I popped in this quiet little used bookstore during my day in NYC, and what I found was a great shop with a curated selection of books -- you're sure to find something fun. I ended up finding a Barbara Kingsolver collection of essays I didn't know she had published. The owner (I think that's who it was) was at the desk in front of the store, and he spoke to several people who came in about books. Alabaster is the quintessential used bookshop. The prices vary, so I would do a perusal of the store before deciding what to get. I also appreciated how this small shop is organized. It was easy to find my way around and to see if this shop had any books I had been hoping to find. Especially if you live nearby and are a book lover, pop in and see if anything catches your eye! read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

Alabaster Bookshop is a rare gem with a well curated selection of used and rare books. Those out-of-print books I've seen there are top quality and well cared for. Even though it's around the corner from the massive Strand, Alabaster stocks an awesome selection of books you may not easily find elsewhere! Similarly they have a selection of cheap used books outdoors to get for either your personal perusal or, as I occasionally do, upcycle them as gifts or celebratory cards with a personal note. Support independent book dealers! Check Alabaster out! read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Alabaster Bookshop offers an exceptional well curated selection of used and rare books! - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

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Nice selection of used books. Large group of mystery, fiction, and smatterings of Christian/Jewish books. Always courteous service. Check out the carts outside always sold at deep discounts. read more

Great curated selection. Some real gems for collectors out there. Lovely staff and great vibes!

My partner and I stopped by to browse what we thought was a cute bookstore! It's a bit overpriced but we enjoyed looking at the vintage books and postcards and were considering purchasing some. However the employee there was quite rude, and told us we couldn't look at the books. Said they weren't "for looking". These were books out in stacks, not behind glass or anything. We were also being gentle and just occasionally picking one up to read the back. Sir, what else is the point of a bookstore? We left immediately. Not sure if he was having a bad day or homophobic, but either way it soured the experience. Don't recommend. read more

Big fan of Alabaster Bookshop. Thanks to them for their outdoor racks for lovely browsing, and their curated selection of literary fiction, other fiction, and intriguing nonfiction bits. When living in NYC in 2013-2016, I loved dropping in, finding books to buy and take with me, and chatting with the staff. At one point they told me about a history book club too; I meant to attend that. Smaller bookshops are usually my favorites, and Alabaster is a gem. Let's support them. read more

This is exactly what I picture when I think of a used bookstore. The warm lights, ceiling tall bookshelves, and built in sliding ladder gives you all the cozy feels you look for in a bookstore. There's some books outside for sale for $3. Although quaint, the selection is pretty small but you can find all types of interesting books, editions, and even signed copies. Unfortunately they do not have an inventory so romanticize your experience and get lost in the finds! read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

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i didn't buy anything but its a very nice old shop. i really loved the photo boxes with old photos are a dollar. its kinda sad though that someone never claimed their photos and now they are either in vintages stores etc. hopefully they go to good homes. read more

You can spend hours in this space and feel like a minute has gone by. Looking at all the great selections and first editions makes one imagine all the hands and eyes that have experienced the words on the page and how they were transformed in perspective or into another world as an escape. Aughhh... this is history connected to the present world reality in such a tangible way. Dream on... read more

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I was walking around at night and stumbled upon this bookstore--it's open until 10pm! Love their book selection--it's homey, cozy, and warm, and you can spend hours looking at their selection. They have some outside too. read more

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The perfect bookshop. Excellent cabinet collections. Generous book-purchasing policy. Helpful shelving categories, e.g.: "Bound Fiction". Twenty-eight years in a post-war red brick building. No cat, alas. read more

Guy at the cashier was unhappy to help at first. Not good vibes inside. Probably not going to back.

Simply the coolest. Yeah the strand is close by and has all those hip magnets, but if you wanna go home with a fascinating book you've never heard of or just have an interesting conversation about philosophy with the store manager, go to Alabaster. The main shelves are loosely organized by subject and author and there's some diverse stacks of new books at the front. The most interesting ones that had come in when we visited were a Tolkein hand-illustrated version of the Hobbit and a textbook on feral pigeons. I went home with a $5 Umberto Eco paperback and my friend a $2 book on brain games for babies. Lol. read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

