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    Riverow Bookshop

    4.5 (19 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Scott W.

    This was a unique find after seeing John Kucko mention it on his Facebook Page. It did not disappoint. Three floors of wonderful books. Some unique, hard to find items. The staff was super helpful and knowledgeable. An extra plus: it smells like an elementary school library inside. Super nostalgic fun stop.

    Really old books
    Henry M.

    My 500th review! And it's not even about food. On my recent road trip upstate, I stopped in the town of Owego because I've always seen it from the freeway and have always wanted to stop and check out the town. I had no idea I'd stumble upon my new favorite used bookstore. This bookstore sells new and used, although mostly used. It's a lot larger than it looks as it's on three separate floors. It's such an experience to walk in here and slowly take it all in. The creaky baseboards, the wooden steps, the intoxicating smell of a room full of old books. And they have everything you could imagine in here. The bottom floor has their clearance section with great deals on books, vinyls, magazines, and more. The upstairs has multiple rooms. You could spend all day browsing inside this bookstore. Right by the entrance is the culinary section and here is where I found my gem. I purchased a limited edition copy of Jacques Pépin's "The Complete Techniques" that is leather-bound with gilded page ends. The best part is that it is signed by Jacques Pépin! Next time I make this road trip, I'm going to have to leave earlier so that I can spend much more time browsing this shop. Forget Strand Bookstore in Manhattan, Riverow Bookshop is where it's at!

    Tara K.

    My husband and I, both avid readers, absolutely adore a good locally owned bookshop. And Riverow is definitely adore-worthy! We used to live in the Broome County area, and would frequent Riverow in charming Owego often. We were recently passing through town on a weekend road trip, and were stoked to see Riverow open on our way through, so of course had to stop to do some book perusing! They have both new and used titles here, a great variety of both on the three-floors of this historic Owego building. My husband is a philosophy PhD, and has found many great specialty academic books titles here, a few that he picked up on this recent visit. I like to explore the used fiction for sci-fi gems, and have stumbled on both classic and newer books in the used and new. New books are usually priced per the cover price, so higher than online, but supporting this local business by paying a few extra bucks if you can is very well worth it. You will find bargains in the used stacks though, for sure. The owners, who are often working the register here, are incredibly helpful if you are looking for something specific or want to order something. They are also friendly to just chat with in general, too. Riverow Bookshop is one of my most-missed places from when we used to live nearby. So glad we got to stop in recently, and look forward to doing it again someday when we're back in the area in the future!

    Hannah O.

    Riverow is HUGE! It looks like a bookstore that would come out in a show or movie. The floors are creaky and went when no one was there so lowkey got creepy vibes BUT their book selection is very thorough. They have every genre imaginable with a dedicated floor for discounted books (in the basement). Didn't even get to roam throughout the whole bookstore-- but they have three floors (I didn't get to go upstairs). They sell mostly old books. But is it bad that I prefer Strand? Anyway, definitely give this place a visit if in the area. Oh and funny story: I lost my friend so I had to scream her name around ten times before I could find her (I was on the main floor and she was in the basement).

    Wonderful first visit, worth my 30 min drive, I adored this place!

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    2 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

    This place is huge!!! Book heaven with tons of new and used the people are super friendly too!

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    Review Highlights - Riverow Bookshop

    The creaky baseboards, the wooden steps, the intoxicating smell of a room full of old books.

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    Riverow Bookshop - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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