Having been born and raised in New York, I am accustomed to the endless unique bookstores near me. As an avid reader, I have personally set a goal for myself to visit every book store in New York City at some point in my life. If you too happen to adore books just as much as myself, and plan on visiting New York City at some point here are some bookstores to pay a visit too. Each is unique and diverse in its own way.
By the way, a lot of these stores also have used books and if you know how much books usually are, you’ll be thanking me when you see a 10$ book for 4$. As reluctant as I am to admit it, I tend to buy triple as many books when I see it as a used price versus a regular price.
But hey, a book is a book. And if it’s a book on a budget, I say why not!
Without a further adieu here are 4 bookstores in New York City to visit next time you’re around.
The Strand
Coming in first is a bookstore that every New York reader has been too or seen on social media and that is The Strand.
Conveniently located in the East Village, the shop has 3 full floors of books. It’s one of the largest bookstores in the city as well as one of the most well known. The store not only has new and used books, but also a floor dedicated to some of the rarest books in the world. It’s a beautiful place to explore, I find myself spending hours going through each floor.
The Strand also frequently has special guests and promotions. Most if not all the books I got on my last visit were used and half the price.
2. Housing Works Bookstore
If you’re looking for a quieter bookstore, The Housing Works Bookstore may just be what you’re looking for. The uniqueness of this bookstore stems from it’s staff which is primarily everyday volunteers.
In addition to books, they offer an inside cafe where you can live your dreams of drinking fresh brewed coffee and reading books in the middle of December in New York City, or was that just a dream I’ve had? The store often does charity work and several nights a week have book, movie and musical events.
Though at the time of writing this post, the store is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this bookstore is worth taking a look at if you’re interested.
3. The Book Cellar
This bookstore run by volunteers from Friends of the Webster Library is a bibliophiles dream. This is a primarily used bookstore, and though the store is CASH ONLY this shouldn’t stop you from coming by.
The Book Cellar has some of the most anticipated bestselling books and incredibly reasonably prices, so before you spend 19$ on that hardcover book, perhaps you should see if this bookstore has it at a more budget friendly price. The store is small, but very well organized, so you’re able to find your favorite genre fairly easily.
In addition, The Book Cellar works with non-profit organizations in order to donate books to those in need. Buying a budget friend book and supporting those in need? Count me in!
4. Molasses Books
Molasses Books is a cozy bookstore located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The bookstore is one of Brooklyn’s most famous stores. They hold a variety of used books as well as have a bar for book lovers and drinkers.
One of my favorite things about this bookstore is how it’s tucked away in a quiet part of Bushwick. Brooklyn is beaming with excitement, and this little bookstore is just the place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle from the world around you.
If you’re interested in looking into the areas that surround Manhattan, it may be worth your while heading to Brooklyn.
I hope you had a pleasure reading this short list of some of my favorite bookstores in New York City. I look forward to sharing even more bookstores to visit either here or around the world.
