Cute and quaint little bookshop in Brooklyn. They have a nice selection of different genres of books and used books as well. Pretty well organized and they even have really cheap greeting card selection in the back. Reasonably priced and nice to just browse through. read more

We had the worst experience at this bookstore in trying to return a new book . We were told the book was "used" because we opened it to look at it . How do you discover a book without "opening" it . The woman was so rude , the book they sold didn't even have a barcode . The seller was even flustered when we said we didn't want it and wanted to donate it then and she almost would not take it at a new and USED bookstore. The staff unfriendly and unhelpful. read more

Such a good bookstore. I always come away with a few on point books that I wasn't aware of. Friendly, helpful staff. Readings in the back yard. read more

Stopped at unnamable books after a coffee date with one of my girlfriends. Books were categorized by genres but as I was looking I noticed certain books didn't belong where they were placed. As I was purchasing my books the cashiers vibes were extremely off and unfriendly. He did not greet me just asked card or cash and just handed me the POS when I said card. When my friend went to purchase her books he was far more kinder to her and her bf. I love going to independent book stores but will not be returning to this one. read more

Unnameable Books - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

When we found out there was an independent bookstore in the area we headed on over to see what treasures we could find. Outside they had books on sale for GREAT prices, my daughter picked up a couple and then we headed inside. After much leisurely browsing we paid for our 5 books (I know... I can't help myself, books are my drug) at really great prices. There is nothing that warms my heart more than this type of small business. I plan on visiting every time I go to see my kids in Brooklyn. read more

Unnameable Books - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Amazing selection of texts and very friendly staff !! Also very reasonable prices !! I will be coming back! They also have a section specifically for "Used Reds" [not the wine] read more

I absolutely love this bookstore! They always have great deals on books sitting outside the shop, and it's a joy to peruse inside. One of my absolute favorite things about this shop is that you can call and they'll check to see if they have a book for you and put it on hold for you; if they don't have the book, they're more than willing to order it. I really appreciate a shop in the middle of Brooklyn that has a small-town feel. I haven't investigated the selling of books, but I do appreciate that they sell used and new books here. One more thing - I am thankful for their later hours because in the pre-covid days, I could stop here on my way home from work. read more

Cozy bookstore near the dispensary I frequent. Kind of disorganized but I do like the indie graphic novels. I'll be back again soon.

This independent bookstore is a book lover's dream. My friend recommended this shop to me and I'm so glad I paid them a visit! For a smaller shop, it's lovely to see the variety of books they can put in one spot! There is definitely a little something for every book lover here. They also have a bunch of books on display outside at bargain prices, which is amazing for your mind, imagination and budget! Be open to the possibilities of any book calling your name and Unnameable Books will be THE spot for you! They have books both used and new available for purchase and from my understanding you can sell your books here! #Winning! But I would definitely call first to confirm. I was able to find three (used) books without breaking the bank. The employee was also very kind, courteous, and helpful. I was trying to see if I could find personal development books, but he did inform me they don't really carry many but they do have a few! This didn't hinder me from digging for some treasured books though! I definitely found some keepers! Long story short? Awesome bookstore. They don't really have a niche, but they DO have a great variety of books for you peruse and purchase. Definitely will be back next time I find myself in Brooklyn. Thanks for being awesome, Unnameable Books! read more

It's a used (and new) book store. It's small and cramped--that's what bookstores ARE (Barnes & Noble is NOT a book store, it's a department store). You're supposed to browse, and find surprises. If you don't like it, go to Amazon. read more

I'm so glad fun used/new bookstores like this one still exist in Brooklyn. Unnameable is small, but it has a really broad selection. You could complain that there's no niche or specialty, I guess, but I actually prefer a store with something of everything -- that means I can stop in for a browse with anybody (literate) I know, and they'll probably find something that interests them. (I'd say that Unnameable has an unusually good selection of used poetry and arts-related books, though.) It's a bit disorganized, both in terms of subject matter and alphabetization, but that's part of the hunt. Finding an old paperback of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold for $4 in the science fiction section is why going here is more fun than B&N. Definitely worth a stop in if you're strolling down Vanderbilt. read more

