A bookstore is the heart and soul of the neighborhood. A community gathering place, a hub to foster creativity, and an environment to learn and grow – a bookstore is so much more than a retail store. As many of the major publishing houses call the city home, New York City has long been considered a literary capital of the world. It’s only natural then that the bookstores would follow! From charming used shops to children’s literary treasure stops, New York City has many bookshops to discover. Read on for our list of the best NYC book stores to add to your must-visit list.
Best Used Bookstore – Westsider Books
Book upon book, stacked as high as the eye can see! There’s no other place like Westsider Books in the Upper West Side of New York City. A Used & Rare Bookstore, Westsider Books has survived over 35 years as a tiny, filled-to-the-brim gem of literary history. Climb the stairs to the second level, or use the fun rolling ladder to find fiction & literature, modern first editions, art, illustrated books, comics, children’s books, architecture, records, and so much more. During your visit, be sure to stop by and say hi to Pig (yes, that’s his name!), the resident cat who watches over the space. It is a true gem of New York City. 2246 Broadway, Manhattan.
Best Children’s Bookstore – Books of Wonder
Books of Wonder is New York City’s premier store for children’s books and is beloved by families across the world. Fun Fact: This darling New York City institution was the model for the bookstore in the popular movie You’ve Got Mail. The movie was directed by Books of Wonder’s longtime customer and friend, Nora Ephron, who worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the store for Meg Ryan’s “Little Shop Around the Corner.”
Books of Wonder features a carefully curated selection of the finest books for young readers and vintage, old, rare, and collectible editions for collectors and those looking for long-lost treasures. Don’t miss their celebrated Wizard of Oz collection. 42 West 17th St, Manhattan.
Best Indie NYC Bookstore Chain – McNally Jackson
With five locations, McNally Jackson is arguably one of the most beloved indie bookstore chains in New York City. Chocked full of everything from novels to indie fashion magazines, and a great selection of fiction from around the globe, McNally is also known for their expertly curated selection of children’s favorites and classics. Kids love the stores for their fun reading nook spaces. Four Locations: Nolita: 52 Prince Street, Manhattan. Williamsburg: 76 N. 4th Street, Brooklyn. Seaport: 4 Fulton Street, Manhattan. Rockefeller Center: W 48th St, New York, NY, Citypoint: 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn.
NYC’s Biggest Bookstore – Strand Books
One of the most treasured and long-standing bookstores in Manhattan is the Strand. Open since 1927 – and still run by the family who founded it—Strand Books has some awe-inspiring numbers! The store famously offers 18 miles of new, used, and rare books across its four floors. How many books are in 18 miles? Try over 2.5 million! Within these millions, the Strand sells just about every kind of book you can imagine – and boasts a very impressive children’s collection. 2 Locations: 828 Broadway, Manhattan. 450 Columbus Ave, Manhattan.
Best Bookstore for Plays and Scripts: The Drama Book Shop
Love plays, and theater shows? If you are a writer, actor, actress, or theater fanatic – this incredible bookshop is a must-stop for you. Over the past 100 years, The Drama Book Shop has secured its reputation as the city’s best source for theatrical works, with over 8,000 plays and scripts in stock. Founded in 1917 by the Drama League, the shop became an independent bookstore in 1923. The theatre institution was slated to close permanently but was saved in a last-minute purchase in 2019 by Hamilton collaborators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Jeffrey Seller, and James L. Nederlander.
The store’s centerpiece – a sculptural representation of a bookworm — contains over 140 feet of scripts and songbooks that twists and turns around the shop. This 3,500-pound art piece is a tribute to theatrical history. The charming full-service cafe serves coffee, tea, and light snacks. 266 W. 39th Street, New York, NY
Best Multi-Purpose Bookstore Space – Powerhouse
Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Powerhouse on 8th is more than just a charming bookstore. It offers a reading club, mini art gallery, and community space, bringing together the best in books for children and adults alike into their charismatic brick wall and pressed tin ceiling interior. This shop has created a cozy neighborhood bookstore feel that welcomes book lovers of all ages, especially their smallest power readers. The fun continues at their industrial DUMBO and Industry City Locations. Three Locations: Powerhouse on 8th Park Slope: 1111 8th Ave, Brooklyn. Powerhouse Arena Dumbo: 28 Adams St., Brooklyn. Powerhouse at IC: 220 36th St., Building #2, Brooklyn
Coolest Bookstore Design – Books are Magic
Founded by The New York Times best-selling writer Emma Straub and her husband, graphic artist Michael Fusco-Straub, in May 2017, Books are Magic is Cobble Hill’s beloved independent bookstore. The perfectly stocked shelves feature novels to illustrated children’s books, nonfiction memories to art books, and everything in between. Cozy and quirky, the space has pink walls, neon lights, bean bags, hiding holes for kids, and upbeat music. It is a fun and vibrant atmosphere that is nothing short of magic. The fun, book-obsessed staff is also eager to help with a recommendation or help you enroll in an upcoming event. Stop by the Books are Magic Mural for a fun photo opp after your visit. 225 Smith St, Brooklyn.
Best Neighborhood Spot – Greenlight Bookstore
The Fort Greene community asked, and Greenlight Bookstore listened. This family book nook was born from a survey of what residents felt was needed most in the neighborhood. The answer — a bookstore! Today, Greenlight Bookstore is a community staple, and it hosts story time catering to children of all ages. The littlest lit lovers give the Saturday programming a “greenlight,” this is when authors and illustrators visit and read from their new books and join the community with activities and crafts. Be sure to check out their awesome digital activities and events. 686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn.
Best French Bookshop (and best ceiling) – Albertine Books
The famous celestial ceiling view at this magical bookstore and reading room is reason alone to visit! Tucked inside the historic Payne Whitney mansion, Albertine is the only bookshop in New York devoted solely to books in French, with more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from 30 French-speaking countries. The bookstore has a great children’s section with various reading levels and selections, and offers many children’s events and readings. 972 5th Avenue, Manhattan.