When I first began working in Gramercy I was excited to see what bookshops were still in business as this district (and this particular street) used to be home to a decent number of Rare and Antiquarian bookstores and shops. I stumbled across Alabaster and it's inviting outside carts and was immediately drawn in. For such a small shop- Alabaster has an IMPRESSIVE collection of rare and antiquarian books. The shop even has a considerable children's collection. The younger gentleman with long blonde hair is a fantastic employee and incredibly knowledgeable. He also knows their stock pretty well and was able to explain to me both edition AND print values of multiple books off the top of his head. The regular selection is also something to consider and it's all relatively, decently priced. Everything is also fairly organized in such a quaint space. It's been very convenient for me to pop in when I need something and purchase it with ease! Every employee I've encountered has been helpful and I'd recommend this shop to anyone! read more

I always loved this place for the 2 dollar book rack outside where you can sometimes find great books. But I never had a chance to go in and check out their other books till today. I came across a book I absolutely loved by a author I didn't know who is definitely going to be one of my new favs. The book said 4.50 on it so I assumed that was the price. When I went to check out I found out it was $48!!! The guy said it was because it was a collectible. It would of been nice if they would add the correct prices to old books that still have their original price, or atleast put up a sign somewhere letting people know the prices on books aren't correct. But the one thing that really made me mad is how I googled the book after I left and found multiple copies for $20 or less, and they were charging $48! I hate it when places try to rip people off. I recommend going there to browse and find some great books, then find them online where you can get it for much cheaper. read more

SHORT VERSION: Tinyass bookstore that has EXTREMELY well-selected books at superb prices. Person who works there is cool too -- my sense of ideal in that they're nice & personable, but also low-key and allows customers to browse comfortably with space. LONG VERSION: For shame. For my 9.5 years of living in NY, I've walked by Alabaster countless times and wrote it off as potentially very expensive rare bookstore (...I'm a penny-pincher). Till yesterday. I finally wandered in, realized how tiny & cramped the place was, and assumed I wouldn't find anything. Walked over to the science section. Within a few short minutes, I was picking out and holding onto books that already really appealed to me. At great-value prices. I felt like a kid in a candy store. My mood went from always indifferent to severely happy. The place is dangerous for my wallet. I say that comically but also genuinely. Soooooooo much good shit on their shelves. I'm an annoyingly particular person; I was elated to discover how much of a gem this place is. I had to mention to the guy working the shop that their book selections are fantastic. He seemed to appreciate the feedback and said that they really make the effort to choose them. I really respect that. The value of knowledge and the euphoria of being able to own such quality reading material means the world to me. I honestly don't often treat myself to nice things, so my purchases here meant a lot for me. Thank you, everyone at Alabaster, for your style in doing what you do. I hope you guys realize how much it means to a few/many. read more

Lovely little bookshop. Worth visiting. The gentleman was friendly and helpful. We'll be back.

Tried to purchase books here again today, but as before the owner or sales associate was so rude and put out by the fact that he had to show me something. After wanting to purchase 2 books for over $150 he said they only took cash, ok understandable, but while I'm trying to see if I had enough cash he says do I want them or not. Actually no I don't, and I won't ever stop by this mess of a store again. By the looks of the business you could have used the $150. It's a shame, since I always support independent stores whenever possible, but not to be treated rudely. Good luck with your attitude. read more

The store has a good selection, but the prices can be comically high for a used book and one employee in particular is beyond pretentious.

I stumbled into Alabaster Bookshop when I needed to kill some time and get out of Union Square. Outdated hardcover, and some more recent hard cover and paperback books, were overflowing the crowded shelves, just as you'd expect from such an establishment. Most books seemed to be organized by subject and the place is built for browsing until you find something you didn't even know you were looking for. That's what happened for me... the perfect book just happened to be placed on my eyelevel. I flipped through the pages and realized it was the perfect gift for my mother, which is why I can't mention the title here. Stop in and take a look. You might just find something you'll like! *Credit Cards are accepted for purchases $15+ read more

I found this place while waiting for a chronically late friend to join me for dinner at Ngam. I have no idea how this place is still in business but it's got lots of charm. The space is tiny, the selection limited, the vibe sort of odd. Outside they have mobile racks of books for $2. I found Shit Girls Say (which is going to make an *amazing* gag gift for someone), Running with Scissors, and Into that Darkness by Gitta Sereny. I also found a pristine hardcover copy of The Smartest Kid on Earth inside the store priced for $30, which seemed kind of high to me but their an independent bookstore after all. They have history, poetry, fashion, plant, animal, fiction, philosophy, psychology, and occult sections. I remember seeing Anton LaVey's Satan Speaks, and possibly a copy of Drawing Down the Moon. Ginsberg, Nietzsche, Jung, Death of a Salesman. They seem to be open pretty late. I left at 9:20pm on a Tuesday and they showed no signs of closing. Two things here made me smile: They seem to make a point of keeping all the little odds and ends that would end up inside a book in them. I found business cards, a print out of Catholic prayers, an explanation of Zuni fetishes (it's not what it sounds like), personal written messages, among other things. There were so many that I couldn't help but wonder if they were stuck in there on purpose but I choose to believe they're not. The second bit was a local coming in to chat with the guy behind the counter, and their conversation was just random and amusing with the soft jazz and musky book smell in the background. I miss places like this. read more