Over the last year, I've tried to start purchasing my books at independent bookstores rather than Amazon. I recently called Unnameable to inquire about some titles and ask what is the best way to order from them (phone, site, etc) - we were on the phone for maybe two minutes when she put me on hold to help a customer, and then I heard the staffer make fun of me to the customer saying "this guy just has a lotttt of questions.... a lottt of questions" - when I was simply asking how they would prefer me to purchase them (the funny thing is - they said, definitely don't use the website since it's not updated!) They said they would call me back about what I had asked about and never did. I lived on the same block as Unnameable for over 2 years and spent countless hours and $ in the store, and really wanted to buy a stack of books from them during this crazy time. The good news is the bookstore is doing well enough that my business didn't matter, but being made fun of by the employee made me pretty upset. read more

Um, it's....nothing to sing home about. I found it very difficult to find anything interesting because everything is so jam packed in that nothing really sticks out. The prices are very fair and transparent. The book selection is alright, but I did enjoy the fact that they had a revolutionary/political section including lots of harder to find books by Black revolutionary thought leaders. THAT is dope. But beyond that, Unnameable feels cramped and overloaded, so it isn't the sort of book store I like to linger and spend hours in. read more

Not really sure what their niche is because they're way too small to be an all-purpose general bookstore, and aisles aren't neatly labeled (though individual shelves are). I guess they have a lot of used fiction/classics, a music shelf that somehow took center stage, and a pretty sizable kids section. Also cheap used books on the sidewalk. Good place to waste time, though not too much since it's tiny. read more

Unnameable Books - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

Excellent local bookstore. A true independent gem with great selection. Can't wait to see the new space!

I've only been here once and I'm already in love. Fantastic and organized section of used books. I bought 5 books I was really excited about for only $24. Everything about this bookstore screams that the employees and customers love books and peaceful reading time right down to the WQXR on the radio. : ) can't wait to go back read more

I was recently perusing my mind for bookstores of old that I used to stumble into and worship so that I could support them in these trying pandemic times. Unnameable Books materialized in the ether and slapped me on the forehead like a pile of bricks! Wow, how could I have forgotten this place? You see... I spent the entirety of my life in Brooklyn, NY until summer 2016 when I departed for Western shores. SAD! This place was always a gem... a treasure! Gem and treasure... redundant, I know. But alas, I really did love this place. I would pop in every chance I could for years. Who knows what it's like now, but I bet it's still great! Keep it bookin'! read more

This wasn't my first time there over the years, but this was certainly the most memorable. The store is on my bike route for exercise on the way to Prospect Park. I decided to drop in with a few used books and possibly find something new. The 30ish caucasian stocky woman with glasses was promptly surly with me when I politely asked if she could look at the books for store credit. She made it clear that she looks at books between 1 and 4. It was 11:49, I was in my bike clothes with helmet, BUT I decided to look around anyways. Obviously I was someone on-the-go. Maybe 20mts later I came back to the desk and explained nicely that I can't stick around for another hour and would she mind taking a look, because I really wanted this photo/art book for Tom Waits. Without skipping a beat... "I TOLD YOU I LOOK AT BOOKS BETWEEN ONE AND FOUR!!!! YOU MUST RESPECT BOUNDARIES WHEN SOMEONE GIVES IT TO YOU!!!! WHAT THE HELL!?!?!?" Flabbergasted I say meekly... "I'm sorry, but can you please look at these things. I am trying to make you some money after all." "LOOK AT ALL THESE STACKS!! DO YOU THINK I REEEEEEEEALLY NEED TO LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE?!? ALRIGHT GO AHEAD! TAKE THEM OUT!! I CANT FUCKING WAIT!!" So I took them out she picked what she wanted and actually didn't yell at me at this point and stated the price and I paid. There were a couple other customers in the store by the way. As she was handing the book back I say... "You got a thing for boundaries huh? Here's one for you, 'Add to cart.' Hope you guys are here next year! Glad to help a small business during a pandemic." She was suddenly shy and didn't singe my eyebrows with her charm. Then I left. I am definitely not setting foot in that place again. It's out of the way and you gotta get treated like that on top of it? I like to support Indies, but its stuff like that, that doesn't make me lament 'oh what happened to that cool bookstore or music store', etc. Add to cart it shall be..... read more

