Depending on the time you go here, this place can be "relaxing" or "a nightmare". If you go really early, like before or during lunch time, this place can be pretty quiet on a weekday. If you go after school or on the weekend, this place is packed with wild children running around the 1st floor or 2nd floor, stupid young punks reading manga or Twilight fans sitting on the floor with their legs stretched out, ghetto trash that has nothing to do but kill time before the movie starts(its just right next door), or just to use the bathroom (which they cleaned up pretty good, compared to how it use to be years ago). I try to go as early as possible, on a weekday, before the Apocalypse hits the main doors. Once you enter the store they have tables set up for new releases, best sellers, local writers, paper backs, etc. On the right of the store is all the "nook" section, and on your left you can see more books, reference college books, moleskins, journals, and the registers. I like to browse around the tables, skim through the books, before I make my way up to the 2nd floor and continue looking for more books. I love it how the escalator takes you to the 2nd floor and right in front of you is the bargain section full of games, toys, and crafts. It really did felt like a "Jewish Heaven" to me, personally, since I'm pretty cheap when it comes to B&N (I see here on Yelp I'm not alone!). I normally hit up the cheapest books, read some manga, and continue with my day. Yes, I sometimes make a purchase here and there if I have the money or I'm desperately want the book or if I'm lucky enough to get a B&N gift card like I did last time. What I hate is that they have no seats for anyone to sit and read. So, it's like you have no choice but to plop your butt on the floor, lean against the shelves to read, or make a small purchase at Starbuks (2nd floor btw) and read through 5 books, a magazine, and a study guide. Also what bothers me is that their section of "Spark Notes" is completely used up! You can tell that many of the young punks got their free loading hands on it and chewed it all up! Some of the books are also used, or wore forced back into the shelves. May I ask, where are the staff workers? Why are they not keeping a good eye on their customers and their behavior? Why is it that the security guards act more busy than the staff workers here? In conclusion, not the best place to relax, unless your here early, have enough money for Starbucks coffee, and you actually have a seat to study/read in peace. read more

You know, it's really refreshing to walk into a book store in this neighborhood and not get the usual "Grad-School-Cold-Shoulder". (Donna from Team Dresch once asked after visiting Yale, " What DO college kids laugh about?) Anywho, The staff here are friendly, knowledgeable and...local! They have a rich selection of books and an exciting, free reading series. This evening I was lucky enough to catch Cristy Road reading from her latest, "Bad Habits". Fresh from the "Sister Spit " road show, she painted a gorgeous portrait of heartache, Cubana punk rock and New York City. I was smitten. I lthink it's awesome that she read at Barnes and Noble and that they carry her book! See, when I was growing up, I lived in the boonies. I only had College Radio to keep me in touch with the music and culture I love. There are millions of kids growing up like I did. It's just nice to have access to something good to read that makes you feel not so alone. (Note: the reading space is right in front of the windows, so be prepared for the reader to get distracted by gawking passers-by!) read more

This must be said first: a better, non-chain book-buying experience is available just down the street at BookCourt. But, that said, Barnes & Noble is a solid presence. You know what you're going to get, and what you're going to get is a pretty good selection of books and especially magazines, with little pressure to buy. It can make a leisurely stop while waiting to see a movie next door, or a place to buy some reading material in a hurry. I use it mostly for the Starbucks on the second floor. Even though it's always full, I'm somehow always able to get a seat, which isn't true of the other Starbucks locations nearby, and the second-floor view makes a nice change of pace. read more

I like this Barnes and Noble because it is close to my house and it's a good shelter in the summer heat or winter cold. Also the cafe is a nice place to sit with a beverage and read especially since there are not many seats in the store. I love to come here and look at the cookbooks. You can also get some good deals in the Bargain section. read more

I enjoy this location because it is conveniently located near borough hall aka close to my workplace. I walk in stare at all the amazing gift options, stare at the discounts, and ogle new book finds. I secretly want an adult coloring book, but I wish that I knew which color pencils to use to draw in them. There is a cafe upstairs on the left hand side, and there is also a bathroom in case you end up reading a book and it takes too long? I love that they have board games (I'm addicted to them! Do I hear any fans of Settlers of Cattan?) It is always fun to come here and take a look at any new additions! read more

It's a B&N so you kinda know what to expect... There's a cafe on the 2nd floor that I study at once and awhile despite the fact that this place is always packed. It's noisy and really busy but it's not horrible trying to find a seat in the cafe if you're lucky. However sometimes it's outta control, and people hover over you like vultures immediately waiting for you to get up or make some sign that you are about to leave. Also, there really isn't any seating except for the kids' section in the whole store. So there are people sitting all over the floor between bookshelves that you have to step over. Thing is, I'm sure I'll be back here time and time again to study or do flip through magazines for free. read more

