Strand Kiosks

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.

Urban Center Books

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

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...

Books Kinokuniya

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.

Posman Books

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.

Argosy

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.