I never realized this Barnes and Nobles was here. It's right on the corner and it's pretty big…read more Three floors of books and toys! The cashier is on the main floor with escalators taking you to the basement or the 2nd floor. It's set up like most B & N's where everything is broken up into sections with very clear signage. I still love having copies of physical books once in a while.

I went there yesterday to look at many books, and all of the employees were as wonderful as…read morepreviously; incredibly friendly and helpful. However; the reason why I'm writing this update is because there are some changes at the store. Firstly; the large "Information Desk" at the rear of the first floor is no longer there. Instead, there's a small one on the right side of that floor (and it's almost hidden). Secondly; the huge first floor display of beautiful photo books of NYC and environs is now much smaller (although it seemed like there were more of them on the lower level than previously). There's also another change; the restrooms are now only accessible with a code, and a code can only be obtained via a receipt - so if you don't buy anything, you can't use the restroom (I ordered some books online later, since I didn't want to lug them home from the store). Further; employees don't have access to a bathroom code (obviously they have some other way to access the restrooms). I was there for a few hours - and if it wasn't for the fact that I had a dental appointment nearby afterwards, it would have been problematic. Having said that, I do realize that the restroom situation is an issue; at the Union Square store in particular, there used to be a big problem with homeless people and undoubtedly a corporate decision was made. I'm still keeping a five-star rating because of the employees and because the store has a great selection.

Really cool bookstore to hang out around. Tons of figurines, video games, toys, pokemon cards, and…read moreof course books. Great $1 book section. Tons of big name authors there!

Buying and Selling at Book Off What a cool store. So much to…read moresee. Unfortunately, it is lousy to sell at and expensive to buy at. First, Selling. I brought in three statue items unopened in the original packaging. I checked on ebay for what the items sold for (not asking price but sold price) and it added up to about $600, I lugged the items over there and had to leave them there because they wouldn't get to them right away. The people/kids working there were very nice. I went to have lunch and got the text to return, and they are offering $150. So I picked up the items and turned down the offer. Again, they were very nice, it's just I wasn't willing to accept 25% of the value. I figured at worst it would be 50%. But I am better off getting closer to the actual price on ebay. Now, Buying. Lots of very expensive and exiting things to get, and I didn't have time to price check things so much, but my son is into the Nintendo switch and i spotted a used Marvel VS Capcom game he might like. It was $34.95. But just in case, I pulled up Amazon and looked the game up. A brand new one costs $21.79. So it would have been a terrible idea for me to buy it there. I guess if you are leaving work and need a quick gift, you might stop in and pay too much for an item. If you are in real trouble and don't have time to wait for an Ebay sale, you might consider selling your collectables for 25% the value, this place might come in handy.

Hubs: How'd you find this?…read more Ghost in the shell is his fav anime. I knew this was a must have. I was able to score a Ghost in the Shell special archive edition (see pics). This bookstore is one of the coolest spots in midtown. I used to work in the offices next store and would go upstairs to the cafe for lunches or snacks when I needed a break. It was a time way back in the day. Cut back to our Mom's day out... On Mom's day out we made our way toward our lunch reservation, bustling through the glow of the Knicks recent championship win. The city was a vibe and we were living for it. We also were on a mission for finding possible Father's Day gifts and being that 2 out of the three Hubs was into anime, I suggested making a stop here. Not only don't have great stuff for the manga/anime mega fans, it's also a pretty cool book store. One like back in the olden days. Check out was quick and easy and we really did enjoy just looking at all the great stuff. Can't say anything about the food because we saved our appetite for our lunch rez. But all in all, it was great to be back and to show off one of my spots in my old stomping grounds.

I've been to kinokuniya before and it always has a special place in my heart because I love the…read morehuge collection of manga, anime figurines, the most adorable stationary and Asian book series. The upper level has the cafe (which I didn't get to try since they opened at 11) and manga/figurines. The main level was mostly books from all different genres. Bottom level was stationary and plushies. I took a star off because I had a stroller with me and the elevator only goes to the bottom floor where the stationary is. To get to the second floor there's an escalator which is nice but to get back down you have to take the stairs which you can imagine is not comfortable with a stroller.

This was another bookstore that my wife and I came across randomly during our travels. If you are…read moreunaware of McNally Jackson they are an independent bookstore with 5 locations in New York. My wife and I enjoyed our time browsing here. It's a multi-level store that is separated like most bookstores into genres as expected. They had lots of newer books but still plenty of classics as well. My wife even happened to come across a book she has been looking for and wanting to read for a long while so big win there. Staff were friendly and we did not have a long wait to buy the book, no line. Prices felt quite standard for a book store. This was a fantastic independent book store and one definitely worth visiting for book lovers or those seeking gifts for a book lover in their life.

I stopped by this McNally Jackson location when I was in the area a couple of weeks ago. McNally…read moreJackson operates five stores in the city, in addition to three stationary stores (Goods for the Study), and it's been around since 2004. The store isn't huge, but it's incredibly well-stocked and, being on the street level of a Rockefeller Center building, gets incredible light through their windows. The staff were friendly and I had practically picked out a book while window shopping (their inventory is incredible). Since 2021, McNally Jackson is also a publisher, publishing a paperback reprint series devoted to "hidden gems." I had to pick up one of their titles. Great shop for bibliophiles.

I stoped in here being new to the world of meditation and crystals and personal power…read more The lady behind the counter was excellent at give it me insight and answered my questions. I felt very comfortable. I'm looking forward to making a return visit. The prices for merchandise looked very reasonable as well.

