It's still open!! Despite the demise of the Livingston Mall, the B&N is still thriving. Why? How? It's the staffers running the store who make this a good location that still brings in the people. They've kept and continue to keep the store in good condition, and are always helpful and friendly to all visitors. This week I dropped by to pick up a REAL SIMPLE magazine. While checking out, I asked the cashier what's going to happen to the store. She said, at some point this year (2026), the store will move from the mall to another location in Livingston. Hopefully, only the location will be the only thing to change about this Barnes and Noble. read more

Barnes and Noble - Still Open! 2/8/2026 - Bookstores Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

They are open and alot of customers are still coming in even though the mall is closing. Clean, spacious and organized branch. Clean and smelling good restroom. They have a cafe with pastries. A spacious children's area. Child friendly restroom. See images for further reference. read more

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I have been infatuated with Barnes and Noble ever since childhood. It's truly saddened me to know that so many locations have closed their doors, permanently. However, I am elated that this one still stands. The service is always pleasant and majority of the time I can find whatever I am looking for. If not, they can order it or if I call they can hold it until I get there. Also, if I decide to have a seat and browse, no one bothers me. Much appreciated lol. I love this store and I hope they never close! read more

Goodness, how long has this Barnes and Noble been here? I went to undergrad in the area, and I feel like I would have spent a lot more time at the mall if it was a long time resident! The store has entrances from the outside and inside of the mall. It's very clean and the bookshelves are well faced. There are restrooms, and they're pretty clean. The cafe has a good amount of seating for you to enjoy drink and food, and there are other spots within the store for you to sit and look through a book. They don't seem particularly overstaffed, but enough for a backup cashier if the line gets unruly. They are also pushing a premium membership on top of their current membership program. It's new, so there are some training kinks to work out, like when I get my free bag, but it adds to the value you're paying for. I was surprised with coupons I didn't know i had, ended up getting my book for a few dollars! read more

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2 stars for customer service. I am a frequent customer and a BN rewards member. I just bought a selection of books. It was 9:30am on a Tuesday, the store was nearly empty, and there was only one woman at the cash wrap. I kindly asked her if she could help me find one book. She replied in a snarky tone, "Um maybe you could ask someone at the customer service desk because that's what that's for and you know if I leave the front, who's going to take care of customers?". I wasn't expecting her to walk me to a book. Just search it up in the system and point me in the right direction. It wasn't what she said, it was her disgruntled and rude tone. I always have a pleasant experience here. People's demeanor and personality has everything to do with customer experience. I didn't ask for her name. I don't want to get her in trouble if someone reads this but BN just make sure that your staff is friendly to customers and is taking the time to help them with kindness. read more

I LOVE the setup of this B&N!! It's calm, has everything, I love coming here to study

I love going to a Barnes and Noble store. The smell of books and the fact that you can touch and feel them is cathartic for me. Everything was easy to locate. The staff were friendly and helpful. read more

Barnes and Noble - Starbucks - Bookstores Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

Good to see ol' Barnes and Noble still standing. One of the planks with glue still holding Livingston Mall up complete with it's own entrance and cafe that serves Starbucks, it's a well kept B and N. All the sections are well stocked and the staff at checkout are ready to help with that as well as answer questions or place an order for you if need be. There is a separate staff member in the children's sections likely to help answer specific questions in that area both from children or their parents. In addition to it's cleanliness the best part about Barnes and Noble ( and B&N in general) is actual books and physical media. In a world that's quickly turning all digital with books, music, movies/TV it's good that it is still available in physical form and new. Sure you can get these things preowned or online retailers Barnes is here just in case that doesn't quite work out. read more

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A nice renovated B&N but honestly less books and more toys these days. The area for music and DVDs keep getti g smaller like books, a bigger kids section and a Starbucks inside for coffee and snacks. Miss the large racks of books to go through discounted books and the B&N special classics that were great to collect. I remember they used to have a great gaming section for RPGs but that's mostly replaced with manga and comic style books now. read more

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Good customer service . They got a coffee shop inside and a big space for readers . Huge collection of books and movie stuff . They got all you want and more tbh. Big toy section that's good for buying gifts for family members or friends . Quiet music playing makes it easy to stroll around for and get lost in . Would def recommend . read more

