A Book Lover's Guide to NYC
Street style icon and New York local Kaia Gerber was recently photographed on her way to a Broadway play in a baby tee reading: “Come to my house, I have great books”. While the majority of fashion-hungry bloggers may have not been able to place the quote from Eric Rohmer’s 1970 film, Claire’s Knees, the slogan tee was the perfect stylistic choice for Gerber’s virtual book club, Library Science, and its new line of clothing and accessories.
The success of Library Science and the online literary boom proves that book culture is having a moment, especially among Gen Z. And with the rich literary history New York has to offer, we thought we’d walk you through some of our favorite places for booklovers in the city—baby tee not required.
Opened in 2019, Book Club is a cozy bookstore in the East Village boasting a full-service espresso and cocktail bar. With a living room feel, you’ll find lots of people reading alone, quietly enjoying a solo moment with a locally-roasted coffee or NYC craft beer. But this is an equally great place to meet friends for a pre-dinner literary-themed cocktail or to attend one of this community hub’s many events. Among these events, you’ll find a “Drink N’ Draft” night—a locationally-appropriate marriage of drinking and creative writing–and if that’s not for you, there are plenty of in-person readings, trivia nights and, yes, even an actual book club.
197 E 3rd St
The relatively new Bibliotheque was founded in 2022 by Dr. Andrew Jacono and his son, A.J. Jacono, a writer and the founder of The Spotlong Review, a literary and arts journal. A longtime patron of Book Club Bar, A.J. longed for something similar in his own neighborhood after relocating to Soho. The result is impressive with over 10,000 books in its selection, housed in an elegant space. Like its inspiration, Bibliotheque operates as a bookstore and cafe by day and wine bar by night. The community-minded space also offers events such as wine tastings, musical performances, drawing classes and author readings.
54 Mercer St; (646) 410-0143
NYC Public Libraries
Last year, a round of budget cuts forced NYC’s libraries to close on Sundays, sparking outrage among those who recognize these institutions as a crucial part of NYC’s social fabric. This year, it was announced that more than $111 million will be restored to both libraries and cultural institutions in the city. With that in mind, there is no better time to make a stop into one of these invaluable community spaces.
As far as which libraries to visit, there is nothing like The New York Public Library. With marble lions flanking its iconic entrance, this branch of the NYC public library system is one of the city’s most ornate spaces—a status made most evident by a step into the Rose Main Reading Room, a high-ceilinged, gilded space glistening with crystal chandeliers. And with 50 million books among the stacks, this particular branch is more than just grandeur and sight-seeing.
And just a couple subway rides away, you’ll find The Morgan Library and Museum. Originally the private library of J.P. Morgan, the space was made public in 1924 at the wishes of Morgan himself. Already a beautiful library, a renovation in 2007 brought more natural light into the building and doubled the size of the exhibition space. Among its impressive collection, you’ll find a copy of Frankenstein annotated by Mary Shelley, original Michelangelo drawings, Steinbeck manuscripts and a theater which regularly hosts recitals and concerts.
This beloved bookstore was first opened by Sarah McNally in 2004 as a branch of McNally Robinson, a Canadian bookstore chain founded by McNally’s parents. In 2008, the Nolita store split from its parent chain and was renamed McNally Jackson Books—the “Jackson” being a reference to McNally’s then-husband. Known for its selection of cards and stationery, McNally Jackson eventually began operating a nearby stationery store, Good for the Study, and launched its own publishing arm, McNally Editions.
In 2018, this independent bookstore expanded– first with a location in Williamsburg and eventually others in Downtown Brooklyn, Rockefeller Center and South Street Seaport. And though McNally’s original location is no longer—the current incarnation stands just a few blocks down on Prince Street.
134 Prince St; (212) 274-1160
Housed within the Payne Whitney House on Fifth Avenue, Albertine Books offers the largest collection of French language books in the US. With over 14,000 titles from 30 French-speaking countries, Albertine was named for the elusive character in Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. The art deco space is the only bookshop devoted solely to books in French and English within the city. Designed by Jacques Garcia, known for his work on the Chateau du Champ de Bataille in Normandy, the space feels something like a grand, private library. With a hand-painted constellation fresco adorning the ceiling of the two-story space, this Upper East Side bookstore is worth a visit for the visuals alone—though of course with so many titles to choose from, you may find yourself curled up for hours in the reading room—and rightfully so.
972 5th Ave; (332) 228-2238
This Greenwich Village bookstore has been attracting artists and writers since its signature red doors opened in 1978. A small neighborhood bookshop, Three Lives & Company has remained truly independent since its formation and has dutifully stayed true to its mission to serve as “a haven for people who read”. What sets Three Lives apart is its genuine passion for reading and creating community surrounding the written word through customer-focused service. Among the thoughtfully-curated selection, you’ll find a number of first editions for sale and if you’re looking for something specific, you’re in luck: special orders are a significant focus for the passionate and well-read staff here.
154 W 10th St; (212) 741-2069
A downtown institution, Housing Works Bookstore has been operating since 1998 as an entirely non-profit bookstore and cafe. Staffed by volunteers and with nearly all of its stock donated, 100% of profits go to funding the lifesaving services Housing Works provides for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and/or impacted by HIV/AIDS.
The space itself is large and lofty with high ceilings and a balcony. A spiral staircase leads you to stacks above the cafe anchored in the center of the bookstore. You’ll find a wide mix of patrons here: students and tourists, but also neighborhood regulars who recognize the rarity of complimentary WiFi and a relaxing vibe within the chaos of Soho. And though used books may be the focus, you’ll also find plenty of used media, clothing and housewares for sale.
126 Crosby St; (212) 334-3324
WORDS Hillary Sproul
FEATURED IMAGE themorgan.org