Another outpost of the Whitney, the Friends of Schenectady County Library volunteer-staffed used…read morebookstore, and just as good in terms of selection, organization, and value. It's smallish (see picture) but a huge improvement over not having a bookstore in the mall. My only real quibble is the hours (see photo for hours as of late August, 2023); they make it hard to combine a swing by the bookstore with a trip to the Local or the movies, pretty much the only things that draw us to Viaport these days (although perhaps more on the schedule of the fans of the aquarium). We barely had time to take a gander arriving for a movie matinee when they were closing up! Sales support the excellent county library system and the place is a pleasure to browse, so stop in sometime and find something to take home.

From the owner: Used bookstore operated by Friends of Schenectady County Public Library. New and classic fiction…read moreand non-fiction books in almost-new condition at very reasonable prices. We also carry games, puzzles and DVDs. Proceeds benefit library programs and purchase of new materials for the library.

What a cute book store! This spot is in the middle of the woods and you are sure there isn't…read moreanything out this far away - and then you come upon the book barn! The building is crammed with books. Lovely piles and stacks in every spot. There is even another out building with discount books. We spent a long time hunting through the piles and I loved every minute of it. The areas are organized and labeled very well so you know what genre you are looking at. This is lovingly looked after and kept. A literal hidden treasure

I visited here again recently and this place is still just as magical! It's tucked away in the…read morewoods and is chock full of immeasurable charm. The owner is English and her business is an extension of her lovely personality. I have childhood memories of this place that could have come straight out of a magical fairytale book. There are many categories here; a large history section, gardening, art, film, geography, mythology, crafts, so many categories and subcategories, and because they are curated by someone passionate with books there are no filler books here. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, this is a curated collection by a woman passionate about books, making a living off of it feels secondary here to the passion of finding the books. You will not ever find another place like this. In a small rural town no less! This is a destination place if you are visiting the area. Such a gem!

Mr Somers is a very professional and articulate business person. His shop is jam packed with every…read moretopic anyone could think of and he has new material every week or even more often. His $1 special section always has a few hundred books and changes all the time. He will buy some titles but not the mass market stuff. A very pleasant man and willing to engage in conversation.

A fun place to browse for secondhand books or the small collection of recent remainders that I…read moremissed until spotting the sign on my way out. I think the antiquarian books are well hidden or behind the desk. The old gentleman working there wasn't even aware I was in the shop, I think, until I spotted him at a desk and approached to ask a question. He was pretty helpful once I did though. Organization is general--by topic but definitely not by author or subsections within each topic. If you're at all sensitive to mold or musty books, bring and wear a mask. I only had 15 minutes before they closed, but found a couple of slim nonfiction treasures: $1 for a Zen Buddhist journal/magazine, and $2 for a pamphlet. The collection is heavy and nonfiction, including plenty of history, religion, and social sciences, with some art & music. Fiction is a mix of non-current popular titles and quasi-vintage books. I asked about science fiction and fantasy and there was one shelf, mostly old science fiction. I hope to go back to browse, and bring a mask and my history-book-loving husband.

Amazing, large, and well-organized bookstore…read more There are 6 rooms in this bookstore with lots of history and amazing books. We ended up purchasing 3 books, with one dated back to the 1850s for a great price. I love the history of this bookstore and its purpose. It was founded by a courier who lived modestly and loved books. He collected books to preserve history, with books from all around the world.

Large bookstore with many, many rooms filled with many, many books…read more Browsed around for a while and found a book that piqued my interest, The Cather Was a Spy, about Moe Berg, a former Major League Baseball player, who worked for the CIA during World War II.

Love to support an independent and local bookstore, especially one that sells gifts, jewelry and…read morehas a toy and game section. I am a "Frequent Buyer" here and earn points. Stopped by for a summer read and a few items for grandkids on family vacation in RI. Hope the teens like the game I selected: True or False. See photo of all purchases today. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable! Store supports local artists and writers.