The periodicals are well arranged and orderly, unlike the (now) messy shelves at the B&N Union location. I know the clientele is responsible for the mess, but staff keeps up on it here. The reason for the three star is the unfriendly, unsmiling, and cheerless baristas. C'mon folks, crack a smile and act or pretend like you enjoy your job. Edited to reflect major improvement at the Starbucks concession! read more

they got a great selection of books and lovely decoration for your home and desk. I really like the fact that they got a Starbucks in their store. They carry vera Bradly collection, Kate spade and many others. read more

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I thought about lowering my rating by a star, because of my experience here recently, but decided against it, in fairness. After all, the store functions pretty much the same now as it did when I wrote the initial review. However, this recent experience really brought it home to me, vividly, why I tend to avoid this chain and focus instead on buying through Amazon and/or Ebay. I've occasionally felt guilty about that-- it's so easy to just hit a button, and...voila!...the book/cd/dvd/piece-of-wearing-apparel, container-of-vitamins, etc...arrives at my door in a day or 2. The item is usually cheaper than what I'd pay in a store. What's not to love? (Well, the credit card bill with its interest charge when it arrives is not to love, but you're not thinking about that when you're hitting the button!) The guilt usually passes. Independent book stores...which I used to love to patronize, back in the day...are pretty much a thing of the past. Barnes and Noble isn't an independent bookstore. It's a chain. One store is usually pretty much the same as another one (although the store in Paramus is a notable exception). Still, chains aren't necessarily doing well. Borders went under. Even Burger King, Shop-Rite and Wal-Mart are closing stores! I've given up trying to figure out the ways of business and commerce in modern America. I mean...who thought Shop Rite or Wal Mart would be closing stores? Now, it may seem like a silly quibble to some, but I hate the gauntlet you have to run in order to buy a book/CD/DVD here. It's the same routine in every Barnes and Noble store. The cashier asks, "Do you have a Barnes and Noble card?" No. "Do you want one?" No. Occasionally, they'll start telling me about the great deals I'll get with the card before I cut them off. The question and answer session is perfunctory, it doesn't really consume a lot of time, but it's annoying. To me, at least. In the past, you picked your item out in whatever store you happened to be in, you brought it to the counter, you paid for it. Maybe you exchanged a few words about the weather, or even about the author of the book you were buying. Then you were on your way. Not any more. For the most part, the clerks could give a s**t whether you want the card or not, and the transaction proceeds. Some, however, seem put out by the refusal. Recently, I was in the area, and there was a sale book (on Stalin's Russia, published in Italy) I had seen previously and I decided I wanted to buy it. So, why not? When I can, I like to help out struggling stores (maybe the store isn't struggling...I don't really know...but the Livingston Mall seems about to go under) with my admittedly miserly patronage, and giving my credit card on Amazon a rest isn't a bad thing either. Not only did I find the sale book, but a DVD I had wanted as well! I went to the counter, put my items up. The clerk was pleasant enough. As expected, I was asked, "Do you have a Barnes and Noble card?" "No." He paused a second, then asked, "Would you like to get one?" "No." Usually...mercifully...that's the end of the interrogation. Not this time. He said, "Your email address," and waited for me to provide it. This was a first, and maybe this is a new procedure and he's required to ask it, but it really rubbed me the wrong way. It wasn't even like he was asking-- it was ludicrous that I would even think of refusing to provide it to him. Or at least that was the vibe I got. Can't I just come in, buy my books, purchase my DVD, and be on my way? Guess not. I responded, "No." I get enough coupons and "Sale Starts Today!" notices in my regular snail mail; I don't need them cluttering up my email too. Now...maybe this is pettiness on my part, or I'm misinterpreting it...but he took my change, and kind of spilled it out onto the counter instead of into my outstretched hand. Who does that? I suppose it might have just been his way. However, I didn't see it like that. I saw it as a spiteful, passive-aggressive "F-you" to me for not providing him with my email address. Or for not getting the Barnes and Noble card. A meager, pitiful "F-you" but a "F-you" all the same. Obviously, I'm speaking for myself, and maybe I'm egocentric, or maybe I'm just a jerk (the clerk would likely think so). If you like the store, and you're comfortable with the "question-and-answer" session...short though it may be...then nothing has changed here. I hate the thought that stores where you physically walk in and purchase something from a living, breathing person are a dying breed, and I would encourage you to patronize the store, if you're in the market for what they sell. Me? I think I'll be hitting that button on Amazon next time. Or saving my gas and taking a run up to the Barnes and Noble in Paramus. Same routine when you buy something, but it's such a great (and unique, for a Barnes and Noble) store that you don't mind. At least I don't. read more

