This is an amazing independent bookstore that my friend introduced me to. Outside the store is this really nice wall with a drawing that a lot of people on social media seems to be sharing a photo of. I am so glad to finally got a chance to visit back in February. It is smaller than some bookstores but definitely has a lot of books. I love that there are some staff recommendations all around and they are pretty much equipped with a wide range of selections -- from the classics to modern fiction. I like that the genres are well organized and that they have genres such as travel, cooking, and history. The children's area is very nice and I like that there is a shelf there for YA novels. They also have some things that are not books such as cards and mugs. Very cute! I hope to come back once this COVID is over. read more

Books Are Magic is a deeeeelight, and probably my favorite bookstore in all NYC, particularly for all the author events they hold throughout the year (I find it way more "me" than the Strand, for one). The layout is spacious and airy, and the book selection is so carefully and lovingly curated that it's clear they really have a good grasp of whom their readers are. I've been to many events at Books Are Magic, and am always impressed by the thoughtful questions and awesome snacks/bevs available. Emma Straub has created such a terrific literary destination here! read more

Omg amazing! Friendly staff - lots of choices - not your average bookseller! Lots of merch to choose from too! Worth a trip from Dallas to Brooklyn!! read more

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There is absolutely nothing negative I can say about this bookstore. Paid a visit on my most recent trip to New York (just got back today) and I fell in love! Such a cute little bookstore with an amazing selection of all kinds of books. Plus they have the cutest merch ever (that I, of course, had to bring back home with me). Will definitely be visiting again whenever I find myself back in New York! read more

Books are Magic is a wonderful little reading haven I'm Cobble Hill. It sets the standard for small, local bookstores. The books are so well curated. I can easily browse the main tables and features shelf and get a good feel for the best books of the season. I can't afford to buy all these books, so often I get library book ideas from their featured books. In fact, I think 90% of my to read list comes from here. (Don't worry, I buy books here for myself and also stock our work library with purchases from BAM.) I also want to note Books Are Magic is very active with events. I think there's often a reading or talk by authors and illustrators at least 4x a week, if not everyday. I've been to a handful but need to attend more. Finally, it is partially women-owned (maybe half? Not sure), so all the more reason to shop here. Happy reading! read more

The staff are very unwelcoming and obnoxious and the selection is limited. I love supporting small businesses but this one was definitely a let down. read more

Love this local store! Bookstores really say a lot about the neighborhood it serves, and this one is a great example! It has its characters and I enjoyed reading their staff's handwritten notes for the books they love. It shows me, a tourist and a bookworm, a side of Brooklyn I'm hoping to experience. read more

This is a great indie neighborhood bookstore. There's a great selection of bestsellers and unknown niche books for every taste. The staff are friendly, it's accessible and the mural on the side of the building is gorgeous. A lot of the books are signed too! Which is always a fun find when you stumble upon a signed copy of something. I definitely recommend to any book lover to make the trip out to Brooklyn to check out this bookstore. read more

Books Are Magic - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Beware! Books are magic sells books that have been misprinted (missing 65 pages!) but will not take accountability for faulty merchandise because I no longer had the receipt. The manager was unhelpful, and condescending. Reordered same book - from Amazon. read more

I really like this bookstore. It's deceptively large and I never walk out empty handed. The staff is always friendly and helpful (as if they don't hate being there, which I appreciate) and they have cool events and speakers. I love walking down Smith street and seeing the colorful "Books are Magic" wall mural- I can never resist going in ! read more

Buying books online has sadly made me miss out on this beautiful place for embarrassingly too long. If you're already out there in the market for books, do yourself a favor and take an afternoon to come here. You'll be surrounded by fellow book lovers, adults and kids alike. I overheard one kid with a slightly raised voice saying to her parents, "CAN I GO READ NOW?" And I really felt that in my soul. I would've done the same to my parents. The bookstore is filled to the ceiling with books separated by section - non-fiction, fiction, essays, poetry, cooking, science fiction, history, etc., and there's even an NYC section. On the shelves there are little tags placed on the edges letting you know about upcoming events relevant to the authors in the section you're looking at, which is pretty cool because they're making sure people are aware of events specific to their interests. I like it. In the back, a large portion of the space is for kids (and a place for kids to read), but there's also a cooking section, young adult section and art & design section. Plus Books Are Magic bags/gifts/etc. My only disappointment is that there isn't a place to sit and read, but that's understandable with how busy this place is. I'll be back, no doubt. You'll feel the same when you go here, too. read more

