NYC Bookstore Crawl
BY CLEA LOCI
The constant hum of an engine, the boisterous laughs carrying from a joyous friend group, and the buzz of the city serve as a 24/7 soundtrack to our lives. As busy students and adults enter the workforce, the ubiquitous thrum of city noise can reflect our own states: never having the chance to stop and take a break. For me, the best way to relax and unwind is to grab a cup of hot tea and a good book and enjoy that company for a couple of hours; whether you enjoy tea or not, the following places are bound to have great bookstore elements for anyone!
Union Square Barnes & Noble
〰️
Union Square Barnes & Noble 〰️
Starting with a personal favorite, the Union Square Barnes & Noble is tried and true. With four floors, this Barnes & Noble is 4x the fun. Books range from historical fiction to fantasy to science fiction, and there’s something for everyone here. Not only are there cozy nooks in the children’s reading area, but the huge windows are also a great place to squeeze in and get to see a view while you read. If you’re a fan of cafes, you’ll love the Starbucks on the fourth floor - it has lots of tables and space to grab something to drink or eat while deciding what book to take home. You can also find Legos, vinyl, stuffed animals, and stationary too - not to mention the fun book sorting prompts that greet you as you walk into the store.
Mercer St Books & Records
〰️
Mercer St Books & Records 〰️
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story onlMercer Street Books & Records is a great spot right amid campus. Especially if you’re taking any classes at 194 Mercer, this bookshop is right next door and a great place to spend any spare time you have. If you enjoy thrifting books and vinyl, this is your one-stop shop. The music selection is super affordable and provides a lot of variety, and I find myself going back to find new recommendations. There are walls upon walls of books, and it’s a pleasant surprise to see the mass of books that fit into a seemingly small space until you get the chance to explore. They have great books on languages and musicians, too, presenting a unique aspect to it and acting as our hidden gem.ine can make all the difference.
The Strand
〰️
The Strand 〰️
Rounding back to another classic - The Strand. In New York City, you have to visit The Strand at least once. As NYC’s biggest bookstore, The Strand has around 23 miles of books and three full floors of material. Any vibe you could possible want can be found here - if you enjoy something a little more intimate, the stacks are a great way to familiarize yourself with new books; if you like baking and gardening, there’s a section of great merchandise that you can indulge in; if you like music and stationery, they’ve got you covered; posters and popular fiction? Not a problem. While you’re there, don’t forget to look at The Strand-specific merch: tote bags, hats, shirts, socks, stickers – you’ll want to buy everything in sight.
Logos Book store
〰️
Logos Book store 〰️
If you’re a movie and TV fan, check out Logos Book Store! This was one of the filming locations for “You,” starring Penn Badgley, and, before that, Can You Ever Forgive Me starring Melissa McCarthy. Go through the stacks that have hit the small screen and see what content is your favorite.
Rizzoli bookstore
〰️
Rizzoli bookstore 〰️
Last but certainly not least, we have Rizzoli Bookstore. Located near the Flatiron, Rizzoli’s has a beautiful interior that spans an ample space, perfect for perusing and exploring new genres. They carry lots of different books, so don’t hesitate to go with friends and take a look around. With large bookcases and pillars, Rizzoli’s is known for its beauty and a great selection of books - sports, photography, cooking, whatever you’d like. Not to be missed are great events and specialized
No matter where you decide to go next, you can’t go wrong with any of these NYC bookstores; in fact, I’d say it’s a must to visit at least one of these during your time in New York!