This isn't ultimately my favorite Barnes & Noble because of the atmosphere and poor management really. The cafe here is always crowded mostly because there's always people that freely sits in the cafe even if they aren't paying customers which I think is ridiculous and there is no one that steps up to tell these people that these seats are for paying customers. I waited for 15-20 minutes hoping someone will get up but when I had enough I spoke to a manager about this and I assume they did or said something. There's very limited seating at this location. A lot of people are sitting one floors which is an issue. In addition, the WiFI here is slow and laugh at times. This is definitely not a Barnes & Noble worth visiting if your looking to relax and read, better to come if it's convenient for something. read more

They changed the set up and put all the chairs on one side of the store (perhaps they added more chairs?) the only problem is if happen to be unfortunate enough to get a really loud group sit next to you, you're screwed. The music is very loud so if you are trying to read it can be a bit difficult (which I get - I mean they want you to buy the book, not treat the store like a library), but I really wish they would turn down the music. The selection is great and updated so no complaints there - and the staff is helpful if you ever need assistance finding stuff. read more

Was bothered when I was in the starbucks area. There were people being loud and very rude. Needs a security guard on the top floor. Its crowded. Save yourself the time, dont go to the starbucks area. (1 star not exaggerating) read more

I like this Barnes & Noble. It is convenient to get to, right there near Borough Hall. However, the line area where you pay is a bit cramped up into the stationery section. Additionally, I found the children's section to be pretty cramped as well. Still, they have a great selection of things to read, and the store is easy to navigate. I just don't find the "impulse buys" as appealing because they are... well, I'll say it again... cramped. read more

This is place is huge. I love roaming around this store. They appear to have just about everything, including a large discount area (with actual discounts!), smartly displayed entry way (all the new stuff and new paperbacks are set-up on tables, which I love) and 'local writers' section. What's most unfortunate is the staff. If you can even find them, they're just the pits. Dead in the eyes, cold, flat, unhelpful. I'm in this store often, and I've never ONCE been asked if I need any assistance finding anything. Trust me, the thing you'll find the most hard to find is a sales associate. read more

I absolutely love this place. The only thing I dislike is the rule change. We can't no longer sit on the ground to read any books. That sucks. read more

I used to go to this Barnes and nobles all the time but I went this time and they didn't even let me sit on the floor . Lol it was ridiculous . So I won't be coming here at all anymore read more

This is a pretty good place to study. I really like that the cafe area is on the second floor because I feel that it allows for more natural light. There are usually a bunch of other people working when I'm here, which helps with motivation. Obviously, you are sitting near the cafe so there will be the occasional use of blenders, or people chatting very loudly, or employees yelling, etc. but I always bring ear plugs so I don't care. :) read more

This is a very nice Barnes & Noble. It is very spacious and has many awesome choices. The deals at the entrance of the store are great! I recently got a good deal on a Sherlock Holmes book. There is a Starbucks with a seating area as well. read more

Lots. Of. Books. Everywhere. There's 2 floors filled with books, like All You Can Read and Buy book-fet. But it's a bit pricey on some books. I was going to give this 4-Stars but I find it a little convenient to walk around the areas on Floor 2 of Barnes and Nobles.. People sitting there on the floor against the bookshelves reading. It's fine, but they are blocking the paths which I intend to cross and see other books. They have magazines as well as anime magazines for anime-fans, computer-tech stuff magazines for tech-people, and so on. Hmm. They also have food-stall/cafe stand somewhere on top. Haha, this is interesting BN store. Overall, 3/5 stars total. It's still good. read more

It's Barnes & Noble, what can one possibly say about it? This particular location is smaller than most and doesn't have a great selection of books, which is sort of strange considering it's a national chain. The cafe area is always packed. Personally, i'd encourage all to support their local bookstore over this place. Or just go to steal the free internet like I do. read more

Even though this is corporate-land where everything is exactly the same at one location as at any other location--I would say this is one of the more pleasant and less gruesomely capitalistic B&N spots in the city. Maybe it is the neighborhood outside? Loose, rambunctious. Anyway inside, just seems a little more relaxed. I like the enormous staircase in the middle of the first floor (the floor for desperately awful, recent-release books) which takes you up to the 2nd flr (slightly more real books) as if you're climbing a gangway up the side of a ship. Customer Service is good--I've called them several times to do an 'item in stock' check and they always are zippy. Girls at the counter are chatty, lively, and engaging. Otherwise, what is there to say? read more

