Golden Notebook may be small, but it's one of the most beautiful and thoughtfully curated bookstores you'll find anywhere. The selection is always excellent, the layout makes browsing a pleasure, and the staff has consistently been helpful, friendly, and genuinely knowledgeable. We've been shopping here for at least 28 years, and it remains one of the absolute must‑visit stops every time we're in Woodstock. There's something special about a bookstore that maintains its character and quality for decades, and Golden Notebook does exactly that. A wonderful independent shop with real heart -- we'll keep coming back as long as they're here. read more

Golden Notebook - Storefront - Toy Stores Near Me - Woodstock, New York

This shop harkens back to what I believe an independent book shop should be. It makes you feel like you're stepping back in time, in a GOOD way! The store is cozy with an excellent selection of books. There are no frills here, just a well-kept, organized, book shop with an excellent selection. We found some interesting reads we have never come across before for fair prices. Staff were incredibly welcoming and kind. Personal touches like this make all the difference. Check it out! Highly-recommended! read more

Cozy bookshop nestled along the main avenue in Woodstock. Walking in I felt transported to a warm New England wood-paneled cottage filled with books. Partially this was due to the normal height ceilings, partially since the layout of the building imparted a feeling of walking into the living room and family room of a forest cabin, and somehow they'd filled it to the brim, wall to wall with volumes upon volumes. Shelves of books line every wall by category, and the center of the room lower table displays hold more books, stationery and hobby items (puzzles, coloring books, etc), while standing towers display more books, greeting cards, calendars, and souvenirs. Quite the expansive selection they've managed to fit in such a small store. Walking upstairs felt like visiting a neighbor's children's room or play area. The cute, fanciful bunnies painted on the staircase endearingly invite you to see what's on the second floor with the phrase "hop on up to the little golden notebook". Upstairs a thoughtfully laid out space features books and toys on the left and a wrap-around bench hugging the length of two walls, delineating a play/reading area for young children towards the right and back. Above the bench wrapping around the walls is a gorgeous black and white mural of two children holding hands gazing out onto a nighttime mountainside in a forest surrounded by woodland animals. Loved the magical landscape created by this artwork! read more

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PROS: Great bookstore and the only one in town. Huge selection of affordable books in all genres and very nice people running the shop. Upstairs they even have a kids center for your kids to play in CONS: Normally book stores have some chairs or even a table for you to sit down at and read or skim through some books. This place didn't have that OVERALL: Despite no chairs I still find this bookstore to be absolutely amazing and will be coming back here soon read more

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While book cafés are a hotspot for readers who'd like to curl up with a favorite book and enjoy cup after cup of coffee and letting the hours tick on by in peace and quiet, Golden Notebook on Tinker St in Woodstock, isn't that place. I will mention what Golden N. is: a soothing and peaceful sanctuary for those looking for a place where you can let your mind wander by the many titles, books on politics, fashion, biographies, music of course- it's Woodstock after all, accessories and other items at reasonable prices. The inside at Golden N. has low ceilings and hardwood floors- but it's the warm, dim glow lighting that makes this bookstore perfect and intimate. There's an upstairs children's area(?)- and have book events/readings. Service is awesome and owners+employees will greet you with a smile and a 'hello'. Not the biggest, but it's THE only and iconic bookstore in town where it has strong literary connections and highlights Woodstock authors. read more

Golden Notebook - Get The Complete Set Of Unfucks - Toy Stores Near Me - Woodstock, New York

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The best part about this adorable bookshop is the stunning mural tucked upstairs on the walls of the children's book area. Walk inside and walk straight up those stairs for a glance at incredible art made from simply a Sharpie by artist Will Lytle, aka Thorneater. Would totally hire him to draw a mural in my house. 5 stars!!! read more

Golden Notebook - Toy Stores Near Me - Woodstock, New York

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Small bookstore with wonderful employees and fine selection. An example of how a bookstore can improve a community.

I read a lot, and even though you can get just about any book online, I still prefer a book in my hand. The Golden Notebook is a very cool, old-school bookstore in Woodstock, NY. For a small place they had a very nice selection of books covering all genres. If you like reading about current events or politics, the politics section was definitely more left leaning, but it's Woodstock, expecting something else would be asinine. My son and I both walked out with a book and were happy to support a small, independent bookstore. read more

Exceptional, friendly service, especially for out of state ordering. My book arrived well packaged and pristine, and without an obscene mark up that one usually finds with signed editions. A real treasure. If I can't find something local to myself, they will be my first 'go to' when I shop for books. I am very, very happy with my purchase from first sight to the grand unwrapping - Thanks again! read more

