Local bookstores seem to be a rarity these days, especially ones as wonderful as this! Sure they have all the new bestsellers, but why bother with those when you can peruse their collection of small press and independent releases? Furthermore their staff are quite knowledgeable, and were able to find for me books that I had not seen in many a year. Indeed, many a diamond can be found in this rough! I would highly recommend you pay this store a visit, and perhaps you can pick up a few of my novels when you do! read more

I used to be a huge fan of this store, so I can't remember those days without a heartache when I frequented here where still had all the facilities including the functional and cute cafe section with the nice garden and the pond with goldfishes. Now the store is more than half deserted, and apparently the owner no longer seems to be around, let alone attending the premise. They don't even have latest titles that any store is supposed to carry. Reluctantly I began going to Barns and Noble nearby, and I want you to imagine the shame that I could not help feeling--with this store in the area, I never thought I would go through this shaming. Now I believe I am not the only one to regard this store and its decline with resentment over the last decade. The only wish that I have now is the owner's attention and morale miraculously back to this site in order to resurrect. Or some aspiring person will take the store over and surge the new blood so that we wouldn't lose this once wonderful community forever. read more

This bookstore is 41 years old and I've gone there occasionally since 1978. It's small, which is obviously limiting - but they have a good selection of graphic comics books and a really good selection of illustrated children's books (the latter is located in what was formerly the café), among other things. There's a pretty patio in the back, for when the weather cooperates. The people who work there are helpful & pleasant, and they also leave you alone if you're just browsing. Lastly; I'm not a big fan of cats, but I like the one at this store. read more

I love this book store! There are so many reasons, but in an effort to keep your attention I will start by listing a few. #1 They are completely local and support small presses and independent authors #2 They had an educators night that gave me great ideas for my classroom and introduced me to new texts #3 They have a cat #4 The owner (or one of the owners... I think there are two) is very patient and incredibly helpful with suggesting good titles. If I went into Barnes & Noble and asked an employee for suggestions, I'm worried I might end up going home with a work by Dan Brown or Helen Fielding. #5 Everyone who works here is super kind & knowledgeable read more

I have this thing for loving to walk around a neighborhood and just stumble into a store. I also enjoy reading about history. I was able to pick up some great history books about NYC. The store is all about small business and being in the community. The staff is very welcoming and quick to help. It's not the biggest store but hey who cares, right? that personal touch is felt here. read more

Is Christmas stress really excuse to be rude? As many readers may know, January 24th is National Readathon Day, which is, among other things, a national fundraiser to raise money for people struggling with illiteracy. Many people are working even over the holiday season to organize teams in order to raise money or to find existing teams that they can join. I get that National Readathon Day falls just after the holiday season. I certainly didn't pick the day. All I wanted to know was whether the Community Bookstore was going to have a team or not (yes or no question) because I am trying to figure how best to donate and participate. When I called to ask my yes or no question ("I apologize for asking just before the holiday, but will you have a team for National Readathon Day?"), the man who answered the phone said, in the nastiest tone of voice: "You must be kidding me. We have a line out the door." In basically the same amount of time, someone could have said: "Yes, we will, and thank you for wanting to be involved, but right now we have a line out the door so can we give you more information after Christmas?" However, it was the "You must be kidding me" that really rubbed me the wrong way. Even a response like, "Thanks for calling, but I really can't address questions about National Readathon Day until after the holidays" would have been a perfectly pleasant response. So, in answer to this rude man's question, no, sir, no. I care about literacy and fundraisers that support it. No, I was not "kidding" you. I will not, however, be supporting your bookstore on National Readathon Day (or, frankly, probably ever again). read more

Often touted as a favorite of the local bookstore connoisseur -- neighborhood resident Paul Auster, among others, is said to be a regular -- Community Book Store actually leaves me rather cold. The vibe is surprisingly unwelcoming, and the stock seems too... precise... for the joyful discoveries that so often make a small bookstore enjoyable. Extra points for the iguana in the back, though. read more