If I didn't have children, I wouldn't spend $16.50 to see a 3-D movie with four 3-D effects in the whole movie. If I didn't have children, I wouldn't go into Barnes & Noble after seeing said pocket-raking movie to get two books. However, I do have children and when they flash their pearly whites in the name of reading and education, I fall prey to Barnes & Noble. I am a staunch supporter of Amazon for its convenience and selection and independent bookstores for their unique ability to select books you will enjoy reading. Barnes & Noble falls nowhere near either. This particular B&N is similar to many in size and selection, but lacking in amenities. When I say amenities, I mean seats for the people who lay in the aisles to read books or clean bathrooms for those who like that sort of thing. Twice when my kids have had to go to the bathroom, the bathroom was closed for cleaning. The prices are high here, but if you have a B&N card you will get your discount every time which brings it down closer to normal. I really have no idea how these places stay in business when most people go in here to kill time, but I guess for now, they are still making it. On the only high note, the children's section stays more organized than the rest of the store and my kids always find the books they are looking for. read more

This is one of my favorite Barnes & Noble in NYC. The place is large, friendly, and feels very inviting. The Starbucks on the 2nd floor is large and I always find a seat. I spend a lot of time there reading. I like to grab a window seat and watch the traffic go by on Court St. There are about 5-6 schools in the neighborhood so you'll find students and academics frequenting the store. Unfortunately they cannot compete on price or selection with Amazon. I try to make a purchase here every now and then. The Starbucks seems to be the busiest section of the bookstore. Perhaps Barnes & Noble will eventually transition into coffeeshops which sell books. read more

It's a B&N so it has books, magazines, and Kindle products. The security guard is a trip and I am sure that he deals with a lot of nonsense given the location. If you are on the move between Brooklyn Heights to Cobble Hill and need to use the restroom they have one on the 2nd Floor located next to the children's literature (no one has hassled me when I run in and out). Decor wise: You are not going to find that hard to find book as the size of the store is just too small. People line the aisles with there laptops using the free internet and Security lets them chill on the floor which is welcomed as some stores do not let you do that anymore. Underground Business: Up on the upper level wide open so if your travels take you from Cobble Hill to Brooklyn Heights then here is a good stopping point. read more

I am a super fan of any place I can go to and be surrounded by so much intellectual power. Buy me a book and you got me hooked for life.

Your everyday corporate bookstore which happens to be surrounded by a few fabulous independent stores. Yes, their selection is larger but not necessarily better - you also lose the great recommendations from people with good taste in reading. It IS great place to use the bathroom though, as the Starbucks down the street is usually crowded. read more

Not many book stores in Brooklyn. So if you dont want to go over to Manhattan then stop in to this location of B & N . Its got a pretty good selection but not as good as union square. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I can't say this place is very different from any other Barnes and Noble, but it succeeds in being a very large bookstore with a welcoming attitude. Go patronize it, before it goes the way of Borders. If you don't actually want to patronize it, you can use it as a public reading room, the way the rest of Brooklyn does. It's also a convenient place to browse, if you've got extra time before going to a movie right next door. My only question: why must the people who want to read celebrity gossip magazines camp out on the floor of the science fiction section, completely blocking the view of the "New releases" shelves? Edit: I just came across this, from a Barnes & Noble employee in NYC. While I don't know which store she works at, it's worth reading: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/322942784 read more

Neighborhood bookstore, the Wifi is temperamental and the store doe not have outlets to keep your laptop or mobile phones charged. Also, I have not seen any appearance or book signing by any authors to date. Be prepared to wait for a table in the cafe! read more

Barnes & Noble - View from the café! - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

For a place that is around colleges - They carry no college books. me: Excuse me do you have this book Staff: NO go to the one on 5th ave or Staff: We can backorder it for you Me:ok how long Staff: about one to two weeks me:ok thank you have a nice day (seriously WT*) -------- me: excuse me do you buy back books Staff: NO go to the one on 5th ave Just a thought - They should put out a sign - saying if you are a student of college go to the BN on 5th AVE we carry nothing for you. 1) RUDE 2) If you going to be next to colleges and not have books for students - WHY OPEN 3)always full of people and so hard to get around. Side Note (after a "Note" that I got): There was a few English course that i took and i needed a book. The professor said o go to BN they would have it. They didn't, i went to another one and they said o why didn't they have it. if it is major specific then ya i agree they should not have it in stock, but if it is a common book to be found in BN - then i don't get it. If 100 students go in and ask for it wouldn't a light bulb go off or something to have it stocked especially since you are suppose to carry it anyway, and it is school season. read more

This is the worst Barnes & Noble I've ever seen. But even the worst Barnes & Noble is good enough when I'm bored and want to spend the day loitering on their floor while reading a large stack of magazines. Their book selection has gotten better over the years. I used to have trouble finding the books I wanted (to read in their entirety while sitting in an empty corner), but lately, they always have what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, everyone and their five brothers love to hang out here too, so it's hard to find an empty corner sometimes. But it's worth the hassle if you're bored, desperate, and low on funds. read more

Great store, not very crowded, has a Starbucks upstairs. I do miss places to site like other locations. Clean restroom.

