I love a good independent bookstore so I was excited to stop in to Market Block Books while in town for 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. read more

Market Block Books - Market Block Books - Bookstores Near Me - Troy, New York

See all

Great book store location inside a corner brick factory in Troy. This book purveyor was packed with every 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 read more

See all

What a cute little store!! Glad I popped in here on a beautiful Saturday. There is truly something for EVERYONE here; this store is quaint and plentiful. There's tons of gorgeous little features that make it feel so homey and classic here. I was able to find a very cool special edition of "Lessons in Chemistry" in the midst of the shelves! I think prices are fair (market-priced) with some good deals to be found. Service was remarkable- you can tell this is a local joint where people are treated with love. Can't wait to come back read more

See all

What a great bookstore! Stocked with a fantastic mix of books and managed by kind book lovers. Go ahead, find a book, sit down in their "living room" and read for a while. Located close to RPI and next to a coffee shop, Troy is lucky to have such a gem of a bookstore. read more

I'm surprised I haven't left a review already because my experience with this shop left me awe-struck. I'd found out through Joe Hill's Twitter account that there were signed copies of his brand new book "The Fireman" available at this shop. I'd never owned a signed first edition and I love his writing, so I couldn't pass up the chance to get a copy. I live several hours away from the store and it was the only one closest to me selling copies. So I called the shop and spoke with Stanley, who was able to process the order for me with ease. In no time at all, I received my package and opened it to find the book wrapped in whimsical paper with a personal note. It said: ""Thanks Melissa, for your order - The book is wrapped to protect it! Enjoy! :) - Stanley" That's customer service that goes the extra mile, and I've recommended this lovely book shop to everyone I come across ever since, whether they're from the area or not. If you ever visit Troy, NY, it's definitely worth popping in for a purchase. They truly take pride in what they do. read more

Market Block Books - First edition signed copy of "The Fireman" by Joe Hill, wrapped with care for shipping - included a personal note from Stanley at the shop. - Bookstores Near Me - Troy, New York

It gets a couple of stars from us just for the shape of the store. And then another for an incredibly comfy couch in the window and the odd armchairs around the joint. We're more familiar with its sister store, The Book House (and the Little Book House) so it's not surprising the vibe here is much the same. The Market Block is a lot smaller, and somewhat disappointingly does not have the comprehensive local history section that The Book House has. But it's a friendly, browsable, reader's bookstore with a mixture of titles and surprises, and while at market prices, they do honor the same discount card that The Book House uses, so you can get $15 off every $100 you buy. That's always the price these days for the civility of a bricks and mortar bookseller. Then there's the Mystery Date books: wrapped up in plain paper, with only a category as a clue, at a cheap price, with proceeds going to charity. We were 2 for 4 on "hits" of the books we bought, but the 2 we hit were pretty awesome books so it was an excellent little game of roulette. I don't know if this is a regular feature but it ought to be at every bookstore everywhere. It's not quite a destination bookstore, nor one you would go to if you have to pick up something particular or need to browse through multiple titles in a given topic area, but as a co-destination for a nice dinner or another event in Troy or on the way to or from something it's a worthy diversion. Four worms out of five. read more

There's just something super charming about a small book store. I always say I'm just going in to browse but always end up leaving with a book for everyone in the family. The selection is great, prices might be a little more than Amazon but they are fair. The atmosphere is nice and the staff are always helpful and friendly. read more

A quite small bookstore. I feel like I browsed everything they have in under 30 minutes. Even though they won't have everything you're looking for, it is well "curated." I kept spotting all those books I have at home and haven't read yet. The staff is super friendly, and the location in downtown Troy can't be beat. read more

This place is so charming and the location/building is ideal. It's exactly what you want in a city bookstore. There were times when they did not have a specific book I was after but ordered it for me. I have done this twice and always have the book within 3-5 days. The staff is wonderful and insightful; can help you find anything. Absolutely worth a pop in. read more

