I've gone more towards digital and audible books in my older age but can still appreciate a good…read moreold locally run used book store. My wife is more old school and took me by here on a friends recommendation and as I entered the space I was transported to my childhood when I didn't have an iPad and Amazon wasn't around. I remembered how my love of reading was nurtured in places like this where I discovered Zelazny and Tolkien and Moorcock for the first time. Where I discovered a love for all things science fiction in books like Lucifers Hammer and the Uplift Trilogy. Where I read about any subject I wanted from the history of the black death to the Occult writings of Crowley, Lavey, and Starhawk. The used book stores of my day were the fertilizers of my imagination as a kid and I had in many ways forgotten, or at least allowed them to slumber like Rip Van Winkle until awoken anew by the musty smell and creaking floor boards of this new reminder. I remembered how so many of these books have been taken and then returned to in turn be passed on to future generations. It warmed my heart to know there are still places like this around that manage to make the business model work. I had largely assumed that they were all gone to be honest. The owner, Dan, was knowledgeable and able to assist my wife with some recommendations for new reads. If you go here be sure to ask about the purple bucks which are basically a a paper rewards program in the form of purple paper money you can spend at the store. Also, be sure to call ahead before going to pay a visit. Dan is semi retired and so the store could be closed. Especially on a Monday.

Great selection in little cozy library setting. Prices are great to support local. The owner is a…read morelittle different. A real experience is when the former owner, Dan strikes up a conversation.

There's something wonderful about walking through a well curated bookstore. Especially one that has…read moresome pretty nifty book adjacent gadgets like bookmarks and reading lights. It was very well staffed and they were quite knowledgeable. There is quite a range of price points even for a single book such as the Odyssey where they had about 12 different options. Anything from small print cheap soft cover to fancy illustrated hardcovers. They have some comfortable chairs where one can just relax while the spouse shops and neighboring stores. It's also the perfect temperature to relax. This will be my refuge in Stuyvesant plaza

Drove down to see the new location. Three people behind the counter, on computers, not with…read morecustomers, when I entered and not one greeted me. Their selection of classics is almost nonexistent. One round rack of Dover Classics, but nothing on the shelves except for three copies of Whuthering Heights. There was a display of the Odessy. The store is big and nicely laid out but sparse. Just mainstream selections. It's been a long time since I left a bookstore empty handed.

I love a good independent bookstore so I was excited to stop in to Market Block Books while in town…read morefor a work trip. I was searching for a local sticker for a souvenir, but I didn't see any at the bookstore. I did find some nice postcards for the city of Troy that I bought. They do have a bag surcharge so bring your tote bag. I loved the staff picks display right at the front door - lots of good options! The selection seemed to range from best sellers to local authors, kids' books, and more. The building is historic and unique, and I'm really glad I got to check it out.

Great book store location inside a corner brick factory in Troy. This book purveyor was packed with…read moreevery book, magazine, seats, pens & paper, journals, flyers, post cards and note pads you can imagine. The sections are organized by nature, poetry, marriage, history etc. This place is very bright and there are soft seats to sit in by the front windows. Needs a few more staff on site. Review: 5

I came here as part of a Yelp Elite event. I work nearby but had never noticed this place. In fact,…read moreeven after I parked I didn't see it because it was night outside. However, upon discovering it I was warmly welcomed into a whole different world of books. I should say upfront that my favorite thing to do is lay around the house and read a train magazine. Reading is my passion, and also my career. I just love it. So, finding a bookstore like this is a really nice experience. His shop focuses on old books (old paper), and as such you won't find the newest releases here. However, it is well stocked and neatly sorted and likely is what a bookstore looked like 100 years ago. Also scattered around the place are records, old board games, Lionel trains, toy cars, and other such things to delight and amuse. I spent about 5 minutes talking with the owner and his reason for running the store is very thoughtful and interesting. I will let you ask him if you want to find out what it is, but I fully support it. I can't see how he makes a lot of money on his sales, as his prices were very reasonable. In addition to the free book and toy (thanks!) he gave as part of the Yelp event, I picked out two other books and a train toy that interested me to buy. It isn't the sort of place you would visit to a lot unless you collect the classics, but it is the sort of place you go to if you want to lose a half-hour and a couple of dollars and walk away with a couple of adventures and diversions in paper form. I highly recommend the place.

