I've passed by so many times without realizing and finally attended an author panel and book signing. The staff were so sweet and friendly and the books were reasonably priced. There is also a great kids section that I need to go back and peruse. This is a lovely independent owned bookstore in the neighborhood! read more

What can I say? This spot is the type of "local, neighborhood bookstore" you wish could be everywhere. The store is bright and packs a lot into a small space. They have a great set of local authors highlighted. The store was buzzing on a Saturday morning even just after opening. I love stopping by and seeing what can inspire me. read more

Greenlight Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Greenlight Bookstore is pure cozy magic. Tucked on the corner in Fort Greene, it greets you with that warm, inviting feeling only a great bookstore can give the kind that makes you want to curl up in a corner with a stack of finds. This bookstore isn't your Barnes and Noble. It is the classic bookstore from the neighborhood. The shelves are filled with a thoughtful mix of new releases and hidden gems, and the staff has that rare gift of knowing exactly what to recommend without ever making you feel rushed. There's a quiet hum of community here, like a shared love letter to books. It's more than a place to shop it's a piece of Fort Greene you carry with you after you leave. A true neighborhood treasure. read more

Greenlight Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

Greenlight is a neighborhood icon, and rightly so--one of the finest independent bookstores I have visited. While it doesn't have the size and scope of a Strand or Powell's, it is a bright, lovely space, with room to linger and browse. Great selection where you can almost certainly find whatever popular novel you want, but with a more extensive and curated selection of books on the arts, newer and experimental literature, and a particularly lovely and robust local interest section of local authors, New York-themed historical and fictional novels, etc. In addition, there is a surprisingly large and impressively diverse childrens/YA section. They have excellent in-store events and readings featuring unique and often local or up-and-coming authors. Everything here just feels incredibly thoughtfully curated, and that includes the staff recommendations from the excellent and helpful folks here who clearly care what they--and you--are reading. Sure, you could probably go online and find many of these books a bit cheaper, but I mean if you can personally afford not to, then the reward--having this lovely local gem--is more than worth it. read more

Definitely one of my favorite bookstores in Brooklyn. Great selection (especially for indy publications/local authors) in the best location; once you find a good read there are so many neighborhood spots to cozy up and dive in. Staff has always been helpful and friendly. Once of those really special local gems that should be protected & generously supported. read more

Great local bookstore in Fort Greene, Brooklyn (named one of the coolest nabes in the world). Opened late (10a to 10p daily). Located right outside the C train Lafayette ave station. Tons of events as they support local arts and books about NYC. (I went to the NY Nico event). Fairly priced and well done merch too (tote bag especially). Love supporting this biz. read more

See all

Greenlight was one of my favorite bookstore stops on my most recent trip - this store is super cute, and I loved the cozy layout! They have a great collection of books, puzzles, gift items, and if you're just perusing, they have staff picks, too, to provide some recommendations. They host in-store events, such as book groups and author visits; did you know they also have a YouTube channel and a podcast?! The staff here are super friendly, and the vibes is very relaxing and chill. Note that you have to request a key to use their restroom. +great selection of diverse books +friendly staff read more

See all

Came here for the first time to see author, Justin Torres read from his new book. The layout of the shop is super cozy with plenty of sunlight I'll bet (I was there in the evening). There was even a signing in the back, which was wonderful. Nice and spacious in a lovely and charming neighborhood, I would definitely return for another event, or to go shopping! read more

Popped in as I often do to browse and perhaps pick up a book, and I was kind of miffed that not only wasn't I greeted by any of the staff, but one employee (a white male in his 40s or so) stared me directly in the eyes as I entered yet proceeded to ignore me. Then the staff just congregated at the front counter and proceeded to gossip and joke amongst themselves. I'm pretty easy-going, but if my boss saw the staff behaving in that manner, everyone would've been written up or fired. I found the two books I wanted by myself: one a gift, one for myself, but I was tempted to put them down and just go shop somewhere else. I know supporting small business is important, especially right now, but I seriously doubt I'd return to this bookstore. read more

When I walked into Greenlight, I immediately got the impression that this is Fort Greene's quintessential neighborhood bookstore. The layout and decor are very unassuming - there's nothing fancy, just plain wooden bookshelves and tables with featured and recommended reads. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to help find whatever it is you're looking for. The store was very busy on the Saturday afternoon I was there, with a long line of customers clutching multiple books as they waited to check out. For a small independent bookstore, Greenlight carries a decently-sized selection of titles. They use every inch of space available, but it doesn't look too cluttered and it's easy to navigate the different sections. I know for a fact that I would be a frequent customer if I lived in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill. But for now, I'll just have to ensure a visit to Greenlight is on the agenda whenever I find myself in the area. read more