I worked in an independent bookstore for almost four years, and this was the first bookstore I've visited since I moved that really felt like *home*. I love the cozy, intimate, personal vibe of this place. It's tidy but not sparse, with displays and shelves neatly and thoughtfully curated. While they don't have the largest selection (a few of my favorite lesser-known authors were not represented on the shelves), you can tell that they only stock books that they believe in and love. A staff recommendations shelf greets you when you enter, full of handwritten shelftalkers with enthusiastic praise. There was a good selection of sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery in addition to regular fiction; and nonfiction sections like travel, architecture, crafts, local history, and politics. Their kids' and YA sections were wonderfully plump as well. While I often enjoy looking through bookstores' selections of non-books like candles, toys, and cards, this place had 99% books and just a few souvenirs - just right for a small shop like this. Ask for a frequent buyer card! We put all of our purchases onto one and left it with my brother, who goes to school here. Everyone in our party found something they wanted and we left very pleased. read more

Knowledgeable staff. I forgot the name of the book and the author, but I had read the first chapter and I remembered the cover. The staff member was able to figure out what book it was based off of my description. You will not get this same service and knowledge at any book store. This is a unique place. Beautiful interior. Fairly large selection of books, a lot of books by local authors, about Troy, Albany, and things that greatly interest people in this area. While I was there I heard another staff member trying to help a little girl figure out what book to get, based off of her interests. The people that work at Market Block Books really read books! It's not just a job to them it's a passion. read more

I could live here. So many amazing books and a great atmosphere and lovely owner! I love the commentary people leave on certain books, it really helps you get an idea of what the books are about and what others have gotten out of them. Couldn't leave without purchasing something, and the owner had commentary on all of the books we checked out. Love. read more

Market Block Books - Bookstores Near Me - Troy, New York

Yikes! After walking in the door I suddenly realized how long it had been since I was in an actual bookstore. I felt dizzy and confused. The smell of ink and paper made it impossible to think. The shop has a very good sampling of new fiction, classics, and new non-fiction in view. Arranged with some spine showing and some full covers showing made for easy browsing. The employee suggestions pulled out in each section felt legit, and having local authors clustered in one section with signage helps to make this store "local" instead of just another Barnes and Noble. I think I bought the first book I saw. My son did the same. Books stores are so rare where we live that I think we both were afraid that someone would shutter the windows and turn off the lights before we could make a selection. Sure Amazon might have the same book for $2 less than I paid (actually about $4 more with shipping), but it won't have that same experience of feeling the covers and smelling the glues and ink that are part of the reading experience. I noticed that the RPI bookstore did not have any trade book available. I certainly hope the students there are familiar with MarketBlock Books. read more

Prices cannot compete with the volume that online merchants can sell at. However, it is the best place to stroll through. Best of all Stanley works there! What more can we ask for? I always find the best gifts in there and the customer service is amazing! read more

I'm a fan, and I have the membership card ;)

I am sure if you are reading reviews of bookstores that you are obviously a wise and gracious person, and this shoppe will cater well to you. There is a fantastic little nook for children's books and children to read in, then they have those comfy leather chairs for adults to settle into as well. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere quite cozy- a few rugs to cover the hardwood floors, shelves not too close together and cramped; all in all a pleasant place to spend some time perusing. read more

Only four books have been purchased by me from other stores and not from Market Block since they opened so many years ago. Two from the used book store in the Atrium and two from a store in Schroon Lake, N.Y. This is a wonderfull store with a helpfull staff. I test Stanley,s sense of humour and he passes that test every time. Support them when you can. make that effort! read more

Excellent bookstore. Easy to get seduced by all sorts of titles, from literary fiction to YA to non-fiction and local interest. The design of the interior and the designs of the book covers play to each others' strengths--intriguing, variety, great storytelling! --and enhance the quality of the browsing experience. A great reminder of the value of independent bookstores. We happily bought several books and began reading the same day. read more

