Anyone who says “print is dead” certainly hasn’t been to New York City, which is home to many independently-owned bookstores Stop by and visit some of these friendly neighborhood legends!
10 Best Neighborhood Bookstores in New York City
By The Culture-ist
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
Feature photo by Eden, Janine and Jim