This was my 1st time coming in here and I have to say i love the lay out! This B&N is pretty big with all the sections that a regular B&N would have however, it seemed to be a little more expansive then the rest of the locations that I've been to. The Starbucks cafe seemed to have more seating, the kids section seemed to be a little bigger and there seem to have been more clearance items then some of the other stores. The store was very clean which was surprising because for some reason there seemed to have been a ton of families and literally a lot of kids running around. Additionally, what makes this location convenient is that it is located right at Livingston Mall, so much of the crowd is leaving the mall and coming here. Overall, I was very impressed with the layout specifically and how big it was compared to all the other locations and I will definitely be back to purchase more reading material! read more

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I come to the cafe here to work fairly often so this review really concerns that more than the actual bookstore. This is most likely the best Barnes and Noble in the area. The cafe has ample seating, plenty of outlets, and is fairly quiet (outside of 3:00PM-4:00PM on weekdays when a bunch of school kids typically come by and carry out their attention-seeking behaviors). The staff is pleasant enough and is very cordial. Can't complain there. I do have a problem with the pricing on the food items. Honestly, most of the food is pretty bad and It's just as expensive as Starbucks, if not more. I only order dark coffees here, because it's only around $3, and even that is a bit of a stretch for a plain dark coffee. I don't mind paying more for quality food and drink, but you won't find it at this cafe. Overall, I recommend coming here for a quiet place to read or work. This location has a nice atmosphere and is also connected to the Livingston Mall, which offers more stuff to do. Sure, the place is basically abandoned at this point, but that's part of its charm to me. I'm aware most people probably disagree. The other Barnes and Nobles in the area don't have enough outlets, seating, or are too loud. The Livingston location wins out easily. Make better food and this would be an easy 5 stars. read more

Absolutely great service when getting breakfast at the Starbucks Cafe in the Barnes and Noble at Livingston Mall. Michael made our special coffee drinks exactly as asked and was very warm and pleasant. read more

Basically your typical Barnes & Noble. I think a little bit smaller than other ones I've been too. Unfortunately it is in the dying Livingston Mall. This and Macy's are the only two anchors in the Mall Sears has closed their doors and the rest of the businesses inside the mall or suffering because of very little traffic coming through. I do not see this mall lasting as well as this Barnes & Noble. read more

Barnes and Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Livingston, New Jersey

I know, I know...step into 2012 and buy a tablet, right? I can't...I read a lot and I like the feel of a real book in my hands. Since I was in the area waiting for my daughter to get through practice, I figured I'd run over to this BN location. The store is located in the Livingston Mall (which I really can't stand) and is really the only reason to shop here (for me at least). This particular BN has a GREAT selection (so I obviously disagree with other reviewers) and the staff here are just great. In fact, I think the selection here for most genres is bigger than most of the other BNs in Northern NJ. Unfortunately, my love of books doesn't mean I like to pay full price for books...in fact, I hate it since the publishing companies have simply pushed the price so high that the only books I buy for myself anymore in places like BN are those that I know I want to keep on my bookshelf. Otherwise, I buy online or at used bookstores. Overall, this is a great Barnes and Noble...and I hope they stick around since I love my books. I just wish publishing houses would realize that their prices are the reason e-books and tablets are becoming more popular and bookstores are becoming obsolete. read more

There are two comfy couches at Starbucks by the window. Great place to sit down enjoy your coffee and books. This place is great for the kids, they can play at the train table, Lego table or have fun at story time. read more

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(sigh) Book stores. There used to be so many! They are dying out. Fortunately not all of them. This Barnes & Noble reminds me of the days when you went to the library or a book store for a book. Yes, I'm old school and refuse to read a book on a tablet. I want the physical book in my hand. This store is beautiful. Everything a Bibliophily could ever want. They have a childrens department too which is great. They also have an area in the back selling books on tape as well as DVD's and vinyl records! It was a riot seeing all the great records from the 70's and 80's. Records that I used to buy with my allowance every week by walking to the record store! Now these same vinyl records are $30 each! It makes me wish that I still had all of my old ones. :( Great selection of magazines as well! read more

I love this Barnes and Noble. It is clean and fresh and has so much breeeeathing room. One downfall: as soon as you walk in you're bombarded with e-book stuff and I'm not into that, I like holding books in my hands and turning the pages. But it's a great B&N regardless of their marketing tactics. Plus, it's attached to the new-and-improved(ing) Livingston Mall (may or may not be a good thing). I'm a bookworm so I'd love this place no matter what shape it was in! read more