Great neighborhood store. When I went there was a steady stream of people coming in looking to talk books, looking for new books, and looking to score old books. Relatively spacious, good selection even on the used side, good prices, and the staff seem friendly. One major flaw -- several nonfiction subjects (sciences, social sciences, culture studies) have been ghettoized to a weird narrow alcove with no lighting. If you're looking for those subjects, until they install a new lamp or move the shelves, you will need a flashlight. I'm not kidding. read more

This is the best bookstore in NYC. Unfortunately the five boroughs have been depleted of independent bookstores due to giants like Barnes & Noble and Borders, and e-books. Unnameable Books is the perfect little bookstore. The books are piled up on the floor and shelved in floor to ceiling bookshelves. It's a great place to browse or look for something specific. The staff are friendly and informative, and Adam always has what I am looking for. Books that I couldn't find at other spots in the city, like The Importance of Being Iceland by Eileen Myles or The Absence of Work about Marcel Broodthaers were sitting right on the shelf! In the basement Adam hosts cozy poetry readings with free wine and good company. It's worth the trek to Prospect Heights! read more

I actually think this is the best used boosktore in New York, and one of the best for new books. Sure, you're never going to beat the Strand for quantity and for marked down new, and sure Spoonbill has great art books, but it's the owner's selectivity in buying that makes this place great. And the prices are really good. And, in terms both of both book condition and literary quality, he never wastes his precious shelf space with crap. He also seems to have the same taste as me, which helps - very strong on fiction in translation, always stocked with classics, and he's got really great, current criticism. I've often found used fiction on presses I like (Green Integer; NYRB Classics; Dalkey Archive) at really good prices. I regularly walk from my neighborhood 25 minutes away, because this bookstore is that good. I don't know "Adam" personally, but I desperately want this bookstore to flourish. We need used bookstores, especially of this quantity, and I fear they're a dying breed - I beg you, buy stuff here! read more

A thoroughly unimpressive and mostly disappointing bookstore. The location is not bad and independent bookstores are such an important resource that there should be many more around, so I was more than happy to visit after seeing Unnameable Books on some best-of lists for Brooklyn. I wish it had been worth the visit. This tiny shop has the potential to be characterful and inviting, but instead it is just confusing and rather uncomfortable. First things first, the books are too expensive for their condition, which is generally quite beat up. The last time I saw books in this condition for sale, they were ex-library. The new books are at cover price, so no big deal there. I am all for giving used books new life, but a paperback for $8-$10 that looks like it's been someone's toilet reading for half a century? No thanks. The next issue, as other reviewers have mentioned, is the very poor shelf organization. Sure, there are a lot of books, but there is no rhyme or reason for how they are placed on the shelf: not fully alphabetical and not in any real subject order. Even those that are on clearly labelled shelves do not belong to the category stated on the label. If you have OCD for disorganized spaces, you will be pulling your hair out. As for selection, there are plenty of pretentious philosophy-type books and a few overrated literary classics thrown in. A lot have quirky postmodern themes that I suppose fit with the store's ethos on organization (which is to say, disorienting). It wouldn't be so bad to leisurely browse the tightly packed shelves if you have plenty of time on your hands, but even just a handful of customers will make the task impossible with so little space. It gets exhausting pretty quickly. Overall, the atmosphere is cramped, the staff nothing special, the clientele - accurately referred to by another reviewer as the "Park Slope stroller crowd" - are loud, and the ambient music is annoying. During my visit, there were a lot of loudmouth patrons obliviously chatting it up (including one giggling incessantly while reading) as well as a barrage of clunking noises, presumably coming from the staff sorting out books. The guy at the desk was eating a sandwich and could easily be the "supercilious owner/manager" referred to in another review. I just want to look for books in a quiet, respectable atmosphere. Is that so much to ask? Oh, and the sci-fi section is embarrassingly bad. I reluctantly bumped it up to 2 stars because it's open to 11pm, which is unusual. read more