Here is a two-level Barnes and Noble, very standard for New York. The selection in each section is decent. Some sections, like weddings, cookbooks, and romance seem to be overflowing and could use some weeding-out. Other sections, like teaching and social justice, could stand to have a few more books added. The cafe in this Barnes and Noble is the best one I've been in. The food seems fresher than other locations and the staff is actually very friendly. Actually, everyone who works in the store seems relatively friendly, all things considered. You couldn't pick a more high-stress neighborhood for mommyzillas and pseudo-fancypants hipsters to sit around in a store and not buy anything all day, so I think anyone who works here probably deserves a medal or a raise or something. Speaking of fake intellectualism and pretension, I don't really buy into the whole "corporate bookstores are the root of all evil" thing. Barnes and Noble is not the retail incarnation of Satan Himself. This one is actually a great example of how a store can be part of a larger chain of similar stores and still be faithful to its customers. I'm treated kindly when I walk in, no one is ever pushy with me, and every time I've asked about a book I couldn't find on my own, I got to talk with someone who genuinely seemed to understand the subject matter and be invested in me finding the book I wanted. Can't really ask for more. If you came here to whine that there are always people hanging around and clogging up the floor, maybe you should just consider buying your books and getting out, instead of hanging around to observe them as you also clog up the floor. read more

It's a bit crowded inside, but they have a great selection of young adult, stuffed animals for the kids, as well as history/current affairs.

Too crowded, disorganized and the staff is not attentive. I think that sums up every experience I've had here. read more

Great place to buy books and/or read. It has a special place in my heart because as a kid and teen I read there for hours and brought books here. Its a nice atmosphere and its great they allow you can give the books a little sample ahead of time so you wont waste your money. Wide selection as well. read more

I really like this store. It's big and you can get lost in all those books. What great about BandN is that it's not like those small uptight book stores where you don't know 3/4 of the titles. Here all the popular books are available at a glance and on sale. If you want the latest romance novel or coloring book they entire got the entire collection. Looking for a book on your favorite toy, movie or video fantasy game, they got that too. Magazines, gifts, and electronic devices, they got that too. I usually feel pretty smart when I come out of a BandN. Thank u for putting those small uppity book stores in their place. BandN u r pretty special. XOXO read more

I have loved coming here for years, and staff have always been helpful. Today my pre-teen son and I were riding the escalator down to check out two books. In his exuberance in trying to illustrate a point, my son mistakenly threw his keys up in the air. We watched in horrible slow motion as the keys flew up in the air and then downward....right between the escalator and the bookcases tightly lining its outside wall. An employee had caught the whole thing, was soon joined by another, both slowly advanced, and a third joined, as it became clear that they'd have to pull the bookcases out in order to retrieve the keys. They set to work, were very friendly, sent us to the check-out, where the woman taking care of us was laughing heartily about the situation. She told us she had lost her phone similarly. When we came back to the scene, they were just pulling out the bookcase, shelves and books tumbling out, I was simultaneously grateful and embarrassed, and yelled out that I would write them a good review, at least! They laughed. I will eternally remember all these peoples' good humor. Thank you! read more

Went in to kill some time until my movie started. There are sooooo many books that it's overwhelming! I started out in the children's section for my 4-year old. A majority of the toddler books in my home were on the shelves so I decided to opt into Brainquest cards for the 4-5 year age group. Hopefully those will keep him on his feet. Did a little browsing for a book I was interested in reading called "Secrets of a Jewel". I couldn't find it on my own so I asked a worker to help look for the book. She searched on the computer and then informed me that this book was a "Publish on Purchase" book. I've never heard of that so I asked her to explain. With no issues she explained everything, took my information, and gave me a paper that I would present to the cashier so I can pay for the book. While downstairs, I had my boyfriend wait on line while I searched the display tables FULL of books. (Might I add that their set up is VERY neat!) I found another book that I was interested in. By reading advertisements not only on the walls but on books when it was time for me to step up to the cashier I was intrigued in finding out about the Barnes and Nobles membership. The cashier proceeded on letting me know all details and even let me know how much I'd be saving as of today. I'll definitely be coming back with my son to utilize my membership. Such a pleasant place to be!!! read more

Very clean, quiet and good place to just browse all day. Staff is helpful and friendly.

Used to come here with my brother to read anime. I love this place. Very serene and quiet. Annoying little kids but nonetheless, it's still a very nice place to read a book. Prices are steep, so try ordering a nook. Although I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD that my dad purchased for me, the online prices are a little better than in store. read more

too many people just laying in the aisles reading. You usually have to climb over people to try and get your book. But hey they have a bathroom and in nyc thats hard to find. Also I perfer to buy my books on half.com But if theres something I need right away I try to go to another B&N first before this one. No cool events like the one in Manhattan (union sq) read more

I wish they would have more variety of spanish books and more variety of bibles. Great kids section. read more