I was so relieved to see a useful establishment open up in my neighborhood! So I finally went shopping here last night and was extremely impressed. First of all, the browsing experience is wonderful, with bright hardwood floors and a staff that actually smiles. Their overall selection is impressive, and spread out to avoid that claustrophobic feel so many book shops seem to have. I'm glad they don't have a cafe, which is overdone and rarely done well. It also leaves more space for books, which is why most of us come in here in the first place. Thanks Greenlight for making the neighborhood a little brighter and my wallet a little lighter. read more

Sometimes I feel like a tourist in my own city. I get lost, I'm scared to ride the bus, and sometimes on Saturdays when the day is beautiful and the weekend is bright, I am without ideas and uninspired to do anything. Greenlight Bookstore caters to people like me. They have a varied selection of local New York interest. If I want to take a walk, they have New York guide books dedicated to walks off the beaten path. If I feel like gazing at street art and don't feel like visiting the gritty parts, they have huge heavy picture books immortalizing just that. And if I'm feeling all alone and like a stranger to NYC, I'm reminded that at one time all the famous New Yorkers were new to the city as well. I saw a book of New York memoirs and even found out that Greenlight Bookstore hosts many author/editor publicity events just like the big dawgs at Barnes. I assure you, with the space at Greenlight, they will be more intimate. Greenlight Bookstore is keeping the independent spirit alive in Fort Greene. The selection for each genre isn't large but it's all quality. if you're looking for the latest NY Times bestseller, they have that and a few other books that are pretty interesting as well. They have a nice stationary section and excellent cards. I bought two from the fomato display. I only have two complaints about Greenlight. One is that the cookbook, travel guide, and self help section sits in the dark in the back corner. There was a standing lamp plugged in but it provided terrible illumination. I love food, Lonely Planet and soul seeking but if I'm going to be squinting, I'm not going to linger long. It's bad for the eyes. Also, I had an awkward exchange with the register. The girl thought I wanted comics but I had asked her if they take Amex. Yes, they take Amex. It took awhile to figure out but they do. I had a great time browsing at Greenlight Bookstore. I walked in aimlessly and walked out feeling productive and with a renewed love for NYC. Yay Brooklyn! read more

The bookstore filled a real need when it arrived in Fort Greene. And I really enjoy the store's layout. The open space and bright lighting make it a visually appealing space. But I've routinely found the staff to be disinterested. If I'm going to pay a higher price than at Amazon, it's because I feel a loyalty to the business. But in the handful of times I've been to the store, I don't think an associate has asked if I needed help or even been particularly appreciative/friendly when I made a purchase. If the store improved the customer experience, I would really enjoy it. read more

This is my go to bookstore. I don't usually buy books, I'm a big library nerd, but if I have to, I go here. I like to support local, but in addition to that I love that they have tons of events free of charge. I have attended their non fiction book clubs, which are always fun. I also have gone to their educators night where you hear about new books coming out and get free swag to bring back to your schools, and I have gone to authors talks. Sometimes they even have celebrities hosting the talk. Overall, I try to support this bookstore whenever possible because it is a staple to the community. There is a great selection, prices are reasonable, but they do so much good for the community. I'd highly recommend looking up their "events" section on the calendar, choosing one and attending. I always leave there more in love with Brooklyn and the Fort Greene community. They are also dog friendly which is a bonus! read more

I was really happy I was able to stop by today for the official opening. I was well-charmed by the clean, wide, spacious feel of the store - it feels like a real home for both books and the people who love them. Unfortunately, time was scant and I didn't browse for long, but the titles I saw were well selected, with a great range on design, food and of course, up and coming fiction. Since it's only five subway stops away, I'll definitely be back. Now if only they'd add a coffee nook (hint, hint). read more

This bookstore has the perfect selection for me. I swear, it has books that I thought were a tiny bit obscure, but they stocked multiple copies here! The staff were really friendly and the place has good vibes. I'll be back for sure. read more

The bar is high for a task that's straightforward: be a reliably amazing resource for books, community and events in a literary city full of writers. Greenlight makes it look easy. read more

Hooray! After much anticipation on the interwebs, Greenlight is now open for business in a beautiful space, with lots of wood and windows, and the nicest staff you'll meet this side of Fulton Street. I'm a little worried that the strollers are going to take over, but it's Brooklyn--what do you expect? Staff book picks (on the shelf to the left of the register) are 15% off and I love the New Yorkiana section all along the front. I don't have tons of spending money at the moment, but I feel so good supporting them, and not big bad Amazon! read more

A big shoutout to what Fort Greene was missing! A literary oriented independent bookstore in a beautiful space across from Habana Outpost... Official opening is on Saturday October 24 but they are already open -cash only until next week... read more

