It's a good local bookstore chain and in a trendy part of Williamsburg - not far from the North Williamsburg ferry stop. Plenty of other nice shops nearby to go through too. This bookstore has a great selection of new books, some of which are signed by the author (but you might need to look a bit hard to find them - it's not easily displayed as it could have been). Part of the reason of it being 4 out of 5 stars. Another reason why it's 4 out of 5 stars is because this location doesn't have a cafe like the other locations - which I appreciate since it makes McNally a true third space for New Yorkers to enjoy. Instead, this location feels more like a take-out/convenience store type of bookstore even though there is one or two chairs placed upstairs that are optimally placed. read more

I truly feel you can pick up any book from their "New & Noteworthy" tables and be happy with your choice. The beauty of McNally Jackson is they do a splendid job curating their selections; there are tables throughout the store with thoughtful staff recommendations. If you haven't had time to read reviews or catch up on new releases then don't worry: you can simply browse these tables and walk away with something you'll enjoy - this goes for literary magazines too. Beyond their selection, their beautiful light wood bookcases make for a calming browsing experience. The staff is also highly knowledgable and friendly - I have enjoyed many book conversations with them here throughout the years. read more

McNally Jackson - Great picks at the entrance. - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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So glad I was able to stop by and check out this bookstore during my recent trip to Brooklyn! Such a refreshing and beautiful collection of books, plus I found the book I was looking for which made the trip all the more exciting! read more

McNally Jackson - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Beautiful clean well stocked bookstore with a large selection of children's books and cook books. Bathroom available. Small gifts like pens and journals. Magazines and calendars for sale. Friendly staff. You could spend a long time browsing books. read more

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We stopped by McNally Jackson while in the area, and I'm glad that we did! I do enjoy checking out a good bookstore, and this one was a good find. The place is pretty well-organized with a very nice selection of books - from monthly bestsellers, staff picks, to new & noteworthy fiction/non-fiction, there seems to be something for everyone. Can't find what you're looking for or want a recommendation? Ask any of the friendly staff that is readily available. I liked their stationery section, as, surprisingly, they had a lot of Japanese products - notebooks and pens galore! I also liked their greeting card section, since I'm a sucker for fun, local, hand-pressed cards from independent artists. They also have various events in-store, such as storytime, author visits, and conversations with writers. Note that some do require an RSVP, so make sure you sign-up before it gets sold out! There are random chairs and benches set up throughout the store, but they're a little fragile and shaky - just beware! +great selection of books +in-store events +stationery section read more

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One of my absolute favorite bookstores in NYC. Their layout and book categories are so thoughtfully organized, making it effortless to browse, discover something new or quickly grab exactly what you want. Truly a fantastic place. read more

My favorite bookstore in NYC! Love how they categorize the books and display them. Makes it really easy to explore and find a new read. Or find what you're already looking for. Awesome spot. Follow me on TikTok @rynelly for more NYC recommendations! read more

McNally Jackson - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Not cool McNally Jackson. I want to start by saying that I really like this bookstore. It is well stocked and the staff is always helpful and eminently polite. I have bought probably 30 or 40 books from them over the past few years. I am grateful that Williamsburg has an independent bookstore to serve to reading needs of the neighborhood. I was there this morning to pick up a book that they had ordered for me. On the counter, prominently displayed by the cash register where it is impossible to miss, was the magazine that appears below. This bookstore has a children's section; there are always plenty of kids in the store. There is no way a kid waiting on line to pay with his/her parent would miss the magazine. This is entirely inappropriate and unnecessary. There is no reason for this store to display a publication bearing such an overtly sexual image on the front cover where it will be seen by dozens of children each day. I couldn't care less that McNally Jackson sells Butt Magazine, the number of copies on display implies that there is a substantial market; it just should not be displayed where each day many young children will be forced to see it. When I made my feelings known to the man behind the counter he politely acknowledged my thoughts on the matter. As much as it pains me to do so, going forward I will look for another store from which to buy books. I cannot continue to patronize a store that displays such incredibly poor taste. read more

McNally Jackson - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I like this Book store in Soho, NYC and I was excited to visit this Location....But they Don't Have a Cafe.... :( Service is Great! they open till 8pm, (Sunday as well!) you'll probably Enjoy shopping there. I wish They had A cafe! The store Location is Awesome, You'll enjoy going other Stores around the Neighborhood. I can recommend you to come Earlier and Enjoy Walking around. read more