I am a jerk. Why? When Community Bookstore was really struggling awhile back and on the verge of extinction I was the jerk still buying stuff from Amazon. I also take many books out of the library. I am atoning for my jerkdom. They will happily order books for you and they arrive in pretty short order so put that amazon 1 click buy button down and scoot over to the store or pick up the phone and call them! read more

Frankly, any bookseller who weathers on despite the onslaught of Amazon and Barnes & Noble, etc., deserves some kind of prize. This is far from my favorite independent bookstore (The Mill, in Western Massachusetts -- my favorite by about a thousand miles), but Community is a great bookstore for Park Slope. Very solid, cozy, and very friendly to kids - a nice kids' section in the back, usually with a couple of animals padding about and a little piano. Community may be a little too cramped to really invite prolonged browsing, but all in all, great for Park Slope. read more

It's been a while since I've seen a great bookstore. They had such large range of selection, I could stay here all day long. The workers there are super helpful and sweet. Went in looking to buy one novel and walked out with 4.. will be back soon! read more

I shop at Shakespeare & Co. personally, but my wife uses this bookshop. We live in the neighborhood & if you do-- if you live in Park Slope or nearabouts-- I figure you have an ethical imperative to shop here instead of at a corporate alternative. read more

I love this cozy, awesome book store. The staff is helpful, the selection is great, and they always seem to have some nice animal around. I am really going to miss shopping here when I move to Philly. I go out of my way to shop here even though I go by Barnes & Noble every day. read more

There's a great wooded nook in the back, with tables and a little water feature. So charming

This is exactly what Barnes and Noble wished it was! A relaxed atmosphere where one can sit, read, and enjoy. They have a pretty great selection of books for a small bookstore, and they have a cat that lounges around. This is exactly the mentality Park Slope wants to uphold and they nail it perfectly. read more

Very cute bookstore. Has the necessities for everyone. Without the noise like Barnes and Noble .

Amazing little place. They were open the day after Sandy and provided a welcome retreat. Their collection of NY Review of Books and various small publishers as well ashistory and politics books are great. I also love the bookstore cat - all the best bookstores have one! read more

Community Bookstore is a Park Slope institution, with friendly help and a great selection of books. You can curl up on a sofa and read, drink coffee at the tables in the back or in the yard with its lovely pool or join book discussion groups, hear writers and listen to music. During the tsunami and 9/11 this was the place where people brought clothing, first aid and donations. The front window is full of community announcements and proprietor Catherine Bohne is in the know about the community and the best books. They will get any book for you that isn't in stock. And their free buyers club will get you a 10% credit for your new purchases, a nice surprise when you reach the amoun. read more

I've grown to appreciate this bookstore. It's a nice set up, I come in on weekdays when it's not crowded.

I Love this place .Yes Its small but its good to know after work I can swing by and start my browsing. You have a helpful staff there also you don't feel as if your being hunted down and asked for help much there which is peaceful in my book. read more

I Just spent over 3 hours reading, and it was great nobody interrupted, super quiet and clean. There was a super cute cat to pet in between breaks :) read more

Great bookstore, with a cute bookstore cat. I'm very lucky to have a place like this so close. The selection is good considering the size, and I've never experienced bad service there. Will definitely keep going back- it's also a great local spot to bring out of town guests. read more

Staff and owners are surly and unconscionably rude. One of the worst bookstore experiences I have ever had. I highly recommend shopping at the nearby Barnes & Noble or better yet at Unnamable Books on Vanderbilt. The fact that they call themselves a Community bookstore is a bitter irony. And as an African American woman I am appalled that they accused me of shoplifting. Simply disgusting. read more

Everything you want out of your local bookstore! Great selection and whatever they don't have they're more than happy to order for you. I love browsing here and always, always come out with something. The staff is knowledgeable, really friendly and often quite funny. The new owners Stephanie and Ezra know just what they're doing. Be sure to join their frequent buyers list so you can get discounts. read more

This place is an old Brooklyn institution. Been around since 1971. Great selection, great staff.

This place is awesome! Everyone is nice and friendly to each other and the store cat Tiny is super cute!

