To live in a city is to live the life that it was built for, to adapt to its schedule and rhythms, to move within the transit layout made for you during the morning and evening rush, winding through the crowds of fellow commuters. To live in a city is to consume its offerings. To eat at its restaurants. To drink at its bars. To shop at its stores. To pay its sales taxes. To give a dollar to its homeless.
Severance by Ling Ma
In the 1950s there were around 368 bookstores in New York, and by 2018 it decreased to only 79 bookstores.
It is marvellous to see many of these amazing bookstores in the city are still alive and operating during these times where we can just buy a book online.
Bookstores not only give us joy, it brings us the experience of getting lost in the stacks, of enjoying the walks through the different sections, touching, smelling, and feeling.
I used to spend time in the same bookstore every day until I realised there were many undiscovered bookstores I’ve never walked through. Since that day, realising I had so much to learn, I went to independent bookstores I’ve never been to, and I really do not know how come I never set foot in those extraordinary places!?
That’s why I wanted to create a list of the bookstores I have discovered, and so far my favorites.
Let’s start with:
The Strand
The Strand was the first bookstore I visited in the city; at 828 Broadway, in the East Village. They carry over 2.5 millions of new, first edition, used, and rare collective books. The founder was Fred Bass, who died in 2018. Now the bookstore, it’s operated and owned by his daughter Nancy Bass, and you might see her around running the store. The first floor we can find fiction, newly released, poetry, film, drama. The second floor has a huge selection of art books. The third floor is only for rare first editions and collective books. And the basement has a selection of foreigner language, philosophy, gender, history, music, and many more.
Fun facts: Many well-known artists worked at the store like Patti Smith, Mary Gaitskill (Which I loved and admired her work in Bad Behavior), and many other more.
The store has appeared in featured films such as Julie & Julia, Remember me, in one Sex and the city episode, and more.
Photo credit to: https://www.instagram.com/strandbookstore/
McNally Jackson
In 2004, Sarah McNally founded the bookstore known as McNally Jackson. You can go to their main location at Prince Street, and enjoy a croissant or pastry, sipping a cup of coffee and reading a good book. They have two floors with sections of literature books by nation, poetry, art, travel guides, best sellers, for kids, foreign language. They, too, host events to the public with our favorite authors.
Photo credit to: https://www.instagram.com/mcnallyjackson/
East Village Books
Ok, this one, it’s one of my favorites, Donald Davis, is the owner of this cozy and narrow bookstore in the East Village, they have a wide selection of used books and the best thing is that they are very cheap! You can find a stunning edition for a bargain price, I've bought many books for just $2. They have selections of books of comics, poetry, philosophy, religious, self-help, fiction, foreign language, cd, dvds, vinyls, lots of classics, and rare. They also buy books and accept donations.
(Here I bought J. D. Salinger and fall in love with his work)
Photo credit to: https://www.pw.org/literary_places/east_village_books
Codex
Codex, which means ‘books’ in Latin, opened in Bleecker St not so long ago, in January 2018, next to Think Coffee. They specialized in literature and art. Here you can buy used and new books for a great price, or you can also sell your books, too. The space is small, but here you can find hidden gems in literature.
(Here I bought a rare book about erotic dreams)
Photo credit to: https://www.shootnewyorkcity.com/discover-new-york-city/codex-books-east-village-manhattan
Books Are Magic
Owned by the bestselling novelist Emma Straub and her husband, Michael Fusco-Straub, when they found out their local bookstore was closing, they opened their own bookstore in May 2017.
They are in Brooklyn, and the space is cozy, beautifully aesthetic. They have a selection of staff picks, books written by the owner Emma, romance, fiction, new releases, travel guide, art, and more. They also host reading and signing by authors. A must-visit bookstore, because books are magic, right?
Photo credit to: https://www.instagram.com/booksaremagicbk/?hl=en
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe & Bar
This organization has a great mission to end homelessness and help people living with and affected with AIDS. They are in the center of Nolita, have a great selection of titles, and all of their stock comes from donations.
The two floors are stacked with books, CDS, dvds, comic books, and a cafe.
The space has a wooden floor, beautiful stairs, and cozy chairs with tables where you will have a great view from upstairs to the main floor filled with books. They also host free and low cost events. This bookstore with a beautiful purpose is a must-visit if you are in town.
Photo credit to: http://forreadingaddicts.co.uk/bookshop-reviews/housing-works-bookstore-cafe-new-york
Bluestockings
Named after a group of educated, intellectual women members of the Blue Stocking Society.
The Blue Stockings Society was an informal women's social and educational movement in England in the mid-18th century. The society emphasized education and mutual cooperation.
Originally opened in 1999 in the Lower East Side, and it started as a feminist bookstore.
They have selections of books of race and black studies, political, feminism, LGBTQ, gender studies, activist strategies, climate justice, art, science, poetry, fiction, comics, erotic.
Photo credit to: http://bluestockings.com/