Greenlight Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Ugh, I knew there was a reason I regularly make the trek to Greenpoint to shop at WORD. I pre-ordered a book online. When I went to pick it up a few days later, I decided to buy another book as well. At the counter, I told the staff member checking me out that I had pre-ordered a book. He seemed momentarily confused. And indifferent. I can't quite explain it except to say that it was an incredibly awkward transaction, and I left with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm giving you business---can you at least pretend to care? Come to discover that the book I picked up at the store had a section missing. I called to let them know. Of course I want to come pick up another copy, but more important (to me at least), I used to work for that book's publisher, and I didn't want anyone else to buy a defective copy. I must have spoken to the same guy. He did not seem concerned in the least and I hung up the phone wishing I didn't have to go back. These aren't major issues, but I've had such positive experiences with friendly, interested staff at other indie bookstores in the city that I was really disappointed. I mean, I just never thought I'd feel so uncomfortable and unwanted buying books. read more

My wife and I make it a point to stop by Greenlight when we're in Brooklyn. We try to buy books from different cities to take home to our kiddo while we're traveling and Greenlight one of our favorite stops. We were also able to pick up an autographed copy this last time around. We spend most of our time in the children's section (my wife is an early childhood teacher) but we also wander through the other books. It feel like a local, indie bookstore, but they've got a great selection and staff to guide us to the books we didn't know we needed to know about. read more

It's so easy to fall in love with bookstores and Greenlight is an easy target. Nestled in the adorable Fort Greene, the Greenlight is a quiet haven for reading and exploring. A warm, happy place, the tables are stocked high with paperback favorites, New York-related books, and coffee table reads. The store is well stocked with all the current fiction favorites, providing staff recommendations as well. The staff is great, always around to check and see if a book is in stock. They have a wide range of books and a great selection but they will help you if you can't find something you want. They also have a deal for every $200 you spend, they give you $10. They keep your name on file and add your purchases each time you come in. A great idea for customer loyalty! read more

I love this book store. They have an excellent selection of books for such a quaint bookstore. It totally feels like Brooklyn inside and out. While some of the more niche books the may not stock the bend over backwards to order it for me. Sweet. I also like the listing of featured author they have in and out of there store for signings and conversations. It's great to have a store like this in the neighborhood. It feels good supporting a local bookstore. read more

A really great addition to the neighborhood. This is the antithesis to the Barnes and Nobles of the world. The proprietors obviously take a lot of car on selection and presentation. Sometimes when you go into a bookstore the only thing on the tables are well-worn classics and a new release section - this bookstore has all kinds of interesting books. This is the kind of place that even if you don't have anything in mind there is a ton well-chosen, interesting, eclectic books that you will want to pick up. And as everyone notes - the New York section is incredible. I've been to some of the events (i.e. local resident Jhumpa Lahiri read, etc) and its just an incredible meeting place for some of the literary talent in Central Brooklyn and its always awesome to see the mixed crowd, people of all stripes, come out and buy books. Its places like this that make Ft Greene such a desirable neighborhood to live in... read more

I definitely welcome this sort of culture popping up in the neighborhood, especially after watching the Community on 7avenue decline because of their little ambition to boost morale in the readers' community as they had in the past. This bookstore is cozy and conscious enough to leverage the readers' community. If I suggest some more things they can improve, 1) the selection of their books seems a bit inconsistent and the shelves they have are not well organized for potential customers to spot what they look for before they possibly get tired and leave before they find/ask anyone especially when it is crowded. 2) The store should have its strong suits. When asked, what would this store answer to be theirs? I could not really make out what except this to be another independent store in the area. They should prepare the answer before the current feature--their newness in the hood-- will wear off and no longer represent the store. 3) This place is not for those who want to sit down and read a bit before making their mind up to purchase an item. Also, it can be very crowded when they have just a few people walk around at once. read more

A nice neighborhood bookstore. Not huge, but they have some very interesting books. A lot of local NY-centric literature, but my favorite section were the cooking/food books (though they're not very organized). Obviously, prices aren't gonna beat Amazon, but it's always good to support local businesses. Staff is also friendly. read more

Cute typical hipstery bookstore. Kinda generic, but what do you want in a bookstore? Character? No, you want books. Selection is mostly good--but not a lot of backlist titles and tons and tons of the same books taking up room on the tables in the main room. So there's fifty copies of LITTLE BEE and no copies of SAUL AND PATSY. Etc. But again, that makes sense in a bookstore. There's just not much room for a big backlist. Also, basically no genre fiction. As always, romance novels and SF/fantasy has no place here, in the main. read more

I love this bookstore. Greenlight has the perfect combination of a big, sensibly organized collection of books PLUS a top-notch events calendar. The biggest, boldest names in writing are sure to drop in for an evening event at least once, and you are highly encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the reading starts to even be able to get through the door. I'm not speaking from an unbiased place, but still: one of the best contributions you can make to your own life and to the life of literature itself (!) is to stop ordering your books from Amazon and start ordering them through Greenlight. read more