This relatively new Barnes & Noble is attached to the Livingston Mall ... I know, I know, but don't let that stop you! I'm a big fan of their Fiction and Science sections. There's nothing better than ordering a latte from the Starbucks Cafe & walking up & down the aisles, balancing an armload of potential new books for your collection. It's usually pretty quiet, and the staff is extremely helpful in tracking down that obscure book - you know, the one where you remember there was a monkey on the cover, and the author's last name maybe started with a K. The periodicals are well-stocked and in good condition (no dog-eared mags here!). However, the last time I was there, the Nook section looked larger and appeared to have caused a little store reorganization. It could have been just for the holidays, as the toys, accessories (desk items, paperweights, magazine racks), and calendar sections were also more prominent than usual. And, a few months ago, they stopped using those computer kiosks which help you locate books in the store (again, the staff is more than helpful, but sometimes I just like to browse authors!). As the only B&N in the area, and therefore my only tangible resource for new books, I hope they get back on track! read more

I had to kill a few hours today while my husband was at a meeting in West Orange, so naturally I chose Barnes & Noble. This store has a great selection in its "local interest" section and it looked like their fiction section is extensive, but everything else was really middling at best. The café was a decent size and there were even a few empty tables, although it was a weekday in the early-mid afternoon. The clerks were all pleasant and the restroom was clean, both of which are real pluses. Still, though, there was a pervasive "stroller brigade" and the music was also much too loud. read more

A nice B&N with a great kids section with good selections. While they don't always have all the latest books, they will be happy to order them for you to pick up in store. There is a Starbucks in here where you can sit with your laptop or a book for hours. They have readings and activities in their kids section, but I wish they would have more adult readings and activities. read more

I will always be a fan of Barnes and Noble or any bookstore. I know , I know..step into the future right? Get a nook...a tablet...an e-reader etc. etc. But books have always been a huge part of my life. I like the feel of the pages between my fingers and the anticipation of the next part being so good your fingers are trying to turn the page faster than your eyes can scan and process what is happening right now. I like being out somewhere and striking up a random conversation with a random person about what I'm/they're reading and finding out that somewhere , we have a strange sameness of preferences in literature. I used to spend a lot of time in Barnes and Noble. Hours. Aimlessly strolling around each aisle surprising myself with topics and genres I didnt' know I liked or existed. The glossy covers of each story catching your eye and sometimes your time if you stop to pluck it off the shelf and give it a quick thumb through. I love seeing kids being excited about the reading area. The stories that make them laugh or learn lessons with bright colorful pictures or pop ups to help their imagination along. This location in particular is quite nice. Huge , like most others and has a very nice cafe section with seating and from what I hear, a great selection of coffee and snacks. The children's section is very cute and large, and what I love is, they have a stage set up! I think this is for when they have guest readers and authors visit. A+ guys! One question I do have is.....WTF happened to all the big cozy,comfy couches and armchairs they used to have in these stores?? The only seating area is at the cafe and there are only THREE cushionly soft seats available. Otherwise you're at a small table with hard wooden chairs. Can we at least get some bean bags? As I get older, the floor just doesn not have the same appeal to me for sitting and reading. But maybe that's their point. They no longer want to welcome you into their arms to nestle and loose yourself in another world. They want you to buy books, buy coffe, buy gifts/accessories or immerse yourself in the nook station. If bookstores really want to stay ontop and compete with online orders and librarys, don't forget about us pre-historic folk who like to call your place our home too. read more

Really, these places are still around...with the onset of Amazon I would think these places would be extinct. I surely was wrong. Place is massive! Books, games and music everywhere. I had a game plan to buy one children's book and nearly $100 later, I was carting off a cook book, a biography, a funny book and a sports book....oh and I almost forgot the kids book...which ended up me buying a set because I liked a couple of them. Enough about my shopping habits. The location is ideal because it anchors a mall (which I don't like...the mall, not the B&N). I did enjoy just walking around (mind you for over an hour) and being in a library on steroids. It's very clean and modern. It's all one floor (unlike the Clifton location). A Starbucks is located inside...and on a cold day this place is perfect to escape the cruel world. Their staff was helpful. Checkout was the only sore spot but the young lady did a great job of moving the line (all the soccer moms were out in full force when I went). ENJOY! read more