I went in to browse and found some lovely books for my grandsons and a birthday card for my sister…read more What a large assortment of stunning items for almost everyone I know. Free membership that doesn't expire. Discounted items (including book shelves of them as well) from holidays and their book selection offers. Helpful, kind present people working there. It's downtown Schenectady so street parking. (Best to go on Sunday)

I've gone more towards digital and audible books in my older age but can still appreciate a good…read moreold locally run used book store. My wife is more old school and took me by here on a friends recommendation and as I entered the space I was transported to my childhood when I didn't have an iPad and Amazon wasn't around. I remembered how my love of reading was nurtured in places like this where I discovered Zelazny and Tolkien and Moorcock for the first time. Where I discovered a love for all things science fiction in books like Lucifers Hammer and the Uplift Trilogy. Where I read about any subject I wanted from the history of the black death to the Occult writings of Crowley, Lavey, and Starhawk. The used book stores of my day were the fertilizers of my imagination as a kid and I had in many ways forgotten, or at least allowed them to slumber like Rip Van Winkle until awoken anew by the musty smell and creaking floor boards of this new reminder. I remembered how so many of these books have been taken and then returned to in turn be passed on to future generations. It warmed my heart to know there are still places like this around that manage to make the business model work. I had largely assumed that they were all gone to be honest. The owner, Dan, was knowledgeable and able to assist my wife with some recommendations for new reads. If you go here be sure to ask about the purple bucks which are basically a a paper rewards program in the form of purple paper money you can spend at the store. Also, be sure to call ahead before going to pay a visit. Dan is semi retired and so the store could be closed. Especially on a Monday.

Great selection in little cozy library setting. Prices are great to support local. The owner is a…read morelittle different. A real experience is when the former owner, Dan strikes up a conversation.

Really nice place. Used books at great prices. Has lots of books of many genres. Friendly and…read morehelpful workers.

I've been going to Catnap Books for years, but hadn't been there in the last few. It is just as…read morenice as ever, with fair prices, and a great selection of books. I am particularly interested in art books, and books about antiques and collectibles. I saw books there that it took me years to find, or that I had never seen before. I particularly enjoy going through the selection of unusual pamphlets--I have found treasures in those boxes!

My boyfriend and I came in earlier today and everything from the service to the drinks was amazing…read more Our server (whose name I didn't catch, my apologies) was so kind and sweet. She even gave us good input for what to order since it was our first time in there and she had so much patience as well. I ordered a vanilla matcha and matcha isn't something I enjoyed my first time trying it however, it was just the perfect amount of sweetness and didn't taste too grassy like other places. My boyfriend ordered a mocha iced coffee and cinnamon bun, usually he gets cream and sugar as well however she kindly informed us that the syrups itself was sweet enough and he didn't need it to which she was absolutely right. The cinnamon bun was delicious as well :))) This place was so cozy and cute, definitely would recommend if you're looking for a small place to enjoy good coffee and pastries. I don't know what it was but the coffee here was just perfect! I'm glad I found this place and I surely will be returning next time I'm in the area. They had lots of good books and vintage stuff as well. 5/5 most def!

If you love books and coffee, this is your place!! Very warm and welcoming coffee shop. They also…read morecarry food from another local business ppang bakery. This is a great place to meet and catch up with friends or take your coffee to go and walk around the park down the street.

There's something wonderful about walking through a well curated bookstore. Especially one that has…read moresome pretty nifty book adjacent gadgets like bookmarks and reading lights. It was very well staffed and they were quite knowledgeable. There is quite a range of price points even for a single book such as the Odyssey where they had about 12 different options. Anything from small print cheap soft cover to fancy illustrated hardcovers. They have some comfortable chairs where one can just relax while the spouse shops and neighboring stores. It's also the perfect temperature to relax. This will be my refuge in Stuyvesant plaza

Drove down to see the new location. Three people behind the counter, on computers, not with…read morecustomers, when I entered and not one greeted me. Their selection of classics is almost nonexistent. One round rack of Dover Classics, but nothing on the shelves except for three copies of Whuthering Heights. There was a display of the Odessy. The store is big and nicely laid out but sparse. Just mainstream selections. It's been a long time since I left a bookstore empty handed.