"You don't go here to find a book.  Here a book finds you." (I totally cribbed that from another Yelper's review of a different bookstore - in another state - so I'm allowed!) Can I share a story with you?  During the Dark Ages (pre-internet, no Yelp or smartphones) learning about something a bit off-the-beaten-path, let alone being able to source it, was an arduous task. I was an English Lit major and one of my professors loved to talk about even more books than the ones already assigned to his class and he always mentioned 'The Three Christs of Ypsilanti' that he read himself when he was in college.  It sounded more interesting than what we were reading in class (sorry, but there's only so many times you can endure 'Oedipus Rex') and I went hunting for 'Three Christs' but never had any luck.  Most workers at other shops gave the quizzical "What'cha talkin 'bout Willis?!" look and I'd leave empty-handed (or with a completely different book... just because).  Then I found myself here.  And while casually strolling through the store and eyeing up all the titles... I found a used copy!  (Can I tell you one other thing?  The book was a bit dry and dated and part of me wished it stayed like the Holy Grail - that it might keep me searching through different bookstores but never actually finding it.) And it's been more than a few years (okay, decades!) since I scored 'Three Christs' and now I'm here once again - this time doing my part to properly celebrate and support "Independent Bookstore Day" - and man oh man... you could lose an entire day here just drifting from rack to rack, aisle to aisle, floor to floor. Whatever you fancy - they have a section for it. Pricing is a-okay. The quality of the 'newer' used books is most excellent.  (The older, more rare and worn copies are out of reach or behind glass cases.) Behind the counter is the coolest and friendliest gal. From music to books to merch to a "gumball machine" that has poems (of course, right?) - the world is a better place with mom and pop (book)stores like this in it. "Since 1984" - and hoping they'll be going strong for another 40-plus years... (PS: if you stumble upon the movie version of 'Three Christs' - skip that as well.  They tried to make it a comedy and it's awful.) read more

Montclair Book Center - My all-time favorite book. (And I couldn't pass up buying another copy of it, either.) - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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Some spaces just scream "For Book Lovers" and this charming bookstore is one of them. From the sidewalk shelves of $1 books to the stairs painted as recognizable book spines, this forty-year old store is a haven for story lovers. Some bookstores are big and cluttered, leaving visitors to fend for themselves if they're looking for something specific. Not here. Within the cavernous space, there's a clear sense of organization - by genre and neat alphabetization by author's name. The selection is vast; from literary artwork, coffee table books, local geography, and manga, there's truly something for everyone. I especially loved the well-stocked children's section in the back, where I was endeared by the sight of a young bookworm sitting with her head in a book for a while without any one bothering her. That, more than anything else, is why I love local bookshops - they're homespun spaces where people can curate their love for books. Speaking of homespun, this bookstore isn't fancy. The shelves look like they're made of unvarnished plywood that have been hammered together, and most of the store signs have been made with little more than marker and posterboard. Don't let that fool you - the workers here know their stuff. I overheard enough conversations to know they can talk books with anyone who walks in and can help you locate most anything in the store. If you're in the area and need a space to just breathe in the smell of books old and new, please do yourself a favor and stop in. read more

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Spend an hour or 5 in here! I have been shopping here since about 1988, and I never get tired of going back. Lots of used book options, a good selection of new book, and a nice little music selection downstairs (along with other books). Staff has always been very helpful, and there are some cool finds in the stacks. read more

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3.5: it's always nice to see small businesses like local used bookstores. It was more orderly than some similar stores but didn't seem to have a wide selection. Staff was friendly. A short walk to other stores and restaurants. read more

I. ADORE. THIS. SHOP!!!! This bookstore is something out of a dream or a RomCom. It's deceptively big with a wide array of books, ranging from new-and-upcoming to used and well-loved. I felt like I was walking through a labyrinth but in the best way. There is also a section of vinyl for all you music-lovers out there. All of the workers here were so pleasant and helpful. You can tell they loved their job! I found a featured book to purchase on the shelf, and I felt the price for a new book was very fair. (I love purchasing a book based on the cover art / summary, and there are so many books in there to do just that!) Small book shops like this are dying. We must protect the Montclair Book Center at all costs! read more