Golden Notebook - Good Omens, Signed by Neil Gaiman - (The bookplate is NOT stuck in, just placed for the photo.) - Toy Stores Near Me - Woodstock, New York

Golden Notebook is an excellent bookstore offering a surprisingly comprehensive selection of titles across most genres. It is a welcoming environment conducive to browsing. read more

Golden Notebook - Golden Notebook. Bookstore in Woodstock, NY - Toy Stores Near Me - Woodstock, New York

Helpful staff that are enthusiastic about books and reading - large and well-organized selection of all fiction, history, LGBTQ+, cookbooks, political sciences, memoirs/biographies, children's, art, and others. Center display for stories by BIPOC and women. Definitely recommend as a go-to for books in the Woodstock, NY area. read more

Amazing independent bookstore with an unbelievable selection. Must visit for book lovers visiting the area!

epically curated and thoughtful bookstore! there is a kids section upstairs with a good selection of toys, stickers and coloring books in addition to children's literature. 2 thumbs up. would also like to publicly thank golden notebook for organizing drag story hour at the woodstock library this summer. it was a thrill and just very gratifying as a community member to be able to share that with my toddler. read more

This used to be a nice indie book store, but the latest two co-owners have a mean streak, at least towards some of their customers. I was relieved to see some reviews here that corroborate that; I thought it might just be my impression. Example: I'd special ordered a new, large print, hardcover novel from the Golden Notebook and then went to their book club. During the meeting, a co-owner noted their upcoming paperback novel giveaway. I went and was second in line. They took photos of each recipient for Instagram. I am an older woman and not a beauty. The Golden Notebook posted the photos of the young woman in front of me and the young man behind me, but put a photo of a dog in my place. It hurt quite badly. Would have hurt less if no photo was posted instead. I kept telling myself that looks are not so important, that cruelty is worse. I now refrain from any contest or situation that might include a photo. The owners, Jackie & James, must have thought this was hilarious. For years, I encouraged my nephew to give me Golden Notebook gift certificates for my birthday and Christmas; he spent $100 each year on them. I praised the store to him as a nice small town book shop. My nephew assumed they would tell me about the gift certificates, since they knew me by name and I often came in the store. They never mentioned the gift certificates that were waiting behind the counter for me. Now my nephew sends me Barnes and Noble gift cards. In sharp contrast, the midtown Manhattan Barnes and Noble staff were extraordinarily kind and helpful to me. Perhaps the store co-owners favor the young and beautiful, the famous or the wealthy. It will be hard for me to set foot in here unless there are new owners. It's a shame since I like to support independent book stores. Update: I just visited an indie bookshop in PA which is all a bookshop should be. A delightful selection of quirky books as well as best sellers, a kindly, book lover owner, a pleasure to shop there. Too bad the GN lost these qualities. read more

There are two parts to this shop. One is the bookstore, which is the larger of the two spaces. It has a good general selection and seems to have a smart offering of new nonfiction and fiction. There's a little section of Catskills-related and regional books next to the checkout counter, and the section on alternative healthcare and the occult belies Woodstock's countercultural history. Next door is the children's store, which is smaller and has less of a selection. The front room features board books, early readers, and chapter books, as well as toys. The back room includes books on parenting and related topics, note cards, and other items for all ages. Because the public restrooms near the information center were locked for the winter (or weekend), I asked the proprietor of the bookstore whether it had a public restroom. There is one, and it's in the children's store. Worth supporting. read more

LOVE this bookstore. They have such a diverse collection, and that is something to be proud of. This is my new favorite book store.

It's a bookstore... it's Woodstock... it's a bookstore in Woodstock... it's a bookstore in Woodstock selling a lot of the types of books you'd want to see in Woodstock (and more, including a children's section in the back). You'll find an excellent selection on local information, travel, social and cultural awareness, various types of diversity, history, etc., but not magazines. The owners are friendly and helpful. I almost always find books of interest, even when I don't come here with specific items in mind. read more

This book store is the best!!! Friendly staff and if they don't have it, they'll get it quick. Don't go to Amazon- keep the small book stores alive! read more

Adorable little bookstore with great finds. Friendly staff and I got a bestseller that I'd wanted. Happy customer :)

I've been going to this bookstore for over 30 years. It's always sucked. Wow.... If you're going to beat the daylights out of a book, you have to discount it guys. And when I special-order a book, I really expect it to look new, not like it just came through a meat grinder. And why argue about its condition? This is like a bookstore from Monty Python: "The pages in this book are all torn." ... "No they're not." Poor selection, the standard prices you find anywhere. The main issue is that the staff is just rude. This is one of the few stores I've ever been to where the staff actually tried to rob me -- they tried to undercount my change. read more

