the 20 year mark, "offering the book-buying public everything from inexpensive, second-hand reading copies of their favorite classics to high-end, rare, signed, and out-of-print titles."
If you're looking an atmosphere and inventory strong on Beat lit., this is your place.
Plus: Looking for some hard-to-find jazz vinyl to go with your Kerouac first edition? Academy Records & CDs is across the street, where you can chat with grade A music nerds about the strengths and weaknesses of various 50's sound engineers.

Street Vendors- 72nd St.

2008-05-04T08:19:00.005-04:00

The section of Broadway between 72nd and 73rd Streets is one long stretch of street book vendors. The abolishment of categories at vendor tables always makes for some interesting juxtapositions of books, like a library set to "Shuffle". Plus: Who knows? you might even find a Barbra Streisand record. What could feel more New York than that?

Books of Wonder

2008-05-03T09:53:00.005-04:00

Books of Wonder is New York City's oldest and largest independent children's bookstore, as well as the city's leading specialist in children's literature both new and old. They feature a gallery of rare and original prints and illustrations from classic children's books in the back of the store, along with a beautiful assortment of vintage kid's books. Plus: The in-house Cupcake Cafe provides the preferred stimulants for all ages: caffeine for parents and frosting for the kids!

Twelfth Street Books

2008-05-01T22:24:00.004-04:00

Descend the few steps from the pavement into the nearly underground heaven of Twelfth Street Books, and you, you lucky person, will find a selection that is chosen with an eye for quality, unashamedly scholarly and (even more rare) well-priced. Those with a special fondness for bookstores so full that the books lay in rows and stacks on the floor (we know who we are) are in for a special treat here, where a lovely overflow spills out all over the place. Plus: 12th St. now has bags!

Books Kinokuniya

2008-04-29T21:36:00.007-04:00

The New York arm of Japanese chain Books Kinokuniya recently moved from a murky and strangely laid out Rockefeller Center location to a bright, open 3 level space across from Bryant Park. Always an amazing source for Japanese magazines covering every subject imaginable (in obsessive and unimaginable detail), Kinokuniya also carries massive amounts of manga, toys, stationary, and books in every field. They've also a added a sunny cafe. Plus: Check out the great denim aprons on the staff, with pockets for everything a bookseller might need.

Alabaster Bookshop

2008-04-24T22:16:00.005-04:00

Once upon a time, the East Village section of 4th Avenue was New York's Book Row, a street nearly entirely given over to second hand books. The only shop keeping the 4th Ave. tradition alive is Alabaster Bookshop. It's everything you'd want a small used book store to be: cozy, overflowing with books, and home to a temperamental bookstore cat, Houle.

New York Society Library

2008-04-24T21:54:00.005-04:00

Why, you may ask yourself, would I pay $200 a year to go to a library? Because it's the New York Society Library, and the membership cost seems absurdly low to have access to such a quiet, beautiful book lover's haven in Manhattan. The books aren't your standard library issue, either. You can see for yourself on the Society's cover scan page, located on their website. The Library is the oldest in the city, and was founded in 1754 by the New York Society, a civic-minded group formed in the belief that the availability of books would help the city to prosper. It now contains nearly three hundred thousand volumes -- the result of the tastes of its members over almost the last quarter millennium. Members may borrow books and have the use of several reading and study rooms on the upper floors; they can also browse in the stacks. Non-members are invited without charge to use the ground floor for reading and reference. Plus: The Library's location, situated between the Whitney and the Met, means your weekend is planned.

Posman Books

2008-04-24T21:33:00.004-04:00

So, you say you just missed the 12:20 to Beacon, and now you've got some time to kill? You say you wish you had brought some reading about Andy Warhol or the Hudson Valley to prepare you for your trip? You say you don't think Hudson News is going to have the books you want? You think you're out of luck, being in the middle of Grand Central Station? Well, this is your day. Posman Books is not only a huge independent (and quite literary) bookstore located right in the station, they also have an inventory that any bookstore would be proud of, including surprisingly comprehensive cooking, children's, and art sections. Plus: Heading to Grandma's upstate? Posman has gift wrapping, as well as a large selection of gifts.