Recently went a comedy show at this location and had a great time 10/10, the bookstore staff as well the comedians were great. Shoutout to Zach great funny guy. read more

Although their inventory level is sparse their customer service by the co-owner, Roy is beyond horrific. I went to the cash register to buy a music sheet from the Broadway show the Magic Show starring Doug Henning. It was inside an inexpensive frame. When I went up to the cash register, I asked the employee to confirm if it was in fact a music sheet since it was behind a frame. He gave it to the co-owner Roy, who took it from me and tossed it behind them and said "this item was inquired by another customer and we need to do more research on the price." How can you put something up for sale, take it from the customer who is ready to make a purchase and say you cant have it. They didn't even offer to take my name to contact me after they made a revised price decision. The bottom line is if you have an item on display in a retail store and there is a price on it you should allow a customer to purchase it at that specific price. The so called co owner Ryan was beyond rude. I suggest he read a book on professional customer service and courtesy. They broke the New Jersey consumer affairs law, but not allowing a customer to purchase the item at the advertised price. When I called back to bring it to his attention about what the New Jersey law states his comment was., " who pissed in your cereal in the morning and if you wanna buy it, you can purchase it for $750 instead of the 12.99 price." read more

I love an independent bookstore and Montclair Book Center is EVERYTHING! Knowledgeable and friendly staff and a broad assortment of new and used books. A wide selection for every reader. Nicole made awesome and thoughtful recommendations. A delight! read more

Great service! Called ahead and asked for "Of Mice and Men" and they said, YES, we have a copy and will put it aside. I always love walking through here with the stacks and stacks of shelves of awesome books! Great gifts. But today just needed the book and was in and out within 5minutes - and got parking just a few steps away down the street!! Bonus :))) read more

awesome selection cool vibes great staff and prices! go there!! books new books used and vinyl too yahoooo!!

Love classic book stores and vinyl. Staff was real cool. If you enjoy reading the classics, this is a good place to get your fix. read more

Montclair Book Center - Vinyls on sale!! - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

MBC is the stuff dreams are made of for a good book lover. It's one huge library expanding across the whole store and up and down flight of stairs, into mini mystery nooks. It's really a gem. Parking can be difficult, it's right off the main road so I usually park a few blocks away and walk. Plus no meter fees. I've never had a bad experience with the workers here, I've also never tried to sell any books and I feel like that's where some of their negative reviews come in. I'm always greeted with a smile and they're super attentive and helpful if you need help finding something. It's pretty easy to navigate the store, you just have to follow the signs and pay attention to their awesome hand made clues. You can tell they've put their heart and soul into making this book store what it is. Now I understand that some people say the prices and a little high. They're definitely still cheaper than if you went to Barnes and Noble, play the books are in excellent shape. I know there's cheaper websites online but there's those days where you just feel like walking aimlessly through MBC and finding a good book. Even if that means paying a few extra dollars, it's also helping out their business which I hope stays here forever. read more

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I have known about this bookstore for years. Wonderful place to spend hours looking through the stacks of books. They have new and used books. Very good prices on both. They even give good discounts on brand new books. The store seems endless as you walk from the front all the way to the back. You have to go up some stairs and then you get to even a larger section of books In the last five years or so they've also gotten a section for Records upstairs. The prices vary. Some of them are good and some of them seem a little overpriced. But if you go down to the basement. That's another huge section. They have country/folk/classical/Jazz/comedy/soundtracks. Plus DVDs and CDs If you keep walking all the way to the back of the basement. There's a section for Records for $2.99 I found a John Hiatt album that I've never seen before. Plus a bunch of other good records Found Abbott and Costello five comedy routines for eight dollars. Old time radio's greatest shows 60 cassettes for only $2.99. An excellent bargain I brought them up when I saw the cashier. "The gray-haired man" this is the individual that some other reviewer's have said was very rude to them. I put up the records and he started running them through the price scanner. I decided to try to be friendly to see how he would react. I said "so many wonderful books here and Records also you could spend hours" he smiled and continued his work. Instead of sliding my card into the card reader he said your card might be able to be just held above the scanner. So I didn't do that. He was nice and gave me a, a reusable bag that everything fit into. He thanked me and smiled. But he seemed a little uptight anyway. Kind of like he was forcing himself to be friendly. Maybe he was just a little tired as it was early in the morning when I went there just after noon and they open at 11 AM. He probably had a lot of other work to do. Definitely recommend coming here. You'll just go home with a lot of books and some records read more