I went during a weekday morning, and this customer was monopolizing the CSR's time. I just had a simple question. I waited about 25 minutes and this customer was still there. FINALLY, I asked where this book was. I was given the bum's rush, like this staff person didn't care. There is better service in any library! So....I went to the cashier and asked for a gift card receipt. She said she doesn't know how to give one. Really? If there is a problem with the card, and I have to come back there, I will ask for travel reimbursement. There are at least two racks of gift cards, and I can't get a gift receipt! They are available in the supermarket but not in the store? Obviously, the employees are poorly trained. read more

Why can't regular Starbucks stores carry more food items like the Barnes and Nobles licensed Starbucks outlets? The selection at Barnes and Nobles is much more extensive than regular Starbucks stores. Much more similar to the cafes in Europe where they have a better selection of savories. Good facility, clean, relaxing and well stocked. read more

The whole chain, this location, included, seems to be undergoing some sort of strange conversion. Suddenly books seem to be the least important of their offerings. As a result, three of the last four books I have sought here was not in stock. The clerks have offered to order and ship the missing books to me, but that's why I have Amazon and Prime. Why should I be willing to pay for shipping just so they have more room in each store to pimp their nooks. I'm not, so, for the most part, I will take my business elsewhere. read more

no returns for magazines. I explained that I spend a LOT of money at the store. No help, but a good helping of insincerity. I will NEVER go there again. My 10% off card will expire unused. Amazon, I am yours, and the snooty footsore retail drones who give bad service can go on the dole. I will laugh when this store goes out of business read more

The cafe here is really big with lots of seating. Pretty much exactly the same as other B&N. No plugs.

A very nice book store at the Livingston Mall. Plentiful parking with easy access from the adjacent lot and the mall itself. The store itself has a nice layout. Books, magazines, games/toys and a separate children's section complete with smaller chairs, tables, etc. There's even a little stage where they do readings, puppet shows, magic acts etc. There is plenty to find for all, including a small cafe area with fresh pastries, Starbucks coffee and a small selection of food. Be advised that while they do advertise Starbucks, they are not a Starbucks and will not honor Starbucks gift cards or phone Aps. There are places to sit and eat, multiple sections to relax and read or listen to music and the entire place is just so clean. It's a real pleasure. Usually there are plenty of cashiers that keep the checkout line moving along. The staff is friendly and more than willing to answer questions or help you find what you are looking for. read more

Not a huge store, but they have a decent selection. I'm giving this B&N an extra star for a great kids' section. They have toys, a Lego table, train table, Nook table, and of course ton of kids' books. read more

By far, the best part of the mall. Excellent kids section and a very nice cafe. The staff is quite helpful. They even have a gift wrapping service. The store is always clean and well organized. No small feat in the kids section. read more

This is a wonderful smaller store with places to sit and read and the staff is very nice. And I love the smell of new books! Though there is less of a selection the ambiance is wonderful. read more

I would give this store a 1 star, but the Starbucks coffee and food is good. The problem I have is the book selection is weak. There is ample space in the store, but it seems they only want to focus on selling the electronic book readers. I really wish the Borders in Livingston didn't close down, I really miss that place. They had a much better music and book selection. read more

This is the best and my favorite Barnes and Noble bookstore. I've been to many but overall I highly recommend coming here. It's nice area with plenty of parking along with the mall experience. Above all it's my home away from home especially where I can unwind and relax and not have to worry about anything. Go to Cafe and get your Starbucks drink and their exquisite pastries, pick up a new good book, your favorite magazine, and find your comfortable chair and relax. Also get their membership which is 10% off of everything including food and drinks and you also get 12 free drinks. Well managed, friendly helpful staff, clean and organized, and plenty to browse even gift items. Come regularly and support and save your Barnes and Noble that Amazon can't offer. read more

great place to sit and relax on a rainy day...its HUGE so u can usually find a nice quiet spot to sit and read....they usually have everything i'm looking for...if not the staff is usually very happy to help...plus they have a nice cafe serving coffee, sandwiches, smoothies, dessert, etc. read more

when ever i go to living ston mall i have to stop at barnes &noble. i love the wide selection of books and the fact they have an area where you can relax with your book like being at the library . the only graw back is that the young teens hog more than one table and thats not fair to others other wise be sure to end your shopping at this store with a night cap------coffee itll keep u coming back!!!! read more

the employees here are extremely helpful even though they are under tons of pressure. the magazine section and cafe are very good, and they always have a selection of books that other stores don't carry. they need to hire more people in the starbucks cafe and keep the line moving efficiently and streamlined. read more