I love this bookstore. The staff is so incredibly nice. I love coming there for the book signings they have because they are organized and move quickly depending on who is signing. I love supporting a local book shop vs a big chain bc I know they take pride in their business. read more

Came here tonight for a Jesse Ventura book signing. The event started at 7pm but we arrived a few minutes late. I purchased 2 of his books and was then instructed to head downstairs for his presentation Q&A. Was very entertained by his view points as well as the crowds. After the Q&A portion we all lined up for the signing and pic op. The line could have been better organized but it did move fast. Staff was on hand to take pictures with your cameras and they took multiple shots. Did not feel rushed at all. The governor was extremely friendly and took the time to pose and make small talk with me and the wife. Definitely had a great experience. Would definitely come back for an author or personality of interest. Ample parking a short distance away. read more

Bookends - Governor Ventura - Bookstores Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

If you like autographed books, this is the place to come. I went for the JWoww book signing (okay, yes, I'm a Jersey Shore fan. There. I said it) The line was down the block and FREEZING COLD AND WINDY OUTSIDE. For a company that focuses so much on book signings, I would have thought they would have had a couple of butane outdoor heaters or something. Not all the way down the entire line, but maybe near the front so you have a goal to work towards...other than seeing the famous JWoww boobs. By the way, JWoww is hotter in real life. It's a cute store in a cute neighborhood, but it's nothing shman-tastick. I think I'll go back for a book signing in the summer, when my toes and fingers don't go completely numb. Or maybe next time I'll come prepared. read more

Not my first time in here, but went in today to buy a birthday gift for a 9 year old boy. They are great for children's gifts because they also sell Lego sets at 20% off. One of the women at the counter helped me find some fiction sports books for kids and I was out of there in no time! She offered to wrap them for me but I had a time crunch so I declined. They had a really interesting array of books on organizing and feng shui in the front and I really like this store vs. a big chain like B&N because these books are selected by someone who cares and usually the selection is diverse and interesting. They may not have every single book known to man but that's not the point of this store, that's what Amazon is for! They offer a lot of book signings here and I will def. keep an eye out for someone I like. If you miss the signing, they often sell signed copies afterwards. read more

This place is great. I've been there twice for book signings, Jesse Ventura and Richard Muti. Ironically both former US Navy guys as I am. It's a small store as book stores go but they have a very interesting collection. This is a fantastic place for holiday shopping as they have such a wide range of small gifts and various genres that you can find something that almost anyone would really like. Ample metered parking in all directions right in the center of town. read more

Bookends - Jesse Ventura and Mal Milligan at book signing for "Marijuana Manifesto". Ridgewood NJ September 8, 2016. Bookends. - Bookstores Near Me - Ridgewood, New Jersey

It's crazy that a small town like Ridgewood gets so many big named authors to come through. I was excited when Regis Philbin signed my copy of his autobiography. He was sooo friendly just like I always hoped. And Mario Lopez visited one time, too. Yum! :) We need to support local business now more than ever. Go to Bookends! read more

I have nothing but positive things to say about this bookstore. They get great, relevant people to sign books and the lines are never that long to wait on. Since I was traveling about 45 minutes to go for a Danielle Fishel book signing, I did not know if I would end up waiting hours and hours to see her, so I called ahead of time and they graciously told me that I would not have to wait much time to see her (which they were correct!) What is also nice about this place is that you can talk to the author for a couple of minutes and someone will take a picture of you after you get the book signed (depending on the author). Generally though, I've never had any issues with this. The bookstore is quaint and is not like any NYC bookstore...It is more suburban. I highly recommend! read more

Last night I went to a book signing for Forrest Griffin. A very cute book store! One question: How do they get all of these celebrities to come do book signings? I tried going to a signing they had last month with Pat Benatar, the line went down the block, wrapped to the other side of the street, down 2 blocks and around the corner. It was crazy! Overall, it's a great place! read more

I have stopped in a few times over the years and found the owner or manager indifferent. What I do not get is why would people pay full price for current fiction when they can get probably 30 to 40 off at Barnes or Amazon? I agree with shop local however faced with indifference and full price. I think not. read more

What a RIP off. Wait in line for hours for a book signing and then get pushed through without having even one minute to talk to the author. A complete waste. NEVER give this store your time or money for a book and event. A total scam. read more

If you going to a book signing. Go to books and greetings in Northvale, New Jersey. where you are treated nicely.