Maybe being outdated is part of the charm. But they rarely have in stock what I'm exactly looking for. It's more of a on a whim shopping option. With that said, they'll buy a bunch of books from you and offer measly store credit at a fraction of what they're worth. Eh. If anything I say check out the vinyls downstairs. read more

Beautiful nostalgic store with an extensive collection of books and records. Really extensive. I've been lost in the stacks for weeks. I've been surviving by eating pictures of food torn from cookbooks. Sometimes staff ask if they can help me, but I tell them no. I live here now. Try the staff picks! read more

Was waiting for my food order so decided to stop on this bookstore. It made my heart sigh. This store reminds me of the ones I used to go to back "in the day". Warm, worn wooden shelves, and staff that are ready to help but won't interrupt, especially if you have fallen into a book that has reached out and grabbed you. The top shelves are filled with hardcovers (ask for assistance please) and the lower ones are filled with paperbacks. I picked up a couple of books that caught me and plan on reading them this weekend as we are expecting some winter weather. I have been raving about this place to my friends and they will now be taking a trip to a store that lets you get lost in a good book. Let the road take you-who knows what you will fine among the stacks? read more

Montclair Book Center - The sight when you enter. - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

This is a beautiful old bookstore. It's very nostalgic. I could have spent hours just looking around. read more

Montclair Book Center - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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So I figure it'd be a good thing to do a review update for Montclair Book Center as it's been 6 years since I reviewed this local haunt of mine. I was here after work today to do a little browsing before meeting up with a friend. While I was looking around, it hit me - so much has changed, but at the same time has remained the same. With so many books and such a wide selection, Montclair Book Center is still one of the best book stores in the area. The store is more organized even with the addition of its music media inventory (CDs, LPs, and 45s are sold here now). MBC has really expanded their offerings over the years and the staff keep things in order. Music media is found on both the 1st floor and in the basement. I like browsing the music in the basement because it's quiet and you can really take your time going through everything there. Plus, the music-related books are downstairs and I'm a fan of these (MBC has a great selection). Despite the changes, Montclair Book Center has maintained that same special charm that has set it apart from other book shops. Sure it's a business, but you feel it's more than just a book store - it's a unique place run by people with integrity who haven't sold out and cashed in. I think maybe that's why it's stayed in business for so long. The staff are genuine, no B.S. kind of people, and to boot they're nice. What else can you ask for? Again, I highly recommend checking out the Montclair Book Center if you are in the area. I would even recommend making it a trip to visit here if you are a lover of books. read more

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My favorite book and record place! Literally aisles and aisles of records and books. As well as old tapes and cds. I haven't been to a cooler record store read more

A huge bookstore that sells new and old books from different genres. A lot of unique books you can find here including 1st editions. You can spend a lot of time wandering in here. They have music section as well. Impressive book store. read more

Excellent local bookstore with a very good selection of new issues and used/collectible books in both hardcover and paperback. Plenty of genres and subjects to choose from in a well-laid out manner. Staff is friendly and can assist in your search for your next great read. read more

Cute book and record shop in Montclair. Great place to spend a couple of hours, just browsing the copious amounts of records and books. It gives the perfect independent bookstore vibe - wooden shelves lined with thousands of books ranging across every topic imaginable. The staff were also friendly and helpful. I wish some of the records were organized a bit better, though. And I do agree with other reviewers that the store feels outdated, but I don't think that's always a bad thing. It's the kind of store where you browse comfortably for a little while, not find exactly something you're looking for. read more

I could live here like a store cat. Fantastic selection of books and records. 3 floors to explore.