Greenlight has been one of my favorite small, independent bookstores since I first purchased my first book from them nearly 10 years ago. Over the years, I've returned to the sunny, well-lit space for general browsing as well as special events. They have a great selection of books from large publishing houses as well as smaller ones-- I always end up finding something new and exciting here. Close to Fulton St (G), Lafayette Av (C), and steps away from Atlantic Av (B/D/N/R/Q/2/3/4/5/LIRR) stations, Greenlight Bookstore is a beloved, local favorite I'd highly recommend to everyone. read more

In the ancient Sumerian period known commonly as the 2010s, your pal Johnny swapped his $80/day coke habit for an $80/week book buying habit. Now your pal doesn't want any pats on the back for cleaning himself up. You can save your hugs for the next celebrity who tumbles out of rehab -- if only to return there a year or two later. I mean, most of you who live in gentrified neighborhoods like Fort Greene just walk past anyone who isn't making at least $60,000/year. No, the theory behind this choice was strictly economic, although your pal can't say that he misses meeting creepy dudes on street corners or ending up in some sketchy motel room with suspicion stains on the wall. Giving up blow for the sake of books meant that your pal would no longer smashing the piggy banks of friend's kids to score. On the whole, it was probably a better use of his time. And so on the first day that your pal Johnny got clean, he decided that reading would be his new calling. It was many years ago when your pal stepped foot in this independent bookstore, under the theory that supporting independent businesses was also part of his new Zen life. Spread the wealth, you know. Support the costermongers and the milliners and the humble bootstrapping merchants of Brooklyn. Be a Robin Hood to the little guys. Such was the incoherent mishmash of capitalism and philanthropy that your pal had conjured up while in rehab shortly before settling on the new reading life. Upon entering the store, your pal was sneered at by two employees. The big difference here between these two vegan-looking Napoleons and your pal was that your pal was over thirty and these two pipsqueaks were under thirty. Ageism, of course, is as old as time. Nevertheless, your pal Johnny is, if anything, unflappable and resilient. It takes a lot of resilience to kick any habit and start another one that is decidedly healthier for you. So your pal approached the counter: -- You got any Norman Mailer? -- You want to read that misogynist? -- I hear he's good. -- He stabbed his wife. -- Yeah, I know he stabbed his wife. But I want to see what the fuss was all about, you know? I was then given a stern lecture and rebuked for not being woke enough. I was told that my money should go to an emerging writer of color. -- Well, maybe I'll read that writer later. But, for now, I'm interested in reading Mailer. -- It's people like you. People like your pal Johnny? In the end, your pal bought THE NAKED AND THE DEAD at another bookstore. I mean, it wasn't as if your pal was buying Ayn Rand or Bill O'Reilly. Although when your pal left Greenlight, he did hear some additional grumbling about David Foster Wallace and what an evil man he apparently was. The sheer condescension that your pal received from this bookstore was far greater than any of the holier-than-thou snark that your pal had ever received from record store clerks shortly before the hammer came smashing down. Greenlight has an enviable collection of titles. Even so, call your pal Johnny crazy, but you shouldn't have to feel as if someone is trying to cancel you simply because your particular reading preference doesn't match the sneering hubris of the jaded twentysomething behind the counter. I mean, it's not as if that rapscallion ever had the focus and the effrontery to try kicking drugs. read more

So dope! This bookstore has been on my list for a minute. I ate at a nearby spot and we just so happened to be right across the street from them. The universe worked it's magic. With COVID, there's a limit on the number of people in the store and they ask you to use hand sanitizer before entering. Makes sense, we're touching books and all. We waited about 7-10 minutes before getting to go in. Most of the books along their windows are signed copies from the author which is amazing. They have all genes of books just on a smaller scale. The entire back section of the store is for children and young adult books - amazing! I picked up two books here even though I wanted more. The people were friendly and check you out pretty quickly. I'm looking forward to this being one of my go to bookstores. read more

Great bookstore! They're still limiting time inside due to COVID, but 15 mins is plenty of time to get a feel for the place. I love the mix of small shelves and really tall shelves, makes the place have the feeling of being almost consumed by books. The location and the vibe inside make the place feel more like a neighborhood book store than a corporate chain or polished, bougie experience. read more

"Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book" -Author Unknown I love books, I love libraries and bookstores but I'm a bit conflicted about this one. My visits here while in no way terrible ones are always a bit cold. No one has ever been rude! In fact staff members are always professional but I get the feeling that it's not a place for "small talk". I just imagined, hoped for that independent community bookstore vibe. Don't shoot me and my review down because I've seen the wonderful raves about this bookstore but I can only speak about MY experiences so ima have to sit this (the glowing reviews) one out. I'll update after another visit. Not quite the End. read more

See all

This section of Fulton Street is not one I have visited often in my life. It is one of those gaps in my Brooklyn experience that neither childhood or adult life filled until a recent trip to BAM. A hop, skip and a jump away from BAM are blocks of restaurants and other small businesses - including Greenlit Bookstore. Greenlit occupies a gorgeous store front at the base of a building that is easily 60+ years old. The moldings around the front of the store, the gigantic windows and the brightly lit interior are welcoming before you even walk into the shop. When you do however, the embrace is complete and you wind up in a shop where you could wander for hours. This is an independent bookstore, so there is not intense focus on just selling the NY Times Top 10 or clearancing gigantic coffee table books (not that there's anything wrong with that). Instead, you will more likely be exposed to lesser known authors and even greeting cards that you probably won't see at Papyrus or Hallmark. Perhaps the most "mass market" book I saw in the front area of the store was the "Crazy Rich Asians" novel. The way this store is laid out, it is wide open in the front with mostly tables of books. As you go deeper there are plenty of shelves that lead you into a bit of a tight corridor of literature. Topics ranged from travel to food to fiction to a graphic novel section. You can spend a lot of time looking through the myriad of selections. The staff is very pleasant and helpful. I heard them checking in on customers and I was checked on once (I kind of had that goofy "Wooow" look on my face so I probably looked lost). When I checked out, it was fast and friendly. Greenlit is well worth the visit and I look forward to going back. read more

After checking out a few bookstores in the neighborhood and coming here a few times I've grown to like this bookstore. They've got a good mix of classic and new fiction along with a nice selection of art, philosophy etc. I've definitely been to bookstores with larger selections but this is great for the size, especially if you're not looking for anything too rare. They've also got a rewards program and guest speakers from time to time which is a nice plus! read more

Have been frequenting this shop for 10 years. Always warm and welcoming. The staff is always so polite and fun to chat with.

I live for books! This little gem was everything while venturing out! It was organized chaos because there were so many book lovers browsing the various collections; yet everything was in its place! I walked out with two books (mind you, I'm already traveling with one)... I'll be back! read more

Greenlight Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The location in Ft. Greene has been my go-to bookstore since 2008. I love it so much. Greenlight not only has the hottest new books --they also house the dopest assortment of post-cards and greeting cards! Their children's book selections range from the classics to new-age authors who boost delightful stories and illustrations like never before. I have yet to attend a book reading/signing there, but it's definitely on my to-do list. The bookstore is also open late, so get there when you get there and sign up to be on the mailing list for discounts. read more

As a local who has been on many walks over the past nine months, I always walked past this store but had never ventured in - what an absolute neighborhood gem! Wanted to buy local this year so I popped in and will now be a regular. Well stocked and such a friendly staff! Will be back and can't wait to just spend time browsing all of the wonderful titles they have! read more

I'm conflicted because having worked and managed two independent bookstores, I want to give this one more star, but the staff is so ....so-so! They're okay, but it's just a weird vibe. I have to say they are helpful at finding titles and really promote their rewards program, but for some reason I don't think of them when I want to get a book. I'm happy they're in the neighborhood though and I love a good bookstore, but I just wish their customer service would be better. Hmm, maybe I'm sensitive. read more

Truly wonderful gem of an independent bookstore! The store is absolutely beautiful: lots and lots of light, since the whole side facing Fulton is one gigantic window, a really nice wooden floor, and white walls. Apart from the classics, there is quite a lot of stuff about Brooklyn, a nice comics section, and a kids section on the back (btw, every Saturday at 10:30 am it's story time for kids and parents). It also doesn't hurt that tonight one of my heroes, Jonathan Lethem, came to Greenlight to read from his new novel "Chronic city". I'm in awe! read more