Great little spot with a lot of used books, movies, toys, clothes and all kinds of stuff.read more

This is a seasonal bookstore open each Saturday during the Colonie Farmers' Market. It is open 9am…read more- 1pm. It is in the building near the pond (when facing the pond it is the first door on the left). This bookshop is run by the volunteers of the Friends of the William K Sanford Library (Colonie). All money goes to support the Colonie Library. All items are $1 with new items added each week. There is no phone inside - the phone number listed is for the library itself.

Wonderful service, everyone is so helpful and kind. It is a place to get away to, their selection…read moreof books and gifts are plentiful they don't hover but are readily available at help you find what you are looking for and show you choices. The other thing that impressed me is their customers; kind, mindful & respectful. Not a nasty person there. That in itself, in today's world, is a gift.

Love this place. I wouldn't even necessarily go there for their books (which they have a good…read moreselection of) but for their interesting toys, gifts, and cards. Need a pair of silly socks or beautiful jewelry for a friend or yourself? Then come here! If you're ever in the area just stop in and have a look around for fun.

When I walked in, I wasn't greeted, even though staff acknowledged other customers who entered…read moreafter me. I spent about 15 minutes browsing and tried to ask a question about a title I was looking for, but the response I received felt dismissive and rushed. The staff member didn't make eye contact and seemed uninterested in helping. What stood out most to me was the difference in tone and attentiveness shown to other customers compared to my interaction. I left feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome, which was disappointing because I wanted to support a local bookstore.

Such a large selection and Starbucks cafe inside. Parking is ample and the employees are helpful…read moreand plentiful! It's always a joy for our family to come and spend time in here.

Barnes &:Noble has been in decline for years. From obnoxious managers who selectively harass…read morepeople, to know-nothing clerks, blatant political displays and poor customer service. They deactivated my Nook account and voided my password because of infrequent use. Well making it harder for me to access books I BOUGHT, on a device I already OWN does NOT endear this company to me.I am getting out of digital media and will buy books online where I can get them cheaper. Buh bye Barnesy.

Love to support an independent and local bookstore, especially one that sells gifts, jewelry and…read morehas a toy and game section. I am a "Frequent Buyer" here and earn points. Stopped by for a summer read and a few items for grandkids on family vacation in RI. Hope the teens like the game I selected: True or False. See photo of all purchases today. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable! Store supports local artists and writers.

I went in to browse and found some lovely books for my grandsons and a birthday card for my sister…read more What a large assortment of stunning items for almost everyone I know. Free membership that doesn't expire. Discounted items (including book shelves of them as well) from holidays and their book selection offers. Helpful, kind present people working there. It's downtown Schenectady so street parking. (Best to go on Sunday)

great new spot in Troy! The owner is really tapped into the local scene and way way beyond and…read morethere is a carefully curated selection of oddities, classics, surprises, and more. Given the vibe and creative power, definitely a place to pay attention to for its own events and everything else you def want to know about. go pick up a cassette, a zine, or some tasty snacks.

From the owner: Monthly Magazines, Non-Fiction Music, Performing Arts, Art books. Graphic Novels, Manga, Local…read moreZines and everything in between.

The Bookmark, formerly of Newton Plaza (a theme of Newton Plaza stores is invading my brain right…read morenow from a recent trip, so anyone not from the area probably should just skip the reviews), used to be a second job for a teacher in our Shaker High, Ms. Skeals. She was an incredibly nice person, very engaging, and just all around a good teacher. She was younger than the average age I would say at our school so she taught sensibly with a much closer ear for teen tendencies, attitudes, she was just much more in tune. Anywho, occasionally I would drop by the Bookmark because it was the closest local bookstore to home if I had to purchase anything. We'd talk about movies and such, and the cover of the Bread and Tulips DVD, which that particular cover the actress reminded me a lot of Ms. Skeals, so we had what you call a laff riot over that one. It was a good film exercise/quiz before heading on to other things during the afternoon. The bookstore itself was nothing too fancy; they certainly could not cover as much ground as the huge Barnes and Noble on Wolf Road, but what could? they did not specialize in used books and comics like the Book Barn over on Delatour either, but this was an easy bookstore to navigate for the general selection of classic fiction as well as current non-fiction. And it was next to the Starbucks, the only one in the immediate area. So that was an easy one-two punch.