10 Best Neighborhood Bookstores in New York City

By The Culture-ist

• 192 Books

  By The Culture-ist

  192 Books specializes in literary fiction, art, children's books and translated works, all housed in an intimate, cozy setting. 192 is also an author sighting hotspot.

• Strand

  By The Culture-ist

  The Strand is a staple on any New York bookstore list. They have some of the best prices & selections, with discount books up front, and a rare book room tucked away in the back.

• McNally Jackson Books

  By The Culture-ist

  McNally Jackson combines a cafe with a bookstore, a match made in heaven. Aside from selling books (which are organized by country), their Espresso Book Machine can help you print and bind your own!

• WORD

  By The Culture-ist

  WORD is a bookstore with personality. It plays host to regular author events or even birthday parties. Home to several writer groups, this bookstore has just about everything a bookworm could ask for.

• BookCourt

  By The Culture-ist

  Opened in 1981, they've been open every day since, including Thanksgiving & Christmas. This family-run store also has regular events that feature local authors and Pulitzer prize winners.

• Housing Works

  By The Culture-ist

  Housing Works doubles as event venue, which hosts anything from dance parties to weddings & is also home to a community of HIV/AIDS-affected people. On top of all this, the store is volunteer-run.

• Three Lives & Company

  By The Culture-ist

  Three Lives & Company is the bookstore that changes with time, but without sacrificing the love of books. Knowledgeable, excited staff and a wonderful collection of books await you!

• Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books

  By The Culture-ist

  A store name that truly describes the atmosphere, Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books has a huge curated selection of books from politics and philosophy to graphic novels.

• Alabaster Bookshop

  By The Culture-ist

  Located just a block away from the famous Strand Bookstore, Alabaster is the perfect place for bargain books. Its do-it-yourself style means you're welcome to explore every nook & cranny of the store.

• East Village Books

  By The Culture-ist

  Some might call the space cramped & narrow, but book lovers call it cozy. East Village Books has used cheap, books and a perfect space for holing up to read, including an outdoor area of the store.