New York’s Best Bookstores

By Maria Haymandou

192 Books

• Fits into the fancy shops and galleries of Chelsea.!

• Specializes in literary fiction, children’s books, art and translated works.

190 10th Ave (Manhattan)

Unnameable Books600 Vanderbilt Ave (Brooklyn)

• Features a backyard in the warmer months.!

• Offers a comfy feeling of cramped bookshelves, nice chairs and a book-strewn basement that Amazon can never replicate.

The Strand828 Broadway (Manhattan)

• The end all and be all of used bookstores.!

• Draws locals and tourists alike.!• Unbeatable deals on rare books.!• Even features socks, t-shirts

and tote bags.

Community Bookstore

143 7th Ave (Brooklyn)

• Well-respected institution of the Brooklyn lit scene.!

• Hosts readings at Congregation Beth Elohim and Brooklyn Public Library with major names.!

• Features an outdoor reading backyard in the summer.

Book Culture536 W 112th St (Manhattan)

• Located just across the street from the famous “Seinfeld restaurant”.!

• Has plenty of charm with everything from academic treatises to children’s books.

McNally Jackson52 Prince St (Manhattan)

• Has the best smell of any bookstore, a combination of coffee beans, new books and an Espresso Book Machine.

Bookcourt163 Court St (Brooklyn)

• Been around since before Brooklyn was cool.!

• Holds a variety of books.!

• Hosts events with Pulitzer-winners and local authors.

Housing Works126 Crosby St (Manhattan)

• Volunteer-run.!• Serves as both a bookstore and a

great place to host weddings.!• Hosts regular sales.

Greenlight686 Fulton St (Brooklyn)

• Prime book destination of Fort Greene.!

• Hosts a yearly soiree every year during the Brooklyn Book Festival.

Word 126 Franklin St (Brooklyn)

• Plenty of personality and enthusiasm.!

• Features book clubs, writing groups, readings and even a book matchmaking service.!

• Opened a branch in Jersey City.!