This bookstore feels like you're going to a different world for a moment. It can be a bit hard to find a specific book and there's so many books all around but the staff is very helpful. I find it to be more fun to go here and walk around and let a couple of books find you. I appreciate the selection of new and old books and records. I would appreciate a bit more organization but the walls of books does feel very magical so that becomes less important. read more

So worth the trip. I've been going to this shop for years now. This is the type of place you go to if you feel like wandering the aisles and secret nooks and want to spend some time there. I always leave with an interesting book. They sell new and used, so there are always things to find. I hope it's there forever. Highly-recommended. read more

Taking a stroll on Bloomfield Ave. landed me in front of this lovely gem. I expected something small but wow I was truly surprised with how much this place has to offer.. 30+ years in the business, which is so surprising now and days for book stores. I can see myself wandering around here for hours. They have a rare book collection ..some books are signed and they seem to be in mint condition. They have list of recommendations that the staff makes for different genres. You can't help but leave a little inspired by all the quotes that are displayed throughout the store. They also have a downstairs area with music that I did not go to browse but when I return I plan on taking a bit more time. I didn't get to interact with the staff so I can't comment on service. But I'm sure if they've been around for this long it's because they know what they are doing! read more

Montclair Book Center - True! - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I'm torn with reviewing the Montclair Book Center. I love used bookstores, I really do, I'd rather shop in a used bookstore than a big corporate place any day of the week. I guess my problem is, and I don't want to take away from a small business owner trying to earn a living, but the prices here are a little steep compared to the other places I frequent. That said, this place has more books than you could imagine when looking at the storefront. The staff here are very, very helpful. I didn't go in looking for anything in particular, but I did walk out with five books that I was happy pay for and when all had seemed lost and I thought I wouldn't find anything was when one of the workers guided me in the right direction. I browsed for a good solid 2 hours both wasting time and really digging into what they had and they really have a great selection of books that interested me My comment about the high prices generally refers to the mass market paperbacks which sell for between $2 and $3.50 (at least the ones I looked at)...again, I know they need to cover costs and make a living, but I thought they were a little pricey. I wanted to give them 3 stars, but I just can't. I love used bookstores too much to do that-I'll round up to four. read more

I'm impressed that a story like this still exists with the competition from online sources. There is something more satisfying about browsing in person and holding a book in your hands, but it is still a hurdle that the prices are not that much cheaper then getting new copies. But there is a LOT of books here, and the aisles are bit narrow. Still, you can find some decently priced items as well and then you can feel good about supporting a local business. Or you can just browse and be surprised how long you can spend just looking at things. read more

Going into this place is truly a step back in time. Let's start with the fact that this place has first edition books from the late 19th century. I saw one book priced at $3000! For that price it better read itself to me. Now I know that collectors will pay any price for such an important piece of history but man my mind was truly blown away. I stopped by here one random evening while waiting for a spot at nearby Ani Ramen House. It was fun browsing the books that they had. With the advent of E-readers and portable electronic device the humble book has been reduced to a thing of the past. Or so I thought. The gentleman working at the store told me that many people still purchase actual books nowadays. I guess it's the tactile connection that brings an emotional connection between the writer and the intended reader...or so that's what I read in one of the books at the store. There's also a vintage record store connected to it where you can browse some old vinyl and CDs. Posters portraying legendary musicians line the walls. Like I said in the beginning it is truly like stepping back in time. For those of you that want to still have a good book in hand for those summer trips by the beach or wherever else, this humble store in Montclair will undoubtedly have something for you. read more

