Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bluestockings
A DIY ethos is in full effect at this newly expanded radical bookstore, fair trade cafe, and
activist center. Frequent readings of a feminist and lesbian bent intersperse with seminars and meetings. The
readings and many lectures/discussions are free; other events can ask for suggested donations of $5 to $10. The
Dyke Knitting Circle
meets the third Sunday of every month from 4 to 6pm. It's open to all levels of knitting
skill; bring yarn and needles.
172 Allen St., btw. Rivington and Stanton sts.
212/777-6028.
www.bluestockings.com
.
Subway: F to Second Ave.;
J/M/Z to Essex St.
BookCourt
For over 3 decades now, this Cobble Hill favorite has been a clean and well-lighted place for
literary fans. The local authors section is comprehensive, which is impressive considering how many writers are
calling the area home. In-store readings, signings, book clubs, and lectures bring in important new voices.
163 Court
St., btw. Dean and Pacific sts., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.
718/875-3677.
www.bookcourt.org
.
Subway: F/G to Bergen St.; R to Court St.; 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall.
Books of Wonder
The agenda here is books for the kiddies. Readings are held on Fridays at 4pm and
Sundays at noon. Publication parties and workshops are also thrown into the mix, often with light refreshments
served.
18 W. 18th St., btw. Fifth and Sixth aves.
212/989-3270.
www.booksofwonder.com
.
Subway: L/N/Q/R/4/5/6 to 14th St./Union Sq.
Greenlight Bookstore
With the path of destruction wreaked by big retailers, Amazon, and e-readers, it's
a wonder that any community bookstores have survived at all. Shopping at this indie Fort Greene newcomer
feels downright wholesome, with a neighborly staff and a stellar selection. There's a dense slate of readings, with
Jhumpa Lahiri, Matthew Modine, and Jeffrey Eugenides among the bold-faced names that have appeared here.
For the little ones, Saturdays at 11am are story times; a baby and toddler edition comes 11am Sundays.
686 Fulton
St., at S. Portland St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
718/246-0200.
www.greenlight bookstore.com
. Subway: C to Lafayette Ave.
McNally Jackson
This big, sophisticated bookshop counters the trend of every last retail inch of SoHo
and NoLita being dedicated to overpriced boutiques. McNally Jackson (nee Robinson) thrives with an independ-
ent spirit and a knowledgeable staff. A full slate of readings, discussions, and signings can be found. Fridays at
4pm and Saturdays at 11:30am are dedicated to the wee ones. Grownups should try to catch
Real Characters,
an excellent monthly storytelling performance.
50 Prince St., btw. Lafayette and Mulberry sts.
212/274-1160.
www.mcnallyjackson.com
.
Subway: 6 to Spring St.; N/R to Prince St.
192 Books
This lovely shop brings in authors for 7pm readings. Night of the week varies, and seating is
limited so call ahead for reservations, especially if it's Ethan Hawke reading Mayakovsky. (Mary Gaitskill, Mark
Strand, and A. M. Homes have also graced this intimate space.) Check the website for the schedule.
192 Tenth Ave., at
21st.
212/255-4022.
www.192books.com
. Subway: C/E to 23rd St.
Revolution Books
The revolution will be televised, and it will also make its way into print. Alternative
viewpoints are aired during in-store readings and screenings right in the heart of the Machine.
146 W. 26th St., btw.
Sixth and Seventh aves.
212/691-3345.
www.revolutionbooksnyc.org
.
Subway: N/R/1 to 28th St.
The Scholastic Store
The retail outlet for the children's publisher Scholastic has books and toys and a full
schedule of in-store events. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11am is story time, plus there are book
signings and special events scattered across the schedule. Most everything is free, although craft workshops can
have a small materials fee.
557 Broadway, btw. Prince and Spring sts.
212/343-6166.
www.scholastic.com/sohostore
. Subway: N/R to Prince St.
Unnameable Books
A response to a lawsuit over an innocuous former name was the inspiration behind
this odd moniker. The selection here is well curated, and there are great prices on lightly used literature. (Look
for the $1 bargain rack out front.) Check the Facebook of “Unnameable Boox” for frequent free readings at the
shop.
600 Vanderbilt Ave., at St. Marks Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
718/789-1534.
www.uncalledforreadings.blogspot.com
.
Subway: B/Q to Seventh
Ave.
At Bars & Cafes
What better way to advertise the intelligent conversation your coffee shop or booze hall induces than by asso-
ciating yourself with articulate new voices? Reading series have cropped up in bars and cafes (and even laun-
dromats) across the city, and the informal settings encourage more showmanship than a bookshop lectern. With
extreme readings added to the mix, these venues are likely spots to be entertained while listening to an author
intone.