Wonderful little spot to browse the new fiction and see what's new in the world of books. Not a huge selection, so special order it if you need something specific. read more

Great bookstore! Doesn't have the huge selection of box stores, but they feature a lot of great authors, including many local and indie writers. Great vibe, super cute. Spent a ton of time just browsing and reading and was totally left alone to do so. read more

They don't have a HUGE selection but they have great books in a cozy small store. Cute back reading area and good kids section as well.

They didn't have the particular book I was looking for in stock but the helpful staff ordered it and will email me when it's in. Happy to support small business. read more

Really great and charming bookstore in the heart of the Slope. The staff is made up of friendly, knowledgeable readers who know their stock. I came in asking about a recent release (The Terminal Bar photo book) and before the person I was asking could look it up the other staff member stood up saying"I think I saw that somewhere" and wandered off as if in a dream. They seemed to listen to the air for a minute before the spark of memory took them and they reached down, grabbing their only copy for me. I was also on a John Le Carre kick for a while and had some nice conversation at the counter about that author and others. My next statement is the truth I promise: every time I buy a new book it is here. I live a very pleasant 1 mile walk away and look forward to dropping by when I do. *Forgive me Community Bookstore for I've been on a used book kick for a while now, but your shop is the greatest! read more

Beautiful selection of books, in a beautiful store with friendly people and a gorgeous garden to read in. You can't do better than this.

Keep these guys in business. Nice staff. Great place to sit out back (a pond with turtles!) and a clean bathroom if you ever need one. Of course, they have great books too. read more

They have all the books. And a turtle in a pond in the back for your toddler in the summer. And all the toddler's books. And most of the people that work there are nice. Yes, they used to let you use your $10 for every $100 the day of the purchase and now you have to wait for the next time. You need to put on your best book snob attitude and approach it with an eye for you knowing more than them. Then they'll surprise you if they're kind. The other day, a cashier got me a tote bag for my huge holiday purchase. plus! Another time, barely eye contact was made asking for a book. Support them, they deserve it, and don't expect much otherwise and you'll be fine. read more

These guys are awesome and Ezra always has great recommendations. Not only do they have great things in stock to explore, they will also order anything special order with no extra cost (or shipping). Buying all my books here and supporting local! AND they have a fantastic kids book selection and kids reading area. Fantastic!! read more

Interesting selection, obliging staff, cute patio out back, public bathroom, a chair or two, a fuzzy cat. If you are looking to camp out, it may not be the best choice. But you shouldn't walk by without browsing. Has independent selections, little known writings from famous authors, great choice of kids books, and graphic novels-- along with everything else. read more

There is a difference between having everything and having everything that a reader wants. This store hits all of the right notes. They have the big bestsellers and classics, but I see no mass-market crap on the shelves. Plenty of hard-to-find stuff from smaller publishers. Staff are people who actually care about books, and they are all quite nice. read more

Love..LOVE this place. Community Bookstore is the perfect name. They are very welcoming and have an excellent selection of books. If they don't have what your looking for, they will order it for you. They used to have a coffee shot with access to the garden in the back. They closed that part a few years ago and I miss it. But whenever I'm looking for a book, I go there first. :) read more

I just went to a book reading here only because the book was on issues that are relevant to my work with The ISPaD Project...even though I knew nothing about nor had I ever heard of the place - i loved it. They have a cat, an outdoor open area with a turtle pond, & a book reading that was indeed interactive (a q&a session, not just a reading)! It was a bit small but that's b/c Borders is what I have to compare it to, coziness was certainly unexpected. read more

I'm glad this place exists in the neighborhood, love the animals inside. I also appreciate their book talks and events. They carry out a valuable community service in this sense. Sometimes I feel like they get similar titles to Barnes and Noble, and the selection doesn't always elicit my attention. But hey, I am probably eccentric in this regard and they probably think they have got to carry what's popular and mainstream to stay viable in this crushing economic environment. Friendly staff, and I don't mind stepping over the dog as some other posters have pointed out. read more

What a wonderful, wonderful place. I'd live here if I could. My favorite bookstore in the world, and I love bookstores. Love the area in the back for kids, the dogs, the pleasant atmosphere, the willingness of the owners to answer customers questions etc read more