I hadn't realized I hadn't reviewed this bookstore yet - I'll make this one short & sweet. I really love the space here - always find myself browsing around forever, but I only think I've ever bought one book. That is probably because my main motivation for stopping in is always their greeting card selection. I've purchased many a birthday card, holiday card, new baby card, and even postcard at Greenlight. Their selection is really interesting and contains a lot of Brooklyn-inspired cards as well. My most successful Christmas card was found here this past December, if that gives any indication. They have a lot of events here - it's worth checking their calendar or joining the mailing list. They also have a frequent customer program - all they need is your email (just as ID, not to send you anything), and once you hit a certain amount spent, you get something in return. Unfortunately, it's been a while since they explained it to me, so I can't remember how much you have to spend, nor what amazing treat you receive when you get there. But apparently it was enough to entice me, who rarely buys more than cards! Check it out next time you're here. read more

I'd heard of greenlight since I follow most of the social media for Brooklyn Heights but I had no I des it was smack dab right there. I spotted while trying to kill time before grabbing cupcakes down the street and I was really impressed by a few things. 1) autographed copies of books (how nice if them to have the author sign extra copies for people who couldn't make the signing!) 2) extremely knowledgable staff (the guy I chatted with seemed to know a detailed description of every book on the shelf) 3) The sale rack, the book I ended up buying (and loving) was $3! Ill be back! read more

I love this store. Really well-curated selection (I can spend an entire afternoon going through their recommended picks and wish I had more money and time to read them all). Perfect size and efficient layout, friendly and helpful staff, and not corporate. They probably won't have Dean Koontz and Tom Clancy but I consider this a good thing. They have books by authors I actually want to read (is that pretentious to say? So be it). Definitely check out their cookbook/food writing section. Excellent and tasteful picks from indie chefs that are doing really cool things with food. It's one of my favorite areas of the store. read more

This is the kind of independent bookstore you move to New York City to shopping. The selection is amazing and their community events are stellar - I know a family who come in from New Jersey for their author readings. The children's section is small but my kids have always found something, and they always have a selection of unique indie-published books or I can always find something I never knew I was looking for. A gem read more

This place has everything you want in an independent bookstore: passionate, knowledgable staff, heavy roster of author readings and signings, local interest and lots of titles from small presses including Melville House, Grey WolfPress, Europa Editions, etc. something about the way all of these elements combine at Greenlight makes it one of my favorite bookstores in the city. It's such a joy to browse the books in an open space full of natural light - no dark, crowded and cramped aisles here. If you're thinking of attending any of the events you'll need to get there early - space fills up and sometimes you can't even get in the door. read more

A shiny new bookstore, that's not...a Barnes & Noble or Borders? In the Amazon dot com age? In Fort Greene, no less? It's not possible, is it? Indeed it is. Spacious, pleasant, brightly lit and independent, this is an oasis of bound paper in the age of information clutter and overload. Bravo for pulling it off, and making an actual contribution to the community. read more

Beware!  I was at BAM this afternoon and browsed the annex of Greenlight and saw a "signed copy" of a book that is on my list to read.  Instead of taking it out of the library or finding a less expensive retailer, I decided to buy it because it was stamped as a sign copy.  When I got home, it turned out to not be a signed copy.  The bookstore said that I can come in and exchange it for a signed copy but I explained that I live upstate and I do not come to Brooklyn often (unfortunately) and they would not do a mail exchange.  I was told it was a "mistake" - which of course it is and I told them that mistakes need to be addressed and putting a book out that is stamped signed copy when it is not is deceptive and since it got me to buy the book, it is fraud.  I was told that I was incorrect about this.  My credit card company is going to dispute the charge since I did not get what I paid for.  I am thinking that this might be a good store for browsing but not a good store to actually purchase items from. read more

T'was a balmy and foggy Halloween when me and Spiderman walked out of the rain, away from bats and cats and scary masks and cardboard boxed people; away from BAM's entertaining but extremely over-crowded Halloween festival and into a minty fresh experience at the very peaceful Green light bookstore. In this delightful book haven, we found: Warm and friendly customer service, eager to give away all their Halloween candy; An extraordinary book selection that we're dying to peruse for hours, again and again; Toys, toys and dare I say actually fun, learning toys. When Spiderman took it upon himself to pick one up in honest interest, I almost froze in disbelief; An air of true Brooklyn love. read more