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My first experience shopping at McNally Jackson was in Soho, at their Prince Street store. That location, which has a cafe, is relatively large for a bookstore in that neighborhood, so it wouldn't be fair to compare it to this one. The McNally Jackson in Williamsburg is special in its own right, however. It manages to carry the look and feel of a local, independent bookstore, while also maintaining a fresh, modern vibe with its bright lighting and welcoming layout. A table featuring new, popular titles is the first thing someone sees as they enter the store, making it incredibly easy for them to discover their next book (or another to add to their reading list). Considering space constraints, there is a decent, well-organized selection in stock. This bookstore, like any McNally Jackson in Brooklyn or Manhattan, is worth checking out. read more

I was in the neighborhood, and happened across this bookstore. It is accessible, with large displays of popular books up front. The building is nice and modern. It is well-organized, and had a good selection. Honestly, it's a great book store. read more

I wanted to write a follow up as someone clearly read the posts talking about the staff and made a change! The staff members are much more friendly now making McNally Jackson a perfect shopping experience. They greet you, exchange in proper book related banter- a vast improvement from before! Thank you for listening to the customers who love you! read more

This is my favorite location of McNally Jackson and one of my favorite bookstores overall. The store isn't big, but I always find at least two titles featured in the front that spark my interest. The curation of books seems to be the best at McNally. All of the employees are nice and helpful as well. I love coming here when I am in the neighborhood. read more

My favorite bookstore in Brooklyn. Great, large, selection not any more $$ than other stores in Williamsburg. Friendly, helpful customer service. They also have great cards, pens and notebooks. Something I love most about this store is when you walk in, the sections for "new fiction" or "staff recommendations" are always right on. They have an incredible website with these same sections and right now you can purchase anything online from them to support a local biz during these hard times! read more

McNally Jackson - On North 4th and Wythe. Huge selection! - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Really great curation of books, and lots of genre diversity. I got a haul. Love the local nature book section. Pretty lighting as well.

Surly employees to say the least. This store particularly this branch reveals why you might be better off shopping at Amazon. I saw a woman try to buy a book in front of me the cover was all smudged she asked The sales person if they had another copy. She was told "We really don't do another copy in the back thing. She pulled an eraser from under a drawer and said this is what I use to get rid of the smudges. She then checked and said oh we do have another copy. And got up to get it. How much work does it take to get somebody to do their job. Buy it at Amazon. Payless. Don't have to carry at home. And one small box stores like McNally Are put out of business perhaps they'll reflect on their part of why. My bet is probably not. Sad really sad read more

This book store is extremely well organized. Feels like a library! There's a kids section as well. The staff is extremely helpful. Books are pricey but they have a lot of books marked down as well. read more

McNally Jackson - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Came here for the first time to see a writer from the Midwest read. Excellent atmosphere- not stuffy or pretentious as I'm surprised to find several Williamsburg businesses have been when I've entered them. Great title selection, airy set up, and not much space upstairs for readings but can see how it would make a fun space for a literary event. Lovely location overall! read more

Great bookstore. A lot of choice and very nice space. I strongly recommend this place. read more

I always loved this bookstore when I lived nearby in Manhattan, so I was thrilled to see another location in my current hood in Williamsburg. It's absolutely beautiful, with two stories of minimalist ambiance and great natural light to enjoy your book browsing. They also have a great card/stationery/magazine section in the front (though if you really want to see the full spread you should check out their Goods For The Study store in the West Village). I've already spent a ton of time and dollars in here though it just recently opened. The only reason I'm not giving it a full five stars is because every time I've been in there the service has been chilly to put it lightly. No matter, I don't need smiles or chitchatting when I'm buying books, so I'll definitely keep coming back! read more

Love this bookstore! Such an expansive and diverse collection, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly (when I went, others have had diff experiences). I would like to see them expand some of the collections to be more inclusive, like the section on Islam or books from Muslim or Native authors! read more

I love this local bookstore in Williamsburg. It was clean, organized, and it had exactly what I was looking for. I spent most of my time in the cooking section. It had all of the classics. I ended up buying one of Ina Garten's cookbooks: 'barefoot contessa how easy is that?' read more