Montclair Book Center - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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I love this place. Massive selection of books and a basement full of records. It looks and smells like I'm back in the old library in my hometown. They have a section of old and rare books that I find fascinating to peruse for some reason. Prices are on the higher side but I get my books here anyway because I prefer the experience and I refuse to be responsible for the death of another independent book store! read more

idk who everyone in the reviews is talking about... the "Peter" guy wasn't there so watever LOLZ the cashier was very kind she mentioned she wrote the description of one of the mystery books and it was very accurate!! i love the mystery books, they're very cheap for such lovely books. i also got a relatively newly released book for a cheaper price than i saw it at Barnes & Noble. i love the atmosphere and the little corners/hallways of the bookstore. very comfy. thank u #ilovemontclairbookcenter #apilivesmatter #ithinkisawthebackofpeter'sheadbutnothinghappened read more

Montclair Book Center - chipmunk punk - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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As a teen who loved to read back in the day, I loved spending time in book stores. The smell of paper, a particular stillness (both aural and mental) and the promise of opening new worlds were all a part of the experience. Small mom and pop book stores were the best in many ways. There was something so personable about spaces smaller than a Barnes & Nobles, wood shelves that weren't always *quite* perfect in their construction and a certain wonderful mustiness. You feel like you were absorbing history (fictional and otherwise) just standing there. Montclair Book Center is one such shop. In general you don't come here for shiny new books (though they will happily order them for you with a discount to boot). The store looks small on the outside, but on the inside you see it goes *deep* into the back and actually has two levels. It feels like a place Indiana Jones would go to find some ancient book. Off to the right of the store is an old music shop with vinyl records and CD's. They even have more valuable volumes in a glass case. You could literally spend hours going through the shelves finding books you once owned or ones you've never heard of. If you're into books at all, give this store a visit! read more

I'm a Vinyl Collector and this was one of my regular stops . I used to particularly like them since they were not over pricing like many thrift shops who hv thought they can charge high prices. I guess this store has decided to raise prices. I hv bought quite a few LPs here but What I have paid $4-$6 here in the past I saw today with prices of $8-12. After seeing a Tommy LP for $20 today (maybe Good condition at best), I'll pass on shopping here. Tommy is an album that I see often in the bins ($10 on avg for a copy in EXC condition). Venus and Mars $15? I see that all the time on other stores for $5 most???? Thanks , I'll see you when you bring your prices back down to a reasonable level. read more

Love this place so much. The employees are super friendly and there is so much to choose from. Great prices too. read more

Montclair Book Center - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

What a good find!!! This place has a serious collection of used books. Space inside is a little small but definitely worth checking out if you are missing books from a collection or just looking for a different bookstore. I will definitely be frequenting this place again!! read more

This is such a massive book store! They have a huge selection for a local business. I'd say it's just not organized how the books are. There's just such a huge variety that it's hard to find something if you're looking for specific books read more

Greatest assortment of books I've ever seen. It's the biggest bookstore I have ever been to. I love how it's all records downstairs. I also love how it's a hole in the wall. read more

Montclair Book Center - Bookstores Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

This place is a treasure. Loads of books. Loads of vinyl. Super friendly! Just wish I had more time to spend there. Awesome!

This place is freaking awesome. Rows and rows and stacks and stacks of books galore! I've been coming here since middle school. Now as an adult, I appreciate it even more. This place has tons of books and records in every genre for cheap prices. Back in the day, they had an erotica section that now houses mystery books. The dudes at the cashier are bookwormy types. I'd like to cast them in my imaginary indie film with the weird Jersey kids I grew up with. But absolutely check this place out the next time you are in Montclair. Pretty soon, it will be the main reason you cannot keep away from this suburb. read more

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If you're a book lover.. who has a special place in your heart for oldschool bookstores & huge book vendor chains/malls just don't do it for you-- this is the place for you. One can't help but be amazed - at the many many books neatly arranged - the options, no matter which genre you prefer - the handwritten signs indicating the genres - the cost efficieny .. truly a book lovers paradise. read more