This is everything that I want a bookstore to be: clean, cozy, bright, well laid out, laid back and, obviously, a great selection of books! With my belly full from a delicious meal(that's a whole 'nother review) on a cold late-winter's day, this was the perfect place to pop in to warm up for a bit and, well, read about more food! I love this little neighborhood bookshop, they've got the classics, the new stuff, the local stuff, the kiddie stuff, and enough cookbooks to satisfy one's food porn needs for the day. The shopkeepers seem friendly and helpful, but also keep their distance to let you browse. They always have interesting little events that I haven't yet attended, but hope to in the future. Dont' miss this gem of a shop-close proximity to all things delicious at neighboring Smoke Joint!! read more

This bookstore is everything you look for in a bookstore -- a place for community activities, literary or not; a place where the staff is knowledgeable; a place that supports and highlights local authors; a place with a charming aura; a place where people would make fun of my suspect/liberal interpretation of grammar rules. Check out their calendar for awesome events read more

An Indie Bookstore that Does a great job Of organizing blog worthy events. read more

A cool store in the right place at the right time. I wandered in here while wasting time before a nearby appointment. It was a cute quaint little place. They had unique cards and standard books. I was happy that while perusing the stacks on the table that I found something that peeked my interest. I decided I'd snag it since I want local book stores to survive in the face of Amazon and all it's power. Sorta stinks to pay $18.00 for a book that I found online when I got home for $7.00... ugh!! At least I'm helping a local business survive. How very Brooklynish of me. read more

No zizek, no lacan, no philosophy section. no dream story, bad selection of houellebecq, dozens of copies of obama book.

Considering the amount of money I've given them through online sales, I thought I should check out their shop while in NYC this past weekend. This is a charming, little independent bookstore. The staff is super friendly. The store itself is puppy friendly. And their inventory is book-collector-friendly; it looked like they had had every big name author in their shop in the last year as evidenced by the seemingly endless supply of autographed copies on their shelves. I am envious of anyone who lives near this shop. To ensure that it's still there for my future NYC visits, I implore you to support local and check out this gem. read more

I love Greenlight! Happy 5 Year Anniversary! Great author event series and really beautiful, well curated collection. It's easy to pass a few hours here and feel like you've seen everything. I've seen a few great authors here, especially Anthony Doerr and Emily St. John Mandel. Because of their events, the store has a great selection of signed books and signed first editions. Staff picks are at a reduced price, so if you're looking for a deal, you can sort of find one here. It's not Amazon, so you should feel good about spending a little extra on these books. You can see the people (authors, booksellers, store owners) they support. Shop local this holiday and always. Let's keep Greenlight around for at least another 5 years -- if not more! read more

Greenlight shuns the overly-crowded dark and musty aesthetic that characterizes so many indie bookstores in favor of an open, bright and organized approach, and I love it! You can find anything you're looking for and it's always hard to leave without something you didn't know you even wanted. I love their staff picks section (15% off) and the fiction tables in the center of the room for easy, curated browsing. Greenlight also does a fantastic job with author events and book launches. It's a small space, but it makes the most of it and doesn't feel too crowded (except when it IS really crowded and it's the middle of August). read more

This place is definitely a nice soothing environment for serendipitous browsing. Due to lack of space probably, this indie bookstore doesn't carry as varied of a selection as I see from B&N or Borders, but there is definitely a great selection in terms of exploring New York books.. and from what I can see, there is a robust community event aspects to this bookstore. The people who work in this story are definitely courteous, and can specifically place orders for any customers.. so for the rapidly declining indie bookstore, definitely check this place out, if you're a fan for bookstores. read more

Absolutely love this place! Knowledgeable, passionate staff, and great events! Better for fiction and finding new novels to read- wouldn't recommend for nonfiction research. read more

This little bookstore is a neighborhood staple. It's sweet - bright and small and filled with hipster moms reading to toothy kids in the children's section in the back. Daryl helped me the other day. I was looking for a copy of a book a colleague had recommended when she popped up from behind a low shelf stacked with Staff Picks. She cracked jokes and I cracked up and then she found my book and recommended another novel by an author she thought to have a similar writing style. Staff is so well spoken and memurish. Fabulous. Also - check frequently bc they host lots of readings and signings of interesting writers. read more

Good store to buy books, staff is friendly and willing to help. You can fine books from local authors. Poetry section on sunday is very nice. read more

Such a great bookstore, with kind and helpful staff! There was a book I was looking for as a last minute gift that I could not find anywhere, even Barnes and Noble. I checked greenlight's website and they had it! I called and they placed the book on hold. When I arrived it just felt like a very open and bright atmosphere, and very orderly. An employee greeted me and helped right away by showing me additional books that would make great gifts. Upon checking out, the employee asked if I wanted the book wrapped! I was so surprised by this and love that they do this with any additional cost. It was so pretty too, brown paper packaging with an emerald ribbon tied around it. I will definitely be coming back here! read more

So happy to have one of the best indie bookstores ever right in my own neighborhood! Nice spot, great people, great selection. read more