The owner was RUDE and NASTY during the book signing by George St-Pierre. He didn't want people to take pictures and rushed everyone along -- understandable and all, but get this -- he MADE FUN OF customers waiting in line. When people weren't ready or had cameras out, he questioned their ability to listen to simple directions and told one older woman he'd stand in the way of her camera right as she got ready in the corner to take a picture of her excited son who said this was his first time meeting a celebrity. They weren't even going to ask him to pose, just have the kid smile while GSP signed his book in the background. HORRIBLE EMPLOYEES, I'm disgusted by management's behavior. They should be ashamed of themselves, being so rude to fans that are excited to meet such a great UFC fighter. I'm never going here again. read more

Great book store and very friendly workers!!!!! Also the book signings are great read more

The staff at this store is mean and indifferent. They couldn't care less about customer service. Once authors figure out the myth that this store is somehow connected to the best seller list, they will stop coming. In the meantime, save time and money and order through Amazon. read more

Went to book signing for Jessica LAnge. They ran out of books! I'd say MAYBE 30% of the people online got books. The rest of us had to PAY for books and we're give a STICKER, which the staff kept referring to as a "plate" which we then would have signed and then when they ordered more books we could come BACK and pick it up and the would slap the sticker, umm I mean "plate" on the book. What a ripoff. And on top of that aside from ONE nice woman, the staff could NOT have been more rude. They seemed annoyed at ME that they ran out of books. NEVER AGAIN read more

Came here for the first time for a book signing. I like to support family businesses but this one isn't appreciative. Upon entering they barked orders to potential return customers as to which line to stand in.. you had to buy an extra book even if you came together w/ your spouse no less! $25 is what it is nevertheless I didn't feel my business was appreciated. Those who didn't get to go downstairs had to stand in a long crowded line, no offer of seats or anything. So then the star showed up upstairs first & the barking lady in "charge" allowed a woman who thought she was above the rules, to cut in front of everyone else while the celebrity was upstairs meeting with the disabled customers. NO explanation or anything obviously our time isn't important. Consequently, don't waste your money or time to get here in East Nowhere as you're bound to get the same same quality of service as in the former Soviet Union. Xoxo read more

I went for Ayesha Curry's book signing at the bookend store in ridgewood nj. . The owner Pat Boyer was so rude and nasty to the customers and fans who wanted the same experience as the customers who visited the Williams Sonoma store the day before. They were in for a great surprise. Ayesha who is not only beautiful was very personable and wonderful but the owner took away from the experience. I would encourage anyone interested in attending Ayesha's book signing to visit Barnes and nobles on sept 24th in Nyc. . I think you will have a much more positive experience not only as a fan but as a customer. read more

We've made the journey to Bookends from NY twice now for signings. Both times we had a pleasant time on the phone reserving slots and books, and we also had pleasant experiences with the staff when picking up our items. However, once we get to the signing part, that's where the pleasantness ends. The layout of the signing area isn't great. It's in a downstairs kids section, and it's oddly laid out. Before you get to the front, you can't see very much at all as you're going in a bit of a circular line with a staircase in the middle of the room. The line does move fast, but that's because they rush you once you get to the front. They want you in and out asap. It's not like other places that allow you to have a moment without feeling like you've done something wrong. Both times we were there, there was a male employee who seemed to be doing most of the rushing people through. I guess that's his job, but there's a difference between moving a line and denying people their moment after they've been waiting inside and sometimes also outside for a few hours. At this point, I'd only return if something really meant a lot to me, and only if I prepared myself ahead of time for being rushed through. After both events, I've felt bad about the experience. At my first signing, the guest wanted to give people their moment, and he was trying his best, which was very appreciated, even if we did have to have half our conversation while the guard was ushering new people up to the desk before we were done. At the second, the guest just went along with everyone being rushed, and it wasn't a good experience. I kind of wonder why they even have signings when they don't have a great space for it and are so intent on getting everyone in and out so quickly. I understand it brings in business, but it leaves a bad taste behind. read more