Like the small sea creatures who survive by hanging around the neighborhood whale, Alabaster enjoys a similar relationship with the Strand. The store is small, but teeming with good titles, which is indicative of, as noted in another review, good taste and careful cultivation. Moreover, the prices are better than the Strand and even Amazon. If you see something you have wanted for a while in Alabaster, especially when it comes to their art and photo books, it's most likely going to be the best price you will find. The store has no database for their books and some sections, such as Psychology and Occult, are simply organized generically, so it's a store - like it or lump it - you need to set aside some time to browse. Whoever is at the front desk of the store however is usually friendly, helpful and will point you in the right direction to find a title. Also, their outside books are all in good shape and filled with recent mass market bestsellers. Plus, they are only $2 a piece. BIG TIP: there is a $15 minimum for credit card/debit card purchases. I have been on the wrong end of that exchange too many times so learn from my mistakes! Next time you are on a bookstore run, complete the trinity of bookstores in the area: Alabster Bookshop, The Strand and East Village Books. read more

I love this bookshop. So glad they're still around. Right now, Strand is only buying books on Sat., but Alabaster will take your books (with less of a sniff and more of a smile) any day. They offer cash, or double in store credit, which Strand doesn't offer. read more

I love this place. It's the cliche bookshop. Overfilled, smell of old books, a tiny man sitting at the front desk by a classic library lamp. It's nice. It's pretty small though, so if you're not serious about devoting time to look through. Don't come. Head over to Strand or Barnes and Noble. This place is sweet because you can find some special gems. Or childhood books you forgot about. I often come here to find books I wanted to read when I was young but couldn't afford then. It's nice. I think you can exchange books too, for money or store cred. But I've never dealt with that. I would suggest any serious book lover stop in for a visit. Even just the atmosphere is a lovely one. Though it seems like it would just have good books. Don't fret. There is a whole wall of the Twilight saga. It's massive. So no, it's not pretentious. Don't fear! read more

Honestly, it surprises me that this small shop has lasted since 1996. Very small space, maybe twenty five feet wide by thirty feet deep. About the same space as your average Starbucks. So book selection is limited. I was tempted to just turn and leave. But I browsed a bit and found one book; came originally from RIP Borders. 30% off list. Guy at the counter seemed bored but polite. No reason to go out of your way to shop here. read more

Such a quaint little bookstore. I spent a good half an hour browsing the outdoors section, where they had all these $2 books (in my opinion, even though the selection was smaller than Strand's outdoor section, the selection here had much better quality books). I ended up buying three of them. The inside is small and packed to the ceiling with books. I love this place. Great place to get lost. read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

I'll admit, when I first started coming here, I got a lot of attitude from the guys who worked there. Like, dude, I get it, you work in a bookstore, therefore you think you're smarter than I am. But I'll admit, they've gotten a lot better. Not sure if the staff is new or they got a talking to from the boss, but the guys are now really sweet and downright helpful. Manoeuvring through the stacks of this tiny gem of a bookshop is a lot of fun. The window display books never last long so if you see something you like in the window you should buy it right away. read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

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So many books I want to read are just sitting on the shelves of this shop! It's small and feels like you're the only one who knows about it (otherwise all those books would have been snatched up by now!) Whereas other second-hand shops always seem to have several copies of an author's worst work, books that turned out to be duds, etc., this place is full of gems. A hidden treasure. (shh don't tell anyone!) read more

If you're lucky, Alabaster will have some sale stacks outside the store where you're bound to find some great bargains. If I wanted (and I was tempted), I could have purchased the entire Twilight series for $6. My students probably would have appreciated it, but I didn't feel like lugging the books around the city all day. Inside, the place is very cramped. While it's somewhat organized based on genre, you really have to spend some time searching through the stacks to find what you want. Prices are based on the condition of the book. They had about 5 copies of "The Stranger" ranging from $6-$9. There were several boxes of books marked "unpriced" as well, but I'm not sure if those were available for browsing pleasures. I'd probably stop here again, as it's kind of like a thrift store - hit-or-miss. But I wouldn't go out of my way to do so. They have a $15 minimum on credit cards, so just beware if you're the type who never carries cash. read more