I. Love. This. Place. Whoever found Adam and his staff unfriendly must have been in on a very unusual day. I find the entire staff totally wonderful and helpful. Surprised to hear someone didn't find their outstanding (and pretty radical) Black Studies section, located right next to the register. This is the Platonic form of a small, independent bookstore. When I moved to NYC, this was the place I dreamed of having in my neighborhood. Lucky me, I live right around the corner. read more

Normally I do NOT shop used because WRITERS DO NOT GET ROYALTIES FROM THESE PURCHASES ( SHAME !) , but I like this place on a broke day. it's super small and very selective about what it takes on these days, which I appreciate. They had a lot of crap when they first moved in. I managed to sell a few books to them, but I would be careful to not sell a first edition because if you don't know your stuff you might be giving away something special. Kind of mad that my Anne Lebo book went for so little( sheesh!), but bibliophile horders can't be choosy. Took half cash and half store credit. Store credit is the better deal. Tip: They don't buy anything that smacks of militant black people books ( funny enough, these were my caucasian husband's books) or anything that a hipster/ Park Slope champion might not read. LMAO. read more

What can you do with a dollar in this town ? At Vanderbilt' s Unameable Books, forgotten paperbacks & abandoned hardcovers can be rescued . Open til -yes- 11pm and located steps from a fist full of fine bars, its perfect for sustaining your I.Q through happy hour . http://bklynmike.com/2013/02/09/a-dollar-a-dream/ read more

I love love love bookstores, but had never heard of this one until I was across the street at Soda Bar. Granted, I don't hang out in Prospect Heights too often, but I was still shocked to know I had never heard of this shop before-it's fantastic! I was genuinely impressed with the selection of used books at great prices. Most used book shops are hit or miss, but Unnameable had a truly comprehensive selection of books, everything from music to fiction to art to philosophy. I had my heart set on a newer book, so I was a little disappointed...until I turned around and saw that the opposite side of the shop is fully stocked with new titles. Score! They had the book I wanted, and my fiance left with a great used poetry collection and a collection of essays on music. The location across the street from Ample Hills Creamery doesn't hurt either. Highly recommended book store! read more

The owner is rude and could care less how she speaks to customers. I can spend my money elsewhere, thanks.

Upon moving back into the neighborhood from '07, stores have definitely changed on Vanderbilt Ave.. and Unnameable is one for the better change! I love the easy access of Amazon.com but this nook of cozy corners surely inspires to revisit novels and textbooks which evaded past attempts. Selections really vary but get this: I got Lonely Planet Indonesia, Vikram Chandra Red Earth and Pouring Rain, and Netters Atlas of Anatomy (albeit c1989) all for one Hamilton bill...and within 15 min of browsing.. and instantly in my hands... My new fave local haunts to regularly stop by.. read more

Unnameable Books - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The kind of used bookstore that gives used bookstores a bad name. Quixotic selections, supercilious owner/manager. He gives my used offerings a withering once-over, chooses one or two, makes me haul the rest out where I leave them on a stoop. I ask if they carry Jerusalem, a popular cookbook (they also sell a selection of new titles) and he has never heard of it, nor does he offer to order it for me. I also ask (just because) if they have the 2nd Hunger Games book, am assured scornfully that they do not. I see it on a shelf by the counter. I don't buy it (just because). In a nutshell I love having this place in the neighborhood -- in theory. In practice I usually walk out empty handed and vastly prefer to shop at Greenlight or Community Bookstore. read more

I came here as a book seller so I can't speak to the experience of buyers. Maybe Unnameable Books passes their savings onto their customers after robbing used book sellers blind. That would be the only silver lining, the only thing to get the bad taste out of my mouth. I arrived with a stack of brand new hardcovers, Pulitzer-prize winners that had been given to me as gifts, which I never got the chance to read and will sadly have to leave behind when I move. I was hoping to receive at least 20% of my books' face value, but I am not one to cling to unrealistic expectations. I was met by a rude shopkeeper, who manhandled the pages without so much as a word or a smile. I understand the need to assess condition, but these books had never been opened, and I feared the shopkeeper would break their spines. After all was said (or not said) and done, I was offered a measly five bucks--or a bit more in store credit, which is useless to me as I live far away. I had traveled for almost an hour on the subway to get to this place, hoping I would be able to leave with at least a little dignity and enough to cover my Metrocard expenses. But all I left with was a lesson learned. Too bad the libraries don't accept donations anymore! I'd rather give my books away for free than deal with Unnameable Books again. read more