This store was really disappointing. All of the books are on the surrounding wall, and a few in some tables in the middle. I was expecting some more bookshelves. There're were empty cardboard boxes stacked up in front of shelves, I had to sift through them to get to the books on the wall. The girls at the front desk were rude teenagers who hid in short chairs behind the huge tall desk. It was also really dark in there. I left after a few minutes, a weird vibe was in that store and I was glad to leave. read more

I was really disappointed with how they handled this "signing" with Stassi on 4/16/2019. I waited in line at 2:30 so my girlfriend could be one of the first people in line when she got off of work. I was number 2 in line behind another really nice young girl who was getting the book signed for her mom in Florida. When Stassi got there we were shuffled through so fast that I don't think the girl in front of me got to say anything and I think my girlfriend maybe got the word "hi" out to Stassi. Then their employee took two awkward photos of my girlfriend with Stassi who was behind a desk. My girlfriend is blinking in both photos and she can't even use them :( Then we went upstairs and got our signed book. All it had in there was the her name signed in it. We came home and saw photos of other people standing with Stassi and hugging her and were really bummed. It seems like theyjust sold a bunch of books to a "signing" but all they did was sell a photo with Stassi and shoveled as many people through as quick as you could. I guess eventually she came back from behind the desk and started posing with people, but we didn't get that chance. When I think of a signing I think of getting to say hi to the author and having a quick interaction with them as they sign your book. This was nothing like that at all. My girlfriend would never say anything, but I know she was bummed. read more

Great little bookstore. It's a nice change from going to the massive barnes & nobles or borders. They have authors/celebrities come in at least once a week for book signings and you can also just buy autographed books from a large selection. read more

Book-ends is OK. I don't know how they are connected, but they manage to snare many book signings for new and popular releases, particularly from noted celebrities. Over the years I have attended many book signings - some where you could practically walk up to the author with little or no line, some where the line stretches out the door into several rows in the parking lot. For these large signings, you can say 'it is what it is'. These signings are no doubt a financial intravenous to a small neighborhood bookstore - and with a parking lot full of customers waiting outside (sometimes in cold or inclement weather) and the author slated to appear for just a couple hours, you want to shuffle as many people through the maze as you can for their 15 seconds of glory and keep everyone as happy as possible. I do have one complaint: I understand why the bookstore sells these titles at their list price. They are not a national chain. But for the recent Roger Daltrey signing on 10/25, books could only be purchased online through their website and were marked up by $6.99 each. I think that is wrong. Paying $36.99 for a $30.00 list price book is taking advantage, especially since customers could not buy books at their store for the signing. read more

I just attended the Carli Lloyd signing. First, my daughter is a huge Carli fan and waited three hours to meet her idol. We were pushed through like cattle. they make everyone buy a book who is online (including the parents escorting a minor child ) we were so rushed my daughter did not even get to say two words to her idol. shame on you Bookends read more

What a quaint, little book store! I enjoyed my visit to Bookends along with the knowledgeable, friendly staff. Can't wait until their next book-signing event! read more

Love that they have the book signings, and if you can't make it, you can always buy the book over the phone and leave your name for a personal msg or go another timebuy a generic signed copy. read more

Great Store... went there recently for a signing (Nick Carter- of BSB). All I can say is- it was the most well organized event/signing i've ever attended. Excellect store, with a very superb staff. Will def. attend more signings at this store- and hold off buying more books until I take a trip here ! This is def. a small business owner that deserves a whole lot of support. VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER! :) read more

I had the worse experience at this place....the staff was professional with that being said the owner is a whole another story and rude is an understatement. Beware if you attend a meet and greet event there..and pointless to go early thinking you want to be first online because he has his friends, family and neighbors cut the line when the event starts and then rushes your time/moment with the author or celebrity you have been waiting all day to meet..When you try and talk to the person you are there to meet, after about ten seconds he will rudely gets in your face and even pokes at you. The guy is hostile and nasty and will ruin your moment. The only good thing about the place is they let you use their bathroom. It a small privately owned book shop, it isn't like a Borders or Barnes and Noble. read more

The information on their website and weekly emails is often inaccurate and/or incomplete. When I emailed them for some clarification they did not respond in a timely manner. They are open after 600pm only one night a week. read more

