This post is all about independent bookstores in NYC.
What greater magic is there than getting lost in the pages of a good book? Or simply perusing shelves of books in a bookstore?
While we’re living through a You’ve Got Mail story with Amazon fighting to dominate the book world, it’s more important to support local New York City bookstores. There are so many treasured bookshops dotted all across the city, each with its own personality and charm. And not to mention the lovely shopkeepers!
If visiting a bookstore isn’t something you usually do, I highly encourage you to consider checking one of these shops out to experience the magic.
Let’s dive into 8 of the best independent bookstores in NYC.
8 Independent Bookstores in NYC
1. Three Lives and Company
Shops come and go but Three Lives and Company has remained a constant in West Village.
Named as a tribute to the three women who founded it, this bookstore has been open since 1978, attracting crowds of locals, artists, writers, and actors. Located on the corner of West 10th Street and Waverly Place, this little creaky-floored bookstore is a celebrated part of the community.
And the staff is so thoughtful and attentive, and their knowledge of books is unparalleled. You can ask the booksellers for any story your heart desires, and I’m certain they’ll have a book for you.
2. McNally Jackson
If you’re looking for a hip bookstore, this is it! While McNally Jackson carries a wide selection of books, it seems they place an emphasis on contemporary titles. They carry many signed books too.
The original location was in SoHo (it has recently moved to another spot, still in SoHo) but there are now locations in Seaport, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn as well.
Goods for the Study is their sister brand for beautiful stationery – don’t overlook that section. Also, their bookstores are known for their great cafes. Basically, this is a millennial’s dream hangout spot.
3. The Strand
Opened nearly 100 years ago, The Strand is one of the most treasured New York bookstores (and stores in general!).
It’s the last of the bookstores on “Book Row,” which had forty-eight bookstores covering six blocks. Their famous tagline is “18 miles of books,” referencing to the 2.5 million used, new, and rare books that are housed here. The Strand makes an appearance in many movies and shows including Sex and the City, Julie & Julia, and Dash & Lily.
Make sure you visit when you have plenty of time to spare because I swear time stops whenever I set foot into the shop!
4. Books Are Magic
(They are! They are!)
This charming bookstore is located in Brooklyn and always reminds me of The Shop Around The Corner from You’ve Got Mail. Books Are Magic is owned by Emma Straub (author of This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, and The Vacationers, among many other books) and her husband Michael Fusco-Straub.
The space is warm and invites visitors to get lost in the shelves. They also host events here regularly with book signings and readings happening most nights. It’s one of those places where you can linger and spend a while.
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5. Rizzoli Bookstore
Rizzoli Bookstore is nestled in the busy neighborhood of Madison Square Park and Eataly. This posh and sophisticated Flat Iron bookstore feels like a Harry Potter library with its floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookshelves filled with books.
However, it’s known for its incredible selection of gorgeous coffee table books published by the Italian company, Rizzoli.
Fun fact: this bookstore is their single US outpost!
6. Sweet Pickle Books
This one is delightfully quirky and is exactly like the name suggests – shelves of books with jars of pickles hidden throughout. Add a good dose of comical handwritten signs and you have yourself Sweet Pickle Books.
This shop was opened by Leigh Altshuler after she lost her job during the pandemic. The idea was met with open arms by the community.
There are a few methods of exchange here. You can purchase used books or pickles (or both). Or you can trade in your books for pickles. For a history moment, the pickling pays homage to the immigrants who settled in the Lower East Side and relied heavily on preserving as a food source.
PS: Their Instagram is a 10/10 follow for wholesome but quirky book-loving content.
7. Book Club
Dim lights, comfy leather couches, people nose-deep in books – Book Club lives up to its name.
Located in East Village, this quaint bookstore packs a lot into the small space. It has plenty of books to flip through, comfortable seating, and a wine/coffee bar. Book Club is where readers unite and it’s a lovely place to spend a weekend or winter afternoon.
8. The Center for Fiction
The actual floor-to-ceiling books at The Center for Fiction are a book lover’s dreams come true!
This Brooklyn-based bookstore is the only nonprofit literary organization in the United States solely dedicated to celebrating fiction. Here you’ll find so many books (obviously), a cafe to read in, reading groups, writing workshops, events, and even a library where you can borrow books. This is definitely a must-visit spot!
That concludes this post about the best independent bookstores in NYC.
They truly bring us so much magic and life! Thank you, bookstores for existing in our world.
Sweet Pickle books is such a cute little space!