Green light = GO! Greenlight Bookstore bestowed upon my Yelp travels by Matteo R. and poetic writing travels as noted in the "Sunday Daily News" for Greenlight Poetry Salon, a quarterly poetry recitation. It is a very easy find via C train at Lafayette Station in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. A very bright and open clean space, organized community bookstore with a good children's department. There is a resident bear with a house. De-cluttered from commercialization of the franchise bookstore realm as B&N, it is active to host author events, book launches and quarterly poetry readings. It contains local authors and artists. Staff is attentive and courteous. As mentioned in the Sunday Daily News, "Greenlight Poetry Salon" was a free poetry reading of two features and free wine reception. The poetry reading was limited to the two features as it was not an open-mic. One unisex facility exist with a key for access only. The walls of this one facility is adorned with artwork by local children and literary work of the American classic "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper E. Lee. The overall atmospheric condition resonates a very welcoming charm to be fully immersed in books. Personally, I do not own a Kindle or any device of the e-book caliber as I love holding a book in my hand to flip through pages. There is a notebook and journal department, albeit nothing found to my liking but it was a worth while visit. Their business card also serves as a bookmark. At the threshold a green light dangles above signifying the GO! Greenlight Bookstore is a shiny example of what a community bookstore hones a community to gather for the passion of intellect books. Green light = Go for good reads! read more

Greenlight Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

What an excellent bookstore! I had asked around for recommendations about a good Children's Bookstore. I was told to go to Books of Wonder ( which meant a bit of a detour after work ) or Greenlight Bookstore. I decided to try Greenlight Bookstore and was delighted by their service and selection. I asked for a bit of advice in regarding children's books and walked out with a couple of books for my 3-year old twins. The lovely salesperson told me that they also have lot's of activities and Staff Story Time for Children. I am definitely bringing my children here soon for a Story Time. What a great initiative! Highly recommended! read more

I dearly miss popping in to wander the shelves of this cozy and welcoming bookstore! The display arrangements are always thought provoking and I am constantly surprised at what they can pack into this tiny space. The added bonus is the employees are informed, kind, and helpful!! I hope they are all hanging in there nowadays . read more

My experience at the Greenlight Bookstore can't even be described in words. The entire team was so respectful and they helped me out more than I could ever ask for. This is the best bookstore that I have ever encountered in my lifetime. If I could give it 10 stars, I would! Please come and give this wonderful place business. They care about their customers, make sure to respond to emails ASAP and some of the kindest souls. They made my entire year and definitely changed my life. Thanks again and I wish you guys luck in all your future endeavors! - Riana and Reece read more

This neighborhood bookstore with its incredibly cute exterior beckoned me to come inside on a chilly night. First time in and I was in love. The place has a lot of light and feels open. Unlike Barnes and Noble or other big bookstores, you don't feel cramped and overwhelmed. They have a bookshelf dedicated to 30% off books which is easy to browse and always stuffed with great options. The children's section also has a 30% off table with orange stickers labeling sale items, making it easy to differentiate misplaced items. My favorite section was their cooking section. There's a great amount of books they carry with diverse cooking topics and a lot of baking books! There's none to little seating that I saw, so it's more of a standing and browsing bookstore. They also have really cute cards and journals at the front. Customer service here is awesome. Warm and friendly staff should always accompany a bookstore, and that is found here! read more

I love anywhere there are books, and Greenlight is no exception. Its awesome to support a smaller bookstore instead of the norm big boxed bookstore. Not only does Greenlight offer you a variety of books to choose from but they also host events and readings by different authors from Ta-Nehisi Coates to Dan Rather. The store is small and feels more like you are in a living room library but you can find books to foster your wildest imagination. The window displays are diverse and lure you in for the read. read more

I recently started a book club and our 1st book was called "Know What I Mean" by Michael Erick Dyson.... a commentary on Hip Hop and the black community. The 1st meeting was very lively and filled with insightful prospectives. Now, back to the book store. I hoped the book was on Kindle but it wasn't! I went to BN and it was all sold out. Greenlight to the rescue! Although they did not have the book, like most bookstores they aggressed to order it for me. It was not just the fact that they were ready to order it for me, it was the smile and genuine interest from the staff member that I liked. At times, I like that personal touch and Greenlight delivered it in great abundance. They made me feel like I was their #1 Customer! Greenlight, I'm a FAN! read more

I was on my way to practice and realized I was half an hour early so I explored the neighborhood and found this gem. It was cozy and super friendly, and the atmosphere was just welcoming. I absolutely loved it! Will be back soon to purchase some books. read more