Went there for the recent Chris Jericho book signing/meet and greet/photo opportunity, wasn't particularly impressed with the organization of the event. The store itself was neat, well stocked, and staff at the counter was friendly. There was a large line outside (perhaps larger than they are accustomed to- not sure, as I have not been there before), but spirits were high. The first handful of people who had waited in line came out from the signing shouting obscenities and how the signing was a ripoff. Despite that, we all gave the benefit of the doubt, considering you can't please everyone. Upon entering the building, we were ushered downstairs into a glorified basement with no ventilation and a few standing floor fans in the corners. Sadly the signing, meet and greet, and photo was literally a brief hello, hand shake, and a photo taken of the back of your head as he signed the book with his head down. Not Chris' fault at all, but the staff manning the table rushed every single attendee through rather quickly. I understand the volume of people most likely dictated the hectic pace of the signing, but left the store feeling pretty let down. Was at most a 10 second interaction at the signing table before we got ushered away. My wife and I are adults and totally understanding of an event of this magnitude, but we saw quite a few upset children and parents around us. We watched a child attempt to turn around to pose for a picture in front of the table as Chris signed his book, only for the staff to direct them to move it along as they literally ushered another person through their photo. I can understand not catering to the adult crowd, but treating children in that manner seems coldhearted and unnecessary. Again, this is all no fault of Chris'- he did the best he could with what he was given, but the whole experience was pretty disappointing. I imagine that a less popular signing at this location would be a much more enjoyable time, which is the only reason why I'd give it 2 stars. I had read quite a few mixed reviews of this establishment online prior to attending, but I assumed it was a bunch of nitpicking and wanted to give it a go myself. Sadly, this experience really will make me think twice if it's worth the time investment for a less than 10 second interaction with an author. As far as the parking situation is concerned in another review- the lot behind the store itself is VERY clearly marked as an employees only parking lot for another local business. Each parking meter has signage on it indicating it is not public parking. Yes, they still will take your quarters, but that means nothing unless you happen to be an employee of that business. There is an abundance of street parking and another parking lot connected directly to the aforementioned lot that is for the public. The parking meter attendant had a field day leaving tickets on everyone's cars, but this is definitely not the book store's fault and a quick glance at the parking meter would make that abundantly clear. read more

While I love that Bookends has all types of authors and celebrities coming through for book signings, I really wish they would have enough books on hand!!! I was there last night for the Paula Deen book signing and was once again disappointed because they had sold out of books (and it was an average sized crowd) and AGAIN had to have my autographed placed on a sticker to be placed into a book when they are restocked! And....the stickers are torn sheets from UPS! At least have a decent cut out sticker! I also was disappointed that when after purchasing a book and getting a sticker instead...waiting my turn to meet someone I admire and probably will never meet again, that when trying to say something to her, I was very rudely interrupted by the worker before I could even complete my sentence! I was trying to give Paula a beautiful compliment...not have a conversation and this man so rudely shoved me along like cattle! REALLY??? Oh...I guess the store got their money so move along!!! While I understand everyone can not take up the valuable time of the celebrity, it is the buyer and the fan that keep the store in business!! Let us finish a sentence! read more

Terrible bookstore. I ordered a signed copy of Newt Gingrich's book, "Trump's America" for a gift. I received 2 books and they charged my credit card 2x. When I contacted this store for assistance (Gingrich Productions website links to them), the owner, Pat Boyer argued with me and stated in one email, "Enough of your denial..." She/he said after I threatened to leave a bad review they would credit my account and asked me to send the duplicate book back (which I said I would do). Days later when there was no credit and I followed up (and copied Gingrich Productions) I was told I must send the book back and then I would be credited. Why should I have to pay shipping, packaging and return receipt mail for their mistake and get an attitude for my trouble? I couldn't trust the erratic behavior of Pat Boyer, so I am keeping the book but will get my money's worth copying this review everywhere I can. Don't buy a book from here or Gingrich Productions!!! Obviously both could care less about customer service. Go to Amazon or anywhere else on the planet. BTW, I read all the reviews- it's apparent that they post fake positive reviews to balance out the real ones. read more