I like this little used bookstore. Also known as Adam's Books. Off 5th Ave in Park Slope just up from Melt. Small but full of goodies. Always end up leaving with something (a first edition Kurt Vonnegut, whatever they just made a movie out of, Phaidon book on modernism...). The bearded and bespectacled Adam (at least I assume this is Adam) is a soft-spoken character who hides behind the cash register and a few precarious walls of books. Seems to have good and interesting taste in music (first time I went in he was playing a collection of spirituals from the library of congress). Prices are reasonable enough. Bargain cart outside. read more

Unnameable Books is one of my favorite used bookstores and its just a few blocks from home. They have an incredible selection of literature and Art. I could spend hours here (and I have done that before). If you love used bookstores go see this one. The prices are not necessarily the cheapest, but they are the very least decent. read more

What a great little bookshop! We had to buy some gifts for a nephew and tried finding some bookshops nearby. Instead, saw the glowing reviews for Unnameable Books and decided to give it a go. So glad I did. It's a small lil shop but the minute you're in you're overwhelmed by the floor to ceiling books. It's quaint, cozy, and yet you'll still probably be able to find just what you're looking for. Great lil childrens' book corner with unique finds. Naturally, we found a good couple of books go get our nephew...he loved em! Love to support those independent lil bookstores, seeing how the big ones are just becoming extinct and now it's digital everything. read more

Used books on the cheap starting at $1 Not as organized as you might like, but a good spot for finding quality reading material. New and Used books They accept credit cards (.25 cent charge for purchases under minimum amount) read more

I'm sure I will add a star after my second visit... mix of old and new and found FROG by Stephen Dixon, which I've wanted to read, and never see. Only $6! and this is a gigantic book... Relaxed fellow working there on the rainy night that I ducked in made a relaxed, wry and witty remark about my purchase: "I always thought this such a large book for such a small animal." Something like that. They also had copies of the Brooklyn Rail available... a terrific free newspaper. I look forward to future trips... I live in Astoria, but come to Brooklyn for Dance Class and can happily spend my free hour before class browsing at Unnameable. read more

Nice place to waste an hour or two before or after grabbing a bite on 5th Ave. Each time I go into the place, the stacks are climbing higher toward the ceiling. I've been shopping here since he opened and his inventory just keeps getting better. Lots of interesting finds for the persistent browser. As Elisa says, the music that Adam plays is always great and he doesn't disturb his customers with needless chatter. In fact, it is hard to get the guy to talk at all. But he clearly has a love for books and I'm glad he's opened a bookstore when most are closing down. read more

Awesome place, I was visiting my sister and found this great used book store. The shelves were floor to ceiling which I love. Pricing is extremely reasonable. read more

I LOVE this place. It's absolutely cozy in here and perfect stop by while waiting for your dinner reservation, take the long walk home or in the mood to aimlessly hunt for a book. As another reviewer said "beautifully cluttered." The associates here to bother to rush you or glare at you in a "too cool for you"-way. The inexpensive books $2-$4 on the outside are worth the look. My boyfriend found a Civil War hardcover (400+pages) for $3.For those with bigger wallets, in the back of the store they have rare books with a bigger price tags. The used books here are in great condition, there may be underlining (in some books) but I've bought a "used" book...that was really 100% unread (spine cracked when i read it). In addition to used books they do have a small section of new releases, so I try to go here and buy new releases vs. Amazon Prime it. Support your local businesses :) read more

God-tier bookstore, up there with The Strand and Book Thug Nation / Human Relations Much better curation & atmosphere than McNally, Bookcourt, WORD, Greenlight, Hullabaloo, etc read more

Sold a few books last time I went in and the service was good! If you are going in to sell, however, I would give them a call beforehand because apparently what you're supposed to do? The website is sparse and doesn't mention calling before going in to sell. read more