Nice place with a decent selection of books. I appreciate that everything is in alphabetical order by the author's last name and kept tidy. I was going in with a hope of finding two authors I like, Sandra Cisneros and Louis L'Amour, and ended up striking gold. It really made my day when I was able to get a book by both authors to add to my reading and collection. If you can't find something don't hesitate to swing by the register and ask someone for help. If I wouldn't have done that I'd have missed the book by L'Amour (I looked right over it the first time I was searching for his name). They have everything inventoried in their system and can pull it up by the author's name. read more

Great to have this nearby. It's a bit smaller than the Soho location but the staff is just as courteous and the bathrooms are bigger. The usual quality collection of topical books. Such a well curated store. read more

I was really happy to see this bookstore open another location in my neighborhood. They have a great selection of books and lots of events to help create a community for their customers. The design of the store is really beautiful with two floors and lots of light. I could spend hours browsing the aisles and picking up gifts from their fun notepad, pen, bookmark area. I love that they bring authors to this location as well which gives residents a chance to attend new book launches and not always have to trek into Manhattan. read more

I come here whenever I want to discover a new book to fall in love with. McNally Jackson is my favorite bookstore of all time. I used to go to the one in soho regularly but I'm so glad they opened one in Williamsburg too. What makes them so great is their taste. They put out really good books on the tables and their selections of authors from around the world and different time periods are perfection. Whenever I travel I like to read a book by an author from the place I'm traveling to and McNally always has whatever book I'm looking for. It's also just really beautiful, clean, and pleasant inside. I've bought so many books from McNally over the years because I love supporting them and hope they never leave. Support local bookstores read more

My first visit to McNally Jackson revealed a clean , and very organized bookstore. Sections were very well laid-out with varied selections. Prices seemed to be mostly retail with some books at 20% off. Art books, one of my interests, were plentiful with many titles I have not seen before. It was quiet browsing during a weekday afternoon. With more time to spare I will be back. read more

Love this bookstore! Selection was just enough but definitely would be great if they add more to the preteen to young adult readers. My son & I will be back. read more

This is easily my favorite bookstore, ever. It is so easy to spend hours browsing the different genres and their collections are always superb. read more

Incredible selection, particularly when it's come to literature from across the globe. I've found many great books from authors around the world that you just don't see at every local bookstore. My only complaint (and this is really a small complaint) is that the sci-fi/fantasy section is on the smaller side. Great store, great layout, great employees, great experience. read more

I love this bookstore!! The people were nice and they wore masks wich is good! They have a very good selection of books for kids and adults. Will definitely come back! :) read more

I'm so glad McNally Jackson opened up in Williamsburg. Such a pretty store with a great selection of books. I've bought diverse topics such as music, yoga, Buddhism, true crime, and fantasy. And, of course, they are known for their excellent literary fiction. Don't leave Williamsburg without stopping by. read more

Lovely space. Happened across on a visit to the area and was looking for a place to pass some time. McNally's was (almost) perfect - bathroom out or of order so soon after Green's grand performing? Also missed the cafe we're so used to in the original. The children's area was perfect for my daughter - great selection of books, toys and gifts. read more

I'm an avid reader and have a fondness for books. So this unique bookstore was totally my jam. I'm big on using public libraries but these local bookstores are a great option to buying books. They have a selection of all kinds of books ranging from fiction, nonfiction, travel, arts, etc. The bookstore also has an awesome kids section. Would recommend this bookstore. read more

McNally Jackson - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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While not as large as its Manhattan counterpart, the Williamsburg McNally Jackson is still a lovely bookstore. The staff picks are always great and I love the little blurbs that the booksellers right explaining their selection. Great selection of Russian and Japanese literature and although the science fiction section isn't quite as vast as I'd like it to be, they constantly have something new, exciting or unheard of for me to find. Love this store. read more

Very nice bookstore. However, the staff is so arrogant. Nobody says hello or ever asks if they can help. That creates an unpleasant atmosphere. Bookstores are struggling, and I'm all for supporting independent bookstores but I do have choices. And a little friendliness goes a long way. read more

Beautiful space with a nice area upstairs for readings. One of my favorite spots on a street that's a murderer's row of standouts including Republic of Booza. read more

Friendly staff and an unparalleled collection of books from all over the world. Nice nooks upstairs to dive into your purchases. A beautiful new space in the neighborhood. read more

The store is beautiful and really well stocked, considering they just opened. I love it, but feels out of time, like stepping into the '90's, from the last days of sleek, handsome bookstores read more