Do yourself a favor and walk right by this place. I understand that as a shotgun bookstore, locals may depend on it for certain orders. However, if you are passing by or looking for the first time- save yourself the trouble and the anguish of the unpleasant shop owner. We were shopping around in many stores that day. This store had filled their entire display case with handmade ornaments. When we entered the store to look at the ornaments- for purchase- the shop owner, a thin women snapped at us I front of many customers. She actually said " you can't look at those" and "you can't buy those here". Well, why the #%+k did you fill your display case with them?...Especially during the holidays when people are shopping. That has to be one of the most stupid and unprofessional displays of failed entrepreneurship I've ever experienced. My husband and I own a business in FL. We understand and receive odd requests at times. There is no reason to yell at and embarrass someone in front of many people. Again, why advertise and fill your display case with something that is NOT for sale during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. More importantly, this persons lack of etiquette and horrible demeanor are the reasons I beg you to NOT VISIT THIS STORE. read more

Adorable book shop that really compliments the town! I stopped in here on a vacation and stayed in there looking at books for a while. The books are a little expensive though- but they're all new so it's what one would expect. I think adding a little used books sections would be a cool idea! The staff is really friendly though and there's a good community that visits it read more

Good service. It's really nice to see a thriving local bookstore anywhere, and this one is hip and will always interest me with the books it contains. read more

Book store with books from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. Awesome owners and staff that acts like owners. You can't find anywhere that cares like they do. Love this place. Also has a great little community area too for guest events . read more

Just passing through on the holiday weekend, up from Brooklyn, and pleasantly surprised by this place. For a little shop in a sleepy mountain town, the selection was surprisingly cool and well-curated. We got a bunch of graphic novels like "Dream Gang" and some Clarice Lispectors I hadn't seen before. Would definitely come back next summer. read more

I love this beautiful little bookstore! It is the only place I ever buy my books! If they don't have a book I want they happily order it for me!The staff is extremely helpful and even make suggestions when I am looking for gifts. I highly recommend this local business! read more

Fine selection. Helpful, intelligent staff. Good vibe. It's what a great neighborhood bookstore should be.

I love this book store. While the don't have all the books that a big box store has the books they do have are the ones i am interested in. I love to browse in a small book store. If they do not have what i want they order it for me read more

Such a wonderful Bookstore, fabulous selection, charming and knowledgable staff, such a wonderful vibe.

Excellent selection, great atmosphere and friendly and knowledgeable staff. As a frequent book buyer with too many books at home, I'm always pleasantly surprised to discover something that I'd missed. Exactly what you're looking for as your local bookstore or as a visitor passing through. read more

At any given time you can enter this wonderful store and be greeted by the most knowledgable and friendly staff. There have been occasions when I've been in to store where customers are looking for an item that may be sold out or not shelved and the staff is eager to find and order whatever that patron was looking for. That is the ultimate in customer service in my book. TGN is a gem and we are lucky to have it in our community ! read more

I buy all my books at The Golden Notebook. The staff are wonderful at recommending books I like and if I want something they don't have, they will order it for me. I love it here!!! read more

Amazing little bookstore, every book was 20% off! Friendly staff that was more than willing to make sure you got the perfect book!

One of my favorite all-time bookstores. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. They also have some amazing events.

Super friendly staff that was very knowledgable about the selection, made great recommendations, and even gave us some fun spots to visit in the area. The bookstore itself is a treasure trove of awesome finds, left with 5 books and had to pry myself away from the shelves. Do yourself a favor and go check it out!!! Def going back ASAP ! read more

I am a full-time Woodstock resident and can't say enough good things about The Golden Notebook. An enthusiastic, smart staff full of avid readers, a pleasant atmosphere (no matter how busy they are) and a slew of exciting events there on a more than weekly basis make this my favorite bookstore *anywhere.* This is what an independent bookstore should be and we are so lucky to have this treasure in our town! read more

If I could give this place one star I absolutely would. The staff are friendly to certain customers. I'm a local who has given this bookstore more than one chance, but after yesterday's experience, am driven to review it. The man behind the register once again did not say hello when me and my elderly mother walked in. When a young man walked in much later, he loudly welcomed him and they began a conversation. Not once did he ask if we needed help, but he went out of his way to help the young man who was looking for a single book. I ended up buying nearly $100 in products, at which point he asked me whether I needed a bag. Seeing that I wasn't wearing a tote bag, it would appear so! This is the most ungrateful, unprofessional bookstore. Night and day from the way one is treated at Inquiring Minds Bookstore in Saugerties where they learn your name and are gracious and appreciative of customers. For an indie bookstore in a tiny town, the customer service at Golden Notebook is DEPLORABLE. Or, there is only customer service for certain shoppers. Will take my business elsewhere. read more