Housing Works Used Book Cafe

2008-04-17T20:34:00.004-04:00

It isn't enough for Housing Works to have fantastic thrift stores, or even a vast and welcoming used book store. No, they also have to have a heart of gold, giving their profits to house homeless people with HIV. The mostly volunteer staff do a great job managing an unwieldy and consistently high quality inventory, the dollar racks (and 50 cent racks!) are many and always worth pursuing, and the atmosphere is woody and cozy. A cafe and plenty of chairs and tables invite you hang about, imagining you are in your own personal dream study. Plus: The location hosts in-house musical events (Beth Orton & the like have played there) as well as a yearly, block-closing outdoor book fair.

McNally Robinson

2008-04-17T20:02:00.006-04:00

Leave it to a small Canadaian chain to create one of the best independent bookstores in New York City. McNally Robinson suits Nolita quite nicely. The store feels young, together, and alive. Proudly literary, the events here are much more "book-nerdish" than most, and the merchandise is shown off in a way that tells you everything about the store's priorities. They also carry a smallish, but intelligently curated selection of magazines. Plus: A lovely teahouse/cafe makes an evening here something like a night out.

Note: McNally Robinson is now McNally Jackson, their link is here.

Jefferson Market Branch

2008-04-15T21:29:00.008-04:00

A stone's throw from E.E. Cummings' New York apartment, The Jefferson Market Branch of the NYPL has seen a lot of action. The building is one of the most unique in the area and has a very colorful history, including service as a courthouse where Mae West was once tried. Things have settled down since, and the building now houses a serene and scenic library. Plus: A lovely garden out back hosts frequent low-key musical and literary events.

Jack Spade Lending Library

2008-04-15T21:14:00.008-04:00

The Jack Spade Lending Library has fallen on hard times. Once chock full of paperback classics culled from the cities finest dollar racks, some cretin swiped most of them recently, leaving the "Book Lizard" looking a little thin. It's a shame, because the books at Jack Spade are an integral part of its charm. New books (for sale) can be found crammed in all over the shop, but it's the old-school trust of the lending library that speaks best to the ethic of the brand. The library still exists, though, and those wishing to borrow a book need only inform a shop clerk. Plus: Need I say it? Bookbags.

Mercer Street Books

2008-03-26T22:29:00.003-04:00

Mercer Street Books is a classic New York used bookstore. A beautiful disaster of piles and piles of used, rare, and review books crowd nearly every bit of space in this nearly 30 year old shop, and yet those who work there seem to have a very good grasp on the inventory. Just don't hold it against them that a scene from the Drew Barrymore/Hugh Grant fiasco "Music and Lyrics" was filmed there. Plus: LP's!

Traveler's Choice Books

2008-03-26T22:14:00.005-04:00

The offices of Turon Travel in Soho house a quite respectable travel bookshop. Not only can you find guides and maps for every corner of the Earth, you can also get the trip planned for you. Turon specializes in art fair travel, so they also carry a great back-issue selection of Art Basel Catalogues. Plus: an extensive selection travel accessories make for one stop shopping.

Street Vendors

2008-03-26T21:57:00.003-04:00

There are street book vendors all over the city, each with a slightly different specialty. This stand is on 6th Ave. between 7th & 8th Streets and primarily carries a lot of paperback classic literature, bestsellers, and, er, adult fare. Plus: if they don't have what you want, there's a Barnes & Noble right behind them and a library a half block away. Spent all your money on books? it's also a few steps from Grey's Papaya.

Taschen

2008-03-22T12:48:00.005-04:00

All the Taschen titles, all under one Philippe Starck designed roof. This wildy colorful store reflects the personality of German publisher Taschen's art & design book style. Big, bold, and daring. Plus: An ever-changing gallery downstairs featuring originals of photography pulished in Taschen's books. As well as peices from the publisher's personal furniture collection. (Note the well worn leather Egg chair.)

192 Books

2008-03-21T10:25:00.001-04:00

192 BOOKS in Chelsea is a general-interest new-books bookstore featuring key works of literature and history, art and criticism, the social and natural sciences, travel and children's books, and more. Plus: you can lounge in lovely vintage Prouvé furniture.

Argosy

2008-03-21T09:55:00.001-04:00

Argosy Book Store in Midtown has 6 levels of used and rare books and prints, as well as a great bargain table right in front of the shop. Strong on Americana, modern first editions, autographs, art, antique maps & prints, and the history of science & medicine. Plus: a fantastic wall of Selected Reading right as you walk in; a great place to find what you didn't know you were looking for.