We always make it a point to stop by this wonderful neighborhood bookstore whenever we're in the area. It's such a joy to shop in a friendly, well-lighted space. While they may not have every single book in stock like some of the big-box retailers, the staff in our experience is happy to special-order whatever you're looking for and call or e-mail you when it's in. I would rather buy here than online any day of the week! read more

I'm so glad my favorite bookstore is only three blocks from my home. I would much rather patronize a neighborhood, independent bookstore then a big box stores or Amazon. The staff is always friendly and helpful, the selection is excellent. They sponsor great events and love that they have a kiosk at many BAM events. read more

I'm always delighted going to this excellent neighborhood bookstore and gathering space--never more so than this week to see my friend Alexander Tilney read from his new novel. Great event space and plentiful wine flowing after as we waited to buy The Expectations and get it signed. Alongside the wine was ice water, and thank Greenlight for that, because its AC that seemed so formidable when we arrived proved not quite up to the big crowd on a scorching hot night. read more

What a great little hidden gem I found while traveling home from my friend's studio at Green point. I remember seeing a bookstore on the way to the train and I decided to visit it after the session and I was not disappointed. They have a great collection, a relaxing layout, and some really nice staff workers. In all honesty this is also a great place for kids! They have events and book readings every week for the little ones and they have an online website that detail there events and book readings. Overall it was a great place to hide from the spring humidity for a bit an enjoy a browse through a very calm and organized bookstore with the hustle and bustle of a giant chain store. Some things to take note of - reasonable prices ( some books as low at $12.99-15.99 and some really courteous workers. Seriously just really polite people across the board. Great store!! Brooklyn Bookstore to the fullest! read more

See all

Greenlight is great. I have been coming here for years and find it to be the most reliable bookstore in Brooklyn. Whenever I am looking for a title I know I can find it here. In addition to carrying the regular books from the Big Five publishers, they also carry plenty of books produced by small publishing houses. They have plenty of little random items as well, including stationery, wrapping paper, and journals. My only thought for improvement would be for more areas to sit and read. Also, the children's and young adult departments are really excellent and the employees are really friendly. read more

I LOVE this book store. Great selection of books, so cozy and wonderful to browse around here. I love this independent bookstore and cannot recommend enough! read more

What a joy to have a neighborhood bookstore like Greenlight. Great location- surrounded by coffee shops , food, and close to the park. It's a haven for book lovers run by book lovers- friendly and helpful staff, open long hours, and great selection of books, cards, and stationary. It's so well curated- I always leave with the book I came for plus a new discovery! That's a delight only a great brick and mortar bookstore can provide. read more

I have shorn my hair, traded in my clothes for a robe, and decided to quit buying books from Amazon. Why? There is a new little bookshop around the corner. Oh Greenlight bookstore, I saw you across the street and my heart stopped. Could it be? A gorgeous storefront filled with ideas and air? All around us are the signs of doom and destruction. New York City getting Duane Reade'd and Starbuck'ed on every other corner. Barnes and Foibles plus Bore-duhrs staffed with non-readers. And I retreat to Brooklyn to find the mom and pop shops barely hanging on. A bookstore is more than a store. In the right hands, you can get lost, fall in love, eat lotus flowers with the dreamers, and hold in your hands something small...portable...wild....Greenlight, you blink across the way, taking special orders, giving Brooklyn another reason to stand up straighter and and run its hands over your delectable dust jackets, and yes -- grow enamored of your beautiful booksellers. Greenlight, you care about books and you are not going to give us a half-assed cafe with malcontents taking up space where books must be displayed. If I could ask for one thing it would be a bench or two for the weary to rest for just a minute while looking wild eyed at your absolutely wonderful storefront. I understand why you charge full price for books, and I will pay gladly for the right to speak to a knowledgeable bookseller who treats me with kindness. My wishlist for you would be old fashioned paper bookseller tape with which you would wrap each book sold. The bookseller tape would be green and white and each book purchased would be like a gift, except it was paid for. And with trembling hands I would unwrap the book and read it on the subway, so engrossed I would look forward to commuting just to get lost in a fantastic book I purchased from Greenlight Books, my new Temple to the Cult of Books. read more

Great selection of books, especially love the kids section. I have found some gems to give as gifts and for my kids as well ! Everytime I go someone has asked if i need help and they offer friendly convo and tips on the meaning of life ha just kidding on books of course ! read more