I went there yesterday to look at many books, and all of the employees were as wonderful as…read morepreviously; incredibly friendly and helpful. However; the reason why I'm writing this update is because there are some changes at the store. Firstly; the large "Information Desk" at the rear of the first floor is no longer there. Instead, there's a small one on the right side of that floor (and it's almost hidden). Secondly; the huge first floor display of beautiful photo books of NYC and environs is now much smaller (although it seemed like there were more of them on the lower level than previously). There's also another change; the restrooms are now only accessible with a code, and a code can only be obtained via a receipt - so if you don't buy anything, you can't use the restroom (I ordered some books online later, since I didn't want to lug them home from the store). Further; employees don't have access to a bathroom code (obviously they have some other way to access the restrooms). I was there for a few hours - and if it wasn't for the fact that I had a dental appointment nearby afterwards, it would have been problematic. Having said that, I do realize that the restroom situation is an issue; at the Union Square store in particular, there used to be a big problem with homeless people and undoubtedly a corporate decision was made. I'm still keeping a five-star rating because of the employees and because the store has a great selection.

I wished I had a Barnes & Noble where I live in Queens, I stopped by this location after my dentist…read moreappointment on the same block. It feels so nostalgic and I'm so glad to see it's around. I used to spend hours in here during high school / college years admiring all the book covers and all the pretty sections for journals and such. I used to frequent the large Union Sq location until it closed. I'm guilty of being a primarily ebook and audio book consumer but nothing beats the feeling of holding one in your hand, flipping the pages and writing that book smell! This location is well kept and organized. I actually came in looking to buy a hard copy of Wuthering Heights but ended up leaving with 4 books total! Old habits die hard but I was glued to their stationary and journey section, everything's so pretty! However I do think those items are pretty overpriced, $20-22 for a small journal. All these years I still can't bring myself to spend that on a blank journal...no matter how pretty the covers are. But hey they make good eye candy. Cashiers are chill, friendly. I'll be back! Can't wait for a chance to visit again.

Really cool bookstore to hang out around. Tons of figurines, video games, toys, pokemon cards, and…read moreof course books. Great $1 book section. Tons of big name authors there!

Buying and Selling at Book Off What a cool store. So much to…read moresee. Unfortunately, it is lousy to sell at and expensive to buy at. First, Selling. I brought in three statue items unopened in the original packaging. I checked on ebay for what the items sold for (not asking price but sold price) and it added up to about $600, I lugged the items over there and had to leave them there because they wouldn't get to them right away. The people/kids working there were very nice. I went to have lunch and got the text to return, and they are offering $150. So I picked up the items and turned down the offer. Again, they were very nice, it's just I wasn't willing to accept 25% of the value. I figured at worst it would be 50%. But I am better off getting closer to the actual price on ebay. Now, Buying. Lots of very expensive and exiting things to get, and I didn't have time to price check things so much, but my son is into the Nintendo switch and i spotted a used Marvel VS Capcom game he might like. It was $34.95. But just in case, I pulled up Amazon and looked the game up. A brand new one costs $21.79. So it would have been a terrible idea for me to buy it there. I guess if you are leaving work and need a quick gift, you might stop in and pay too much for an item. If you are in real trouble and don't have time to wait for an Ebay sale, you might consider selling your collectables for 25% the value, this place might come in handy.

Kinokuniya has a place in my heart as I've been coming since I was a student and would used to buy…read moreJapanese fashion magazines and beauty books. How times have changed with print media! Now, the magazine section is tucked in a smaller corner and they sell a lot more merchandise outside of books in the basement area. There is also an art book section which was previously not there - I enjoyed looking at these plus the magazines on interior design. When I'm in the area, I enjoy coming in to browse and get inspiration.

I've been to kinokuniya before and it always has a special place in my heart because I love the…read morehuge collection of manga, anime figurines, the most adorable stationary and Asian book series. The upper level has the cafe (which I didn't get to try since they opened at 11) and manga/figurines. The main level was mostly books from all different genres. Bottom level was stationary and plushies. I took a star off because I had a stroller with me and the elevator only goes to the bottom floor where the stationary is. To get to the second floor there's an escalator which is nice but to get back down you have to take the stairs which you can imagine is not comfortable with a stroller.

This was another bookstore that my wife and I came across randomly during our travels. If you are…read moreunaware of McNally Jackson they are an independent bookstore with 5 locations in New York. My wife and I enjoyed our time browsing here. It's a multi-level store that is separated like most bookstores into genres as expected. They had lots of newer books but still plenty of classics as well. My wife even happened to come across a book she has been looking for and wanting to read for a long while so big win there. Staff were friendly and we did not have a long wait to buy the book, no line. Prices felt quite standard for a book store. This was a fantastic independent book store and one definitely worth visiting for book lovers or those seeking gifts for a book lover in their life.

I stopped by this McNally Jackson location when I was in the area a couple of weeks ago. McNally…read moreJackson operates five stores in the city, in addition to three stationary stores (Goods for the Study), and it's been around since 2004. The store isn't huge, but it's incredibly well-stocked and, being on the street level of a Rockefeller Center building, gets incredible light through their windows. The staff were friendly and I had practically picked out a book while window shopping (their inventory is incredible). Since 2021, McNally Jackson is also a publisher, publishing a paperback reprint series devoted to "hidden gems." I had to pick up one of their titles. Great shop for bibliophiles.

