New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. It’s a city that never stops moving, never stops changing and never pauses for a break. But sometimes city dwellers need time to relax, decompress and unwind. And there’s no better way to do so then opening up a fresh book (and not by staring into a glaring iPad, Kindle or e-reader). Reading is a good way to escape, but physically turning pages is therapeutic and satisfying in a way. If you live in NYC, taking time to read a real live book can make all the difference in your busy, hectic life. We’ve rounded up some of the hippest and more eclectic independent bookstores to fill all of your bookworm needs!
Astoria Bookshop
31-29 31st St.
Use Astoria Bookshop’s website to conveniently search their shelves and reserve your read to be picked up at the store. They offer tons of fun and unique events for the whole family, that will bring out the reader in anyone. Open daily from 11AM-7PM, they offer an extensive list of titles for all ages and preferences!
Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton St. | 632 Flatbush Ave.
Started by two women who have a combined 26 years working in bookstores and publishing, Greenlight Bookstore has become a local Brooklyn gem. They recently opened their second location (on Flatbush) in fall of 2016 and both locations are continually supported and loved by the local community —and are open late!
Bank Street Bookstore
2780 Broadway
What was originally intended to serve the needs of the college community has grown into a bookstore that provides books for all types of people worldwide. Known for their amazing selection and a knowledgeable staff, Bank Street offers over 30,000 titles. Open until 7 or even 8 everyday, you’ll always be greeted with a friendly face and an eagerness to help.
Word
126 Franklin St.
Word’s Brooklyn location carries a lot of paperback fiction, cookbooks and “absurdly cute cars and stationary”. They love to host events whether it’s an author reading, a basketball league or anything else you can think of, really. With books packed into their 1000 square feet space, they’re open daily from 10AM-9PM.
bookbook
266 Bleeker St.
The staff at bookbook are educated and helpful, and will help you special order those hard-to-find titles. They feature a collection of recent and backlist fiction, children’s books, travel, history, cookbooks, fashion books and so much more. They are open until 10PM and 11PM Friday and Saturday to satisfy those late night page-turner cravings.
Bluestockings
172 Allen St.
Bluestockings is a volunteer-powered and collectively-owned bookstore that carries over 6,000 titles on topics like feminism, climate, political theory, race, and other radical topics. But you can still find some fiction and poetry mixed in! Open 11-11 daily, Bluestockings is dedicated to providing a safe space for all readers.
[tweetthis]Are You A #Bookworm? A Real Live Book Lover? When Your In #NYC Check Out These Awesome Bookstores![/tweetthis]
Check out some of these suggestions of must-read classic books before your visit your local NYC independent bookstore! Or try your hand at this DIY hanging bookshelf project for a stylish way to display your new book finds!