Crammed with books, mainly in the arts/theatre and biographies. Great selection, friendly staff, convenienly located near Union Square and the strand... I see piles and piles of books when I go in there, they have a cheapy cart out front with some good selections! They also buy slightly used books here! Cash in and get something new! read more

Nothing about this bookstore really stands out. The selection is subpar; I would expect better given the neighborhood. There may have been some interesting books in the rare books case, but there was such a pile of books in front it was impossible to tell. I suppose it's better than another threading salon. read more

The sweetest little shop and my all time favorite place to go in the city! I stayed nearby last summer and had a hard time walking past here without going in. A great selection of books that's always changing and growing and a quiet little space to escape street noise. They also have a wonderful cart of $2 books in front which i definitely stopped at daily. read more

I spent almost an hour last week browsing through Alabaster's selection on their $2 shelves outside. They have quite a collection of books I have wanted to read for a long time, and other books that actually seemed like something people would pay for. (Not always the case on the curbside discount book racks.) For $12 I got 6 new books I can't wait to read. Inside, they have a huge selection of best sellers for less than most used books stores I have been to. It's definitely worth a look if you are walking up 4th Avenue. read more

This little shop took a price of my heart when I left. It's very cozy inside, and the cashier was friendly. I found a few good books, and if I had the time I could've gotten way more. This shop is very personal and real compared to something like Barnes and Noble. Definitely a must go for bookworms. (My sister even liked it and she doesn't even read!) read more

Alabaster Bookshop - Vintage and cozy - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - New York, New York

I stumbled across this place by accident and I'm really glad I did. Great vibe, a really eclectic selection (found some really reasonably priced Thomas Wolfe paperbacks), and the guy working there was both really knowledgable and hospitable. I couldn't have had a better experience. read more

Wow. I could get lost in here for hours. So cram packed it's mouthwatering. However it's hard to move around when there are more than a couple other shoppers in the store but it's worth it. read more

This is a great little bookstore. I love to sneak in here and look at the used books when I'm wandering the city by myself. Personally, I like it better than Strand because its not so daunting! It's run by one person, there is a cat, and its quiet. My kind of bookstore! I also like the $2 cart outside, where I've found many, many recent bestsellers. Support independent! read more

Whoever said they had lower prices than the Strand.... Not true anymore!!! Just saw a copy of the Vagina Monologues for $15. It's cheaper new. For that kind of money I want Eve Ensler to come to my house and read it to me! read more

A decent selection of theory, some stuff you'd actually want to buy, and only a moderate about of aggressive pretension.

Once upon a time, a teenage girl really needed cash (and quickly). She didn't feel like selling her jewelry, or getting a job (too lazy). the only other things she possessed were her books- of which she had hundreds. She began to surf the web, seeking a solution. Alabaster was thus discovered by me; although I wish I hadn't sold my limited edition hardcover book about the doors for 8 bucks, I probably wouldn't have gotten a fraction of that at strand! (YEAH, STRAND. Buying books by their weight. So if I have an ancient Chinese manuscript that only weighs an ounce I should only get a few cents? ....... Ok, if I tried to sell aforementioned manuscript at strand that would simply be a reflection of my own stupidity) HOWEVER ( always start with the bad so the good shines through, a glowing star of warmth) years later I returned to Alabaster (this is about three days ago) and am absurdly overwhelmed by their collection. Immediately I notice two books by my favorite, though fairly underrecognized, author: W.G. Sebald. They are also in awesome older editions. lots and lots of Nabokov, memoir included. Beautifully bound leather volumes of Akhmatova (also just regular paperbacks) catch my eye. I had only planned on rummaging around for one book but I notice so many more without even trying to. Unfortunately, my wallet is more like an endless abyss than anything else, so I ended up settling for Joan Didion's "the year of magical thinking" which was a whopping two dollars (by whopping I mean whoppingly cheap) and an old Sotheby's new York catalog containing Italian contemporary artwork which I thought was kinda cool. (this was only a dollar!) little alabaster bookstore has done a lot to earn my respect. It is a treasure trove of glorious goodies. So I forgive it for the 8 buck slip up. I would have probably taken advantage of a dumb teenager too!!! read more