8 NYC Book Stores Every Book Lover Should Visit
By Tatiana Cooper
Calling all book lovers! If you live in New York or are planning a getaway to the city that never sleeps, we have the perfect list of 8 different book spots we'd consider a book lovers paradise.
This curated list of shops has something for everyone, from New York classics to small privately owned stores nestled into the quiet streets of Brooklyn. Into romance books? We've got you covered. Searching for a new coffee table book? We've also got you covered. You'll find precisely what you're looking for in one of these fantastic bookshops. This curated list has many choices; we don't only mean book choices. Some shops offer more than just your average bookstores, such as Bookmarc or Dear Friend Books - you'll have to read on to figure out what we mean (wink wink nudge nudge.) We selected stores that would fulfill a reader's book wishlist while entertaining those who may not be bookworms.
Shop Reading Nook Cozies
Albertine Books
972 5th Ave, New York, NY
This New York City staple offers so much more than meets the eye. Aside from its stunning interior of rich wood floors, beautiful overhanging lights, and ceiling mural of constellations, stars, and planets, it's the only bookstore in the state devoted solely to titles in French and English. If you are a francophone living or visiting NY, this spot will be for you, with over 14,000 contemporary and classic books from 30 French-speaking countries. Albertine Books holds the "small" feat of having the most extensive collection of French-language books and translations from French into English in the United States. With the help of the French embassy, the store holds top-tier events with authors, scholars, and thinkers, which is perfect if you're looking for something to do.
Argosy BookStore
116 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022
This Midtown gem is one of a kind and a fabulous way to spend an afternoon amongst its beautiful six floors of generously stacked shelves. The old wooden desks, green lamps, and piles of books decorating the store floors will transport you back in time. If you find yourself on E 59th St, stumble into Argosy Books to discover thousands of rare, out-of-print, and used books. This third-generation-owned family business specializes in Americana, modern first editions, autographs, art, antique maps & prints, and the history of science and medicine. Fear not if none of those were what you had in mind, as there are thousands, yes thousands, of books in other fields that may pick your interest.
Dashwood Books
33 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
When we think of descending, we don't always equate it with positives, but we suggest you rewire your brain for this one because Dashwood Books is a tucked-away subterranean store that will have you falling in love with books. This little nest of books is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals, as it's filled with rare, limited, and out-of-print photo books. Dashwood Books remains a cherished institution for photography enthusiasts and offers a rich selection of visual art literature. On some days, you might be lucky enough to stumble on the store while they are having one of their bargain bin sales with book options for less than $5!
Strand BookStore
828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
If one of the New York classics is more up your alley, Strand Bookstore will fit the bill perfectly. This large and in-charge book store is a bustling hub for book lovers and avid readers. You'll find all kinds of treasures, from the most recent book drops to scarce books behind glass on the third floor. There is something here for everyone, so you'll find a book that tickles your fancy. The Strand Bookstore is a cultural institution with a rich history and a deep connection to the literary world. The unique atmosphere and commitment to the community make it a must-visit spot, even just for a peek.
BOOKMARC
400 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Bookmarc is nestled in a beautiful corner on Bleecker Street in the famous West Village. The small, carefully curated bookshop evokes a vibe representative of the fashion designer, Marc Jacob’s creative brains and his brand. The shop specializes in art, photography, fashion, design books, and rare and collectible editions for our bookworm readers. Aside from books (listen-up shopaholics), the store sells Marc Jacobs branded items, such as stationery, tote bags, and other small accessories. Bookmarc has become a central addition to the West Village since its opening in 2010, as it merges the world of fashion, literature, and art into a unique retail experience.
The Ripped Bodice Bookstore
218 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Calling all lover girls and boys, The Ripped Bodice bookstore in Brooklyn is that romance oasis you've been searching for all your life. Prepare to be wooed by this store's charming and whimsical atmosphere, its vintage furniture, and its floral decor. This romance-only bookstore is locked and loaded with titles of diverse and inclusive books, including historical romance and LGBTQ+ stories. Aside from its killer shelves, The Ripped Bodice is known for hosting vibrant and inclusive events like book signings, author talks, and themed parties - check out their website to learn more about these events and how you can attend.
Astoria Bookshop
36-19 30th St, Astoria, NY 11106
This independent bookstore is small but mighty, with an intriguing selection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, young adult novels, and graphic novels, with a sprinkling of stationery items for sale. The staff is friendly and welcoming, always willing to lend a happy hand to those looking for a new book to dive into. Just like The Ripped Bodice, Astoria Bookshop holds reading events, storytelling sessions, and book clubs - it’s a bookshop all about community.
Dear Friend Books
343A Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
If you are searching for something more than just any old bookstore, Dear Friend Books is just what you need. Dear Friend has a bar that runs through the space and opens to a beautiful outdoor courtyard at the end. While browsing the shelves, you can sip on a beverage or attend one of their many open mic nights, poetry readings, and meditation in the backyard. The store's titles range from a curated collection of vintage books from $5 to several thousands of dollars. Want to know something cool? The books are thoughtfully categorized based on the seven chakras! If this isn't a book reader's paradise, I don't know what is.