See all

What is my favorite thing in downtown Troy? This bookstore by far!! I love the building, they have a great selection, and the staff is amazing. People, when books come pre-priced by the publisher, why would you shop at a big box store? There is no cost savings by shopping at the mall. But Market Block Books has a rewards program that earns you money towards books and the rewards program is FREE, not $25 a year like they charge you at the mall. Shop small at this bookstore - they are fabulous!! read more

Love this bookstore, its so cosy and I like that it has a lot of the best sellers, and if it doesn't have the book your looking for they can order it. Amazing. They also have a book club card that you can get stamped for every purchase and then eventually you can get 15$ off your next purchase. The people that work there are extremely friendly and helpful. Sometimes with the lure of Amazon I forget how incredible bookstores are, Im fairly certain this place will bring me back to being more local and stopping in more often. read more

I love this gem. The staff are knowledgeable and there is such a nice variety of literature. It has such a warm feel.

Nice interior, interesting selection of books. If you go there looking for a specific book, they probably won't have it (they're pretty small), but they can order it for you and have it within a few days. If you go just to browse around, you'll probably come across something you like. The staff is nice. There was this one bearded guy who would just stare at you with the deepest paranoia when you asked for help, but I don't think he works there anymore. read more

Let me start out be saying how much I love this place. Their selection is very wide for being in such a small location, the staff will try to order a book for you if it's not in their store at the moment and I have discovered authors that I would have never read (this is because of book sales they have had in the past). The staff is always wonderful and they had a book that I had been looking for that most stores do not carry. read more

I always go to this quaint and comfortable neighborhood book store. The staff are very helpful and courteous and I never have a problem finding what I need. read more

This place being an independent book store, I was expecting more Used books, actually there wasn't any. Would have made this place awesome. Whatever the price is on the book is what the price is. They do have employees suggestions on the shelves, which is a nice touch. Small selections on certain genres but I would go here to support a local shop, rather than Barnes and Nobles. read more

It is so wonderful to have a neighborhood bookstore, especially one that's run by people who actually read! The store is in an older building with comfy chairs and shelves of awesome books! The store has the wonderful smell of books and not the burnt coffee smell of the nasty stores at the malls. And it has huge, huge windows so you can read your new favorite book by natural light. Awesome read more

I'm all for buying local. This is the only place my fiancee and I buy our books, even if it means waiting a few days for what we want to come in. This is from a girl who fell in love with Barnes & Noble at 18, and who needed convincing that buying local improves the local economy in ways that are relevant to me, and my family. Isn't buying local a friendlier, cozier experience? Yes, for the most part. My fiance spent more than 300$ in this shop on Christmas Eve this year, in addition to the stacks of books we purchase throughout the year. My car needed a repair, a band aid actually. It won't shift out of park unless it's fully warmed up...a remote starter would correct the issue without having to spend much. It's right after Christmas, so things are tighter than usual. He bought me several books on Christmas Eve, but books won't start my car. Given the hundreds and likely thousands of dollars,we've spent here, I didn't anticipate a problem returning 2 of the many books purchased that day, with a receipt, and having been purchased using a bank card (we don't use credit cards, lady!) We'll it was a hard 'No' for returning the books. They were happy to offer me merchandise credit (I HAD A RECEIPT!!) I guess buying local is all well and good until you need to return something, and then their "policies" are far less friendly than a big company's would be. Barnes & Noble would have returned those books on the spot, no questions & no snotty attitudes. Why would a neighborhood bookstore have more hard nosed policies than a big seller? Left a bad bad taste in my mouth, and brought to mind the few times I was sitting and reading and got the whole "are you gonna buy something or what?" vibe -- like the money I do spend there isn't enough. I'm going back to B&N. Buying local just got too unfriendly for me. read more

This bookstore has a decent range of books but some of the staff here is very arrogant especially the younger lady who possesses terrible book knowledge and is extremely rude. I must say that the older guy, I think he is the store manager, is very knowledgable. The next time I decide to visit the store, I'll make sure that the rude lady is nowhere in sight, either on a lunch break or is on a holiday. read more