This is truly an amazing store. Not only does it have a great selection of books for adults and children, they are best known for their meet and greets. This store has some of the hottest celebrities come in and sign their books. Past stars have included : Jose Canseco, Hulk Hogan,Peter Max,Joe Namath and the list goes on. Most of the time their is no additional charge for the autographs and also if you can't make the signing they sometimes can get a book for you. This store allows camera when allowed by the writer, overall well worth the wait in line for some of the top talent in their fields. So if your in ridgewood,stop in and check out one of their signings or just browse,you'll be happy you did. read more

Staff is SUPER accommodating, friendly and welcoming. The store itself is well organized without being stuffy. It's a fun & wonderful experience I would recommend to everyone!! read more

I showed up tonight at 8:37pm for a signing event that was scheduled to run from 7-9pm. I knew I wouldn't have much time, but it was important enough to me to rush right from work & get what time was left. As soon as I arrived, a blonde woman who was either staff or the owner blocked my path and rudely announced "we're closed." When I tried to ask why they were closing early, this woman said "we're closed" even more loudly & proceeded to shut the door in my face & lock it. No apology, no explanation, no answer to my question. The only bright side here was that I didn't spend any of my hard earned money in an establishment that clearly doesn't care about customer service or basic manners. I wouldn't go back to this store if Elvis himself rose from the dead & was signing copies of the bible. read more

I was surprised and disappointed that a book I specially ordered through them did not arrive in time for Christmas, despite being told it was not a problem. Even if they later found out it was backordered, I was shocked not to receive a call telling me so. I only found out when I reached out to them. Frankly, I would expect more from any bookstore, let alone an independent. read more

Terrible customer service. At the Madeleine Albright signing, I gave the employee $30 for a $25 ticket and he tried to play it off as if there was no change. This is after he rudely tried to make me pay for THREE tickets instead of one. When I politely asked for my change back, another employee said a "fair trade" for my change would be to come to the next bookends signings. I just nodded politely and walked away. read more

I gave them 1 star because the woman who sold me my book was nice. Otherwise, it was a disaster. Went for an autograph signing and we were herded like cattle in and down the stairs to a smelly basement. I was taking a photo of a friend getting her book signed and when I went to get mine signed after, I was man-handled by some guy who shoved me and my book out of the way. So never got to meet the celebrity I waited 4 hours in line for. And what's worse is that there was hardly anyone in line. They could have been a little nicer. Isn't this what autograph signings are about? Meeting the author? Very bad business practices for a store that prides itself on getting big names. read more

This place sucks!!!!!!!!! Not wheelchair accessible !!!!!!!!! The staff was rude and dismissive and treated me and my disabled girlfriend like crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT COME HERE!!!!!!!!! read more

I had a great experience attending a book signing here, I'm surprised to see some of the negative reviews. Before the signing, I purchased the book (which they require) through their website, using paypal. When I arrived at the store, a man greeted me at the door and pointed me in the direction of the counter to collect my book. The counter staff were very friendly. I was then told to go downstairs and get in line. Easy peasy. The signings take place basically in a basement, super no-frills. The line was orderly and snaked using barriers, so no one can creep up and cut. I waited two hours and the only thing that would've made it better is if they sold some bottled water or coffee :) The only gruff person I encountered was the author's handler, who did bark at a few people for not following directions--but I'm unsure if he was with the author or bookstore staff. Some people brought additional items to be signed but they didn't allow that, only books. The line moved very quickly. I was 30th in line and was out in about 20 minutes after the signing started. The bookstore staff offered to take pictures with our phones, and once I got home I realized the guy who took my picture took about five photo bursts so I had some good ones--way better than attempting a selfie. I will definitely come back to Bookends for a signing, great experience! read more

If your looking for a spacy bookstore with a lot of selections this isn't it. However, if your looking for a bookstore where you can meet numerous celebrities on a weekly basis and have them sign their book this it. Almost everyone big it seems has been here. From Pam Anderson to Hulk Hogan to Lance Armstrong numerous celebrities have been here and signed their books. I now live in the Washington, DC area and just had Georges St. Pierre's book signed and shipped to me. You won't get your book 40% off but to me an interaction and or autograph is worth paying a little extra for. read more