Books Are Magic - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I really liked this bookstore! First of all, there was this really nice (more than smiling and actually beaming) clerk/owner wandering around asking people if they needed help and it seemed as though she had read all of the books people had questions about. Second, they had a very nice little reading area for kids, which took up a fair amount of space. The whole vibe was very good overall; a humorous aside was that they had covered "Fire and Fury (the book about Trump's White House) so DJT's photo was not visible. When asked about this, she replied " we're sensitive to the possibility we might upset our customers and are proactively helping them to exercise self-care". It seemed a bit much to me but I thought it was funny that people might be triggered so easily. Definitely a reflection of the left leanings of the customer base/surrounding community. read more

Books Are Magic - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

What a lovely store, I wish it were in my neighborhood! I have no idea how book stores can hack it these days, but it's great to see new ones actually open. I was here killing time before a movie at the Cobble Hill theater and ended up buying several books as gifts. They have amazing events (check out the board) and signed copies for sale. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Check them out! read more

This place is wonderful. It is a pleasure to support this independant bookstore. Such a wonderful array of books. Everyone is very pleasant. Such a gem in the neighborhood. It is actually much larger than i thought it would be. They also have events, so its good to check the front door often. read more

One of my favorite bookstores in the world. Amazing recommendations, helpful staff and a great atmosphere for browsing. They also have a wonderful children's section that I have frequented as an early ed teacher. Can't recommend this place enough, it really is magic! read more

Review for Online Order: I purhcased a few items from Books Are Magic online and they unfortunately came a bit damaged. I was pretty upset about it, so I messaged Books Are Magic to ask what could be done. They offered me either 15% off my order or I could send the items back for a replacement. I ended up going with the second option, but Books Are Magic was SO KIND and chose to just send me new items without having to send the originals back. Thank you Books Are Magic for a splendid customer service experience! Supporting independent bookstore and authors is so important! read more

A fantastic independent bookstore. Well stocked with books, courteous staff, clean, and well lighted. It's a popular bookstore with readings and such after 7pm. Selection seems to lean towards literature and children's books predominately, but also a range of other genres with good selections. I would rate this store as the gold-standard for independent bookstores! read more

The people who work here are helpful. And super positive and friendly. I like the positive vibes here. I was able to purchase a book and warm up from the artic chill outside. It was right next to Painted Pot. How convenient! read more

What a fun locally owned bookstore! I throughly enjoyed this very well organized place with suggestion cards from the bookstore employees all over the place. They also have events here that includes book signings, talks, etc quite frequently if you check online before you go. I think this place is a must visit when you're in cobble hill/ Brooklyn heights area. The perfect stop with great curated selections! read more

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Came here back in December to look for some books for my nieces for their Christmas. Didn't see much that caught my eye that I thought would be good for them at first but then came across "The Nutcracker in Harlem" and purchased it for both of nieces to read and enjoy. Very friendly and helpful staff that even gift wrapped the book for me without an extra charge. Definitely a recommend for book lovers out there. read more

I go to a bookstore because I like browsing physical books. Its the same reason I go to market. I can touch and feel things and buy what I like. But bookstores get stale if all of them stock the same books, which is why I go to independent bookstores. And by that measure, this one sure is good. This might just be the way my eyes went round the room, but I felt they had a good (not large, but good) collection of psychology-related books among others. Also, I saw a 'melt the guns' tote bag, which was very interesting. Its a short walk from home for me and it makes it competition for my preferred bookstore Greenlight - which is in the opposite direction. read more

It's true: Books are Magic. I had the pleasure of being in this space last Friday night for a seated reading. It was lovely! I'm going to as many readings as I can here this summer because it's a fun way to experience books come to life--and if that's not magical, I don't know what is. Books are Magic is little over a year old and occupies the same physical space as the much beloved Community Bookstore, in residence for 35 years. I think I sensed a slight CB's vibe when I visited BaM on Friday--that feeling of nothing quite compares to reading or being read to, except for maybe having a nice glass of wine on hand while either or both happen. The design of the shop, outdoors and in, heavily features Millennium Pink. (ICYMI: pretty much on point with every special edition Adidas sneaker worn last summer.) Don't freak out or roll your eyes. It's not polarizing. In fact, I found the color soothing. Turns out that sports teams and inmates do, too. Not even kidding! I didn't have the time to browse the shop post event as I had another thing to get to but I did note a robust children's book section, clearly curated to reflect the real world we live in which happens to be diverse. I know we live in Brookland, where unicorns are common, but somehow, practicing diversity in curation isn't always what happens. It should. It should be common and not exceptional. So 10,000 stars, Books are Magic, for your clear curation that makes diversity in literature, nbd. I can't help but think of our pal Leontes, in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, who exclaims "If this be magic, let it be an art lawful as eating." So here for that. See you soon! read more