I stoped in here being new to the world of meditation and crystals and personal power…read more The lady behind the counter was excellent at give it me insight and answered my questions. I felt very comfortable. I'm looking forward to making a return visit. The prices for merchandise looked very reasonable as well.

I've passed by this bookshop a lot without knowing what it was but I was in need for some crystals…read moreso I searched up on google where I could find some in midtown. Quest Bookshop was the only place that popped up. The location is perfect for me because it's super close to the train and in the area I work in. This bookstore really specializes in spiritual things but theres a lot of information plastered everywhere I didn't feel too lost. They have a lot of stones and they tell you which each one is meant for. I saw in the back someone reading tarot cards and they also have other events like knowing your enneagram which I thought was pretty cool. I don't know much about this bookstore but I feel like it's such a nice staple in midtown that I can really see myself as a regular.

This storefront was interesting since the store shares half the store with a k beauty store. At…read morehalf the size theres a lot of k pop merchandise here. The items in the store are okay priced I guess.

Koryo is a Korean bookstore located in the heart of Koreatown - they have a selection of books,…read moregames, toys, plushies, and K-pop paraphernalia. The place isn't really set up for navigating around, and it just seemed super disorganized and tight. There are definitely better bookstores with higher quality gift items; this place seem to cater more towards the generic K-pop fans and tourists. Note that this place is not connected to the beauty store next door! +unorganized +low quality of items

Here is an interesting New York find. A bookstore dedicated to only to Winston Churchill hidden…read moreaway behind a bank of elevators in the Blackrock Investment building. I was hoping to see like coffee table books but these are serious reads and collector items here. Nice corridor walls covered with Churchill photos. I gave them only 3 Stars because a building security guard told me no photos. I pointed out the sign that stated the building lobby, corridor, and shop were public spaces. Clearly this guy doesn't understand Churchill and the maining of freedom.

Amazing collection of Churchill books and more, feels like a private collection display and a…read morebookstore together. Tucked away behind the elevator bank, it's a gem in midtown.

I visited two magic shops on my trip to NYC (the other is Don't Blink, you can check my review.) Of…read morethe two - if Don't Blink is your badass cool Uncle who has a garage full of magic, Tannens is a 101 year old magic shop with timeless history and credentials. In other words it's totally different and you can't compare the two. They are both worth a visit though I'd give the tiniest edge to Don't Blink since it is so darn friendly and chill there. So Tannens: incredible history and a great selection. Website is up to date and you can order online and pick up in store or have it shipped. Prices were normal but there's a first time 20% off coupon on the website if you sign up and it applied to my whole order. They have a few exclusives but the best is the book You are all Terrible. I didn't realize until I got back to my hotel that the author had autographed it - that's super cool!

Great magic store, they helped find a couple magic tricks I was looking for…read more They had lots of books and classic vintage lecture notes my favorite. Upstairs on 3 floor. They did try to sell more than I wanted to buy. But that is their job. Do magic that will encourage buyers desire. They are very helpful over all. Great selection. Many good deals on some items if you look.

On an annual trip to NYC, I decided I would visit bookstores and take in all I could. B&B was right…read moreby my hotel, and I was delighted to find a comfortable room full of baseball memorabilia and a great variety. They specialize in 19th and 20th century English and American literature, which means you're going to see a lot of titles you're familiar with. I stopped in late in their day, so I wasn't surprised to be the only one there, but the team gave me space, answered very basic questions I had, and - gasp - LET ME TOUCH THE BOOKS. This is far from a stuffy environment, and when I finally convince my partner that I need that very expensive piece that has F. Scott Fitzgerald's music for Princeton, I know exactly where I'll go.

5 minutes before B&B books was closing, I buzzed the room located on the third floor to see if they…read morewould let me in "just to look." Well, 45 minutes later, I was still oohing and awing at the marvelous selection of first edition books they have to offer. This is the largest selection (aside from corporate-owned Bauman's) of rare books I've seen that include the dust jacket- a collectors actual dream. It's the biggest breath of fresh air to find a rare book store owned by a woman, and to be treated like a human being. I normally get side-eyed from rare bookstore owners and some of the conversations I've had sound like: "May I see the Portrait of a Lady in the case?" "All of these books are at least $100.00 and up." ".....I know." "Do you have any Wilde?" "The book about the woman hiking alone? That's too new to be in our shop, Barnes & Noble would have it." "I'm talking about the 1800s poet." "Oh." I take it personally because while I look like a millennial who doesn't know what she's talking about, I treasure my rare books like they're my children. Sunday stayed AN EXTRA HOUR at her store while I looked and answered all of my questions that I had, never making me feel rushed or unwelcome. After selecting a first edition Fitzgerald, she wrapped it in bubble wrap for my travels back home and gave me an updated book with all of the rare book sellers in the country.

I love coming here to look at physical magazines (they're becoming rare these days). They have a…read morewide variety of hard-to-find fashion, interior design titles, even international ones. I love that I can always find World of Interiors here.

Find this little pretty thing in mid town during lunch break. Like the bookstore with stationary…read moreand souvenir...vibe. Winter holiday setup feels nice too.