Inspiring BOOKSTORES

104 ARCHESTRATUS BOOKS & FOODS

160 Huron St

Greenpoint ➀

+1 718 349 7711 archestrat.us

105 Books Are Magic

225 Smith St

Carroll Gardens ➅

+1 718 246 2665 booksaremagic.net

Archestratus is an interesting spot where you can find a terrific selection of books on food – fiction and fact – as well as an array of specialty foods. During the pandemic they launched an online bookstore and added grocery items and fresh produce as well. Organic vegetables from nearby farms, Sicilian prepared foods, bread from She Wolf Bakery, coffee, tea, beer and wine. They provide information about virtual and in-person food events.

The pink bookstore on a lovely corner in Cobble Hill is the brainchild of couple Emma Straub and Michael Fusco-Straub who wanted to share their passion for reading in an independent bookstore. The books on offer are new releases – including a staff curated selection – as well as the classics. The hidey-holes for children and books to read in them are fun. Their gumball-machine that dispenses poems for 0,25 dollar each is a hit with everyone.

106 Community Bookstore

143 7th Avenue

Park Slope ➅

+1 718 783 3075 community bookstore.net

This Park Slope institution is Brooklyn’s oldest operating bookstore and opened in 1971. A cozy, dark-wood hideaway, this independent store has a solid collection of publications by smaller presses and emerging writers. Readings by Brooklyn authors and fellow customers – Paul Auster, Siri Hustvedt, Mary Morris, Jon Scieszka, etc. –draw a literature-loving crowd. The intelligent and friendly staff is keen to recommend titles for adults as well as for children. It’s easy to see why so many locals find a good reason to spend the afternoon here or in the cute backyard, curled up with a novel.

107 Greenlight Bookstore

686 Fulton St

Fort Greene ➃

+1 718 246 0200 greenlight bookstore.com

Greenlight Bookstore in leafy Fort Greene was founded in 2009 by two women who were inspired by the idea of giving their neighborhood a literary sanctuary, and at the same time were passionate about supporting its community. This gem of a shop has big street-facing windows, a wide selection of new and old reads, as well as a very solid programming with weekly reading events and gatherings held in the large front room.

108 Unnameable Books

600 Vanderbilt Avenue

Prospect Heights ➄

+1 718 789 1534 unnameablebooks. square.site

This tiny, popular bookstore is chock-full of poetry, fiction, art books, comics, and all sorts of obscure titles. The store is well-organized, has an eclectic collection of used books and carries work from small independent presses. Readings, talks and book launches happen in the yard or in a basement space.

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