I've passed by this bookshop a lot without knowing what it was but I was in need for some crystals…read moreso I searched up on google where I could find some in midtown. Quest Bookshop was the only place that popped up. The location is perfect for me because it's super close to the train and in the area I work in. This bookstore really specializes in spiritual things but theres a lot of information plastered everywhere I didn't feel too lost. They have a lot of stones and they tell you which each one is meant for. I saw in the back someone reading tarot cards and they also have other events like knowing your enneagram which I thought was pretty cool. I don't know much about this bookstore but I feel like it's such a nice staple in midtown that I can really see myself as a regular.

This is a great little shop full of K-pop gifts! They don't have a wide selection of every K-pop…read moregroup, just the popular ones. However, of the merch they have it is abundant. It's not a big store size wise but they do pack a lot of punch. Service is kind and friendly, often times they can get busy due to the demand but they manage. Items are priced slightly above par, but that's pretty common when it comes to K-pop memorabilia.

Koryo Books is a Korean bookstore and K pop merchandise shop in Koreatown on 32nd Street, and it…read moreoccupies a small footprint that gets crowded quickly once a few people are inside at the same time. I walked into a store that is essentially one large room, and the density of product on display meant navigating it during a busy period required some patience, but the selection within that compact space was broader than the size suggested. The Korean literature section covers both Korean language and English language editions across a range of genres, which makes it genuinely useful for anyone studying the language or looking for titles that are difficult to find at general bookstores in the city. I saw children's books in Korean, well stocked. The K pop side of the store covers albums, photocards, posters, keychains, stickers, and merchandise across a wide range of artists, with BTS having a particularly strong presence historically alongside newer groups. Pricing runs higher than what I would pay ordering online or finding the same items at a larger retailer, which is the standard trade off for a specialty shop in Manhattan. Album prices in particular can be steep, though sale events bring them down to more competitive territory. Individual accessory items like stickers and bookmarks are priced at a premium relative to their size, so going in with a sense of what I am willing to spend helps avoid sticker shock at the register. The store is a reliable stop for anyone looking for Korean books or K pop merchandise in a physical retail setting in New York, with the caveat that the pricing and the crowd level are both factors worth knowing about before I go.

Here is an interesting New York find. A bookstore dedicated to only to Winston Churchill hidden…read moreaway behind a bank of elevators in the Blackrock Investment building. I was hoping to see like coffee table books but these are serious reads and collector items here. Nice corridor walls covered with Churchill photos. I gave them only 3 Stars because a building security guard told me no photos. I pointed out the sign that stated the building lobby, corridor, and shop were public spaces. Clearly this guy doesn't understand Churchill and the maining of freedom.

Amazing collection of Churchill books and more, feels like a private collection display and a…read morebookstore together. Tucked away behind the elevator bank, it's a gem in midtown.

I visited two magic shops on my trip to NYC (the other is Don't Blink, you can check my review.) Of…read morethe two - if Don't Blink is your badass cool Uncle who has a garage full of magic, Tannens is a 101 year old magic shop with timeless history and credentials. In other words it's totally different and you can't compare the two. They are both worth a visit though I'd give the tiniest edge to Don't Blink since it is so darn friendly and chill there. So Tannens: incredible history and a great selection. Website is up to date and you can order online and pick up in store or have it shipped. Prices were normal but there's a first time 20% off coupon on the website if you sign up and it applied to my whole order. They have a few exclusives but the best is the book You are all Terrible. I didn't realize until I got back to my hotel that the author had autographed it - that's super cool!

Great magic store, they helped find a couple magic tricks I was looking for…read more They had lots of books and classic vintage lecture notes my favorite. Upstairs on 3 floor. They did try to sell more than I wanted to buy. But that is their job. Do magic that will encourage buyers desire. They are very helpful over all. Great selection. Many good deals on some items if you look.

On an annual trip to NYC, I decided I would visit bookstores and take in all I could. B&B was right…read moreby my hotel, and I was delighted to find a comfortable room full of baseball memorabilia and a great variety. They specialize in 19th and 20th century English and American literature, which means you're going to see a lot of titles you're familiar with. I stopped in late in their day, so I wasn't surprised to be the only one there, but the team gave me space, answered very basic questions I had, and - gasp - LET ME TOUCH THE BOOKS. This is far from a stuffy environment, and when I finally convince my partner that I need that very expensive piece that has F. Scott Fitzgerald's music for Princeton, I know exactly where I'll go.

5 minutes before B&B books was closing, I buzzed the room located on the third floor to see if they…read morewould let me in "just to look." Well, 45 minutes later, I was still oohing and awing at the marvelous selection of first edition books they have to offer. This is the largest selection (aside from corporate-owned Bauman's) of rare books I've seen that include the dust jacket- a collectors actual dream. It's the biggest breath of fresh air to find a rare book store owned by a woman, and to be treated like a human being. I normally get side-eyed from rare bookstore owners and some of the conversations I've had sound like: "May I see the Portrait of a Lady in the case?" "All of these books are at least $100.00 and up." ".....I know." "Do you have any Wilde?" "The book about the woman hiking alone? That's too new to be in our shop, Barnes & Noble would have it." "I'm talking about the 1800s poet." "Oh." I take it personally because while I look like a millennial who doesn't know what she's talking about, I treasure my rare books like they're my children. Sunday stayed AN EXTRA HOUR at her store while I looked and answered all of my questions that I had, never making me feel rushed or unwelcome. After selecting a first edition Fitzgerald, she wrapped it in bubble wrap for my travels back home and gave me an updated book with all of the rare book sellers in the country.

I love coming here to look at physical magazines (they're becoming rare these days). They have a…read morewide variety of hard-to-find fashion, interior design titles, even international ones. I love that I can always find World of Interiors here.

Find this little pretty thing in mid town during lunch break. Like the bookstore with stationary…read moreand souvenir...vibe. Winter holiday setup feels nice too.