This is a really cute neighborhood bookstore, an amenity I no longer enjoy, sadly, since moving away from my home borough of Brooklyn. Even though the owners hold what I would consider to be pretty obnoxious left wing political views, I won't hold that against them in this review. To be perfectly honest, my interactions with the owner and staff were nothing if not exemplary. I came in 2 days ago to purchase a copy of The Great Divorce. When they learned of my request, they bought a copy and put my name into their system. I was able to retrieve it earlier this afternoon. It's a very cool , quaint bookstore which I'm sure the people around Gowanus enjoy thoroughly. I'd recommend anyone in the area pay a visit. read more

Could not possibly be more trendy or aesthetically pleasing! This place is a must-visit with all the coolest and latest books, but it is never pretentious. Come for your Instagram and for your soul. read more

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I could gush for days about this brilliant, independent, local bookstore in Brooklyn! I bought some books for myself and some books as gifts. I also couldn't resist buying one of their shirts. They have an incredible selection and something for everyone! I'm both a huge supporter of bookstores and of supporting local business. You bet I'll be going back next time I'm in NYC! PS - I highly recommend following their Instagram :) read more

Books Are Magic - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Fantastic book selection and a generally friendly staff that has great recommendations. The store is logically laid out so that people tend to be spread out. Our young one also loves going there and it seems to help inspire him to read more. I love to also support a local business and highly recommend this place. read more

Just like the name says this place is like a magic land. If you are in this area plz visit and support your local beautiful neighborhood businesses. When you walk in you will think this is a small bookstore but keep walking to the end and it's going on and on. Staff is very friendly and ambience is great. At the last room there is a small area for kids where you can sit down with young kids and read books. Please visit and I promise you will love it. Highly recommended place to spend your valuable time. read more

Such a nice place in the neighborhood! It's more than a "store". My kids and I really enjoy coming here: the book selection is amazing, the staff is always friendly and the space is warm and welcoming! And Great Thing: They often have speaker and authors coming to the store :) read more

A true neighborhood gem. Wonderful staff. Once, I spent 30 minutes just chatting with a staff member about their recommendations for me based on my favorite books. I just finished reading that list of 8 books. I love the stories and authors they introduce me to and, whenever I go into the store, I feel peaceful and energized. Thank you, Books are Magic! read more

Very helpful - they obviously love what they're doing. One person was helping, then 2-3 more joined in. Made the experience very easy and memorable. read more

The best bookstore in New York. So beautiful, such a large selection of great books, and such great recommendations. There is a an awesome couch in the lower level where the (massive!!!) kids sections is too. Natural light everywhere SO many author events as well. read more

Books Are Magic - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Love this book store, I'm able to find a new book to peak my interest every time I step foot inside!

Great store awesome selection. I always come with 4 kids- 3 older and 1 in a stroller and of course the books are so good the big kids start running in and the staff always, always sits there and watches me struggle getting the stroller in the door by myself. Always. read more

If you've been, you don't need me to tell you this place is the best. They know their product, and their name says it like it is.

I'm not going to say it better than anyone else. This is an amazing bookstore. Don't take my word. Check it out!!

I love this book store so much! The employees are so kind and the collection is amazing. They have so many great events, too!! Highly recommend! read more

This place is a bit of an oasis in NYC when it comes to fun and warm bookstores. Easily accessible location in Brooklyn. They have a really good curated selection of fiction, non-fiction and literature for kids. They have a spot for families to chill for a few and check out books. The vibe of the place is friendly, inviting and calm. Getting there for one of their invited author events is a real plus! read more

A delight and privilege to have such a well "curated" and well stocked independent bookstore in an age where, thanks to places like Books Are Magic, at last they're rising once again. The author events are world class and staff is kind and knowledgeable and that place itself is full of warmth and literary charm. read more

I live in Denver and when I visited my sister last month in Brooklyn, this place was on my "must visit" list. I so wish this store were near my house! First, the place is adorable. There are obviously lots of book shelves, but they have some nice gifts as well. It's hard not to look cluttered in a book store, but this place manages the feat. The staff were friendly and helpful. I love the cozy feel of this store. I love that they have signed books for sale and a nice collection of what's new, featured and recommended books. I wound up getting a book that I've had on my "must buy" list for awhile, but can never find in person and a sweatshirt. I'm a big fan and I'll definitely be back next time I get out to NYC! read more

This place really is magic. I was so sad to see court street books leave the neighborhood, but really happy when books are magic place popped up instead. They have kids book authors and story telling on the weekends, book signings almost daily and author talks. We mostly spend time in the back reading the children's books and I let my son take home one book every visit to support the store. They have a curated section of staff picks which I've always enjoyed and a new subscription service I'm now considering. Staff is friendly the space is really inviting. Stop by and support your local business! read more