I consider myself very lucky to live within walking distance from independent bookstores. One of the two is, The Center For Fiction. I am an average breeder and I would much rather purchase books from independence store and from online. The store is a nice space aesthetically. There is also a coffee bar which is a good plus. I feel the service is only fair. Sometimes, I have had helpful and friendly staff and at other times, I have felt either invisible. It's not a warm cozy bookstore. read more

The Center For Fiction - Entrance to The Center For Fiction in Fort Greene. - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

It has been my intention to stop by buy and finally made it happen for the Sadequa Johnson book event. Staff were welcoming and accommodating. Black literature selections were nicely represented. I was able to chat with the Director of events and she was so informative and pleasant. Looking forward to returning for and tour and possibly bringing the bookclub. read more

The Center For Fiction - New Book from Sadeqa Johnson - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

I've never passed a bookstore without going in, and this one looked impressive. i don't find their collection as extensive as other bookstores even though they have books from floor to ceiling. It's just not accessible. i still go in there sometimes. i see what's new on the tables. grab a coffee and sit in the space. so, the space. not that many outlets ... people speak loudly. and as soon as you need a bathroom it's adios. since they don't let you go upstairs unless you're a member. i've been upstairs. it looks .. like the exclusive club it is. it's nice. The staff isn't that friendly or attentive. Ordering anything by the cafe, you'll wait there until they finish their personal conversation. read more

Great variety. The floor staff is friendly, and the lending library is worth belonging to if you can make it there often enough. Librarians there are smart and kind. Star off because when they have authors events there's another echelon running all over the building, a few of whom radiate " self-important and stuck up" . A bleached blond short-hair person seems to be boss and they make you feel like bacteria for even being there. Another director type was heard talking to a staffer in a rude way. It's New York but we don't have to BE that way. read more

Conveniently located at the intersection of Lafayette and Hanson, the space has wall to wall books, but somehow it feels like a rather limited selection because the space isn't large despite its incredibly high ceilings. They make a concerted effort to keep things well organized, highlight themes and special populations but it doesn't feel warm nor authentic so there doesn't appear to be a true sense of community. The cafe is cute but overly pricy, even by neighborhood standards. Overall, I'd rather not patronize this business. read more

The Center For Fiction - Front desk - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Very nice bookstore that also has a cafe inside! Large glass windows and nice clean display of books. Easy to stop in solo or with a friend! I hear its a nice place to work from a cafe if that is your vibe. I didnt try the cafe but liked the collection and atmosphere to look for books and peruse on a leisurely sunday. read more

Although you may get lost in the esthetics, the service was revolting. I was referred to as "they" and disregard as the clerk took a call and left me to assist someone on the phone. As SHE called to get someone to assist me further, she said, "they need help, they need a receipt of some sort for a book they ordered." Not once, not twice but three times! The problem lies in the recognition protocol of any customer. The clerk a woman herself, felt it was ok to mislabel me. It was vile behavior, and enraged me. Being the real woman, I didn't return the disrespect that I received. I have never in my life been referred to as they. Also, if she were that confused the proper protocol is to ask what someone's pronouns are or ask them their name!!!! Instead, I was insulted and met with extreme ignorance. read more

I came across this beautiful bookstore on my way to Pingpod and was immediately drawn to their airy open space with floor to ceiling bookshelves. They have a little bit of everything, from fiction to non-fiction to cookbooks to graphic novels to a Brooklyn/NYC section as well. I peeked into the cafe space and there was plenty of seating but you do need to make a purchase in order to enter. There was also a door to the second floor space which was reserved for members only. According to the website, a membership for an individual runs $180/year or $15/mo and grants you access to their reading room, lounge, and outdoor terrace, library borrowing privileges, and discounts at their bookstore and cafe. Definitely worth considering, especially if you live in the area and are looking for a space to do some reading or work. read more

See all

I was quite nervous about coming here because of certain reviews but I'm so glad I came and got my own opinion . I only went into the front of the bookstore but frankly that's all I needed it's a huge huge bookstore with so many book options . As a book lover it was beautiful to see lol like I loved all the books on one wall . There were so many options like sooooo many and I loved it . I got a book and also the workers here were so helpful with book options and getting books for us . I would def return to this store read more

The Center For Fiction - Books galore - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

Went here with the family. We loooove bookstores and often feel that books 'speak' to us. Love roaming around the shelves making new discoveries. Here, unfortunately we didn't feel such strong draw towards the books even the place looked really nice. They had some really nice more particular books but nothing for us this time. Later went to another bookstore where there was much more books speaking to us.. read more

What a great selection! Although it can be overwhelming due to how the store is organized, they feature a great selection of books. Each table is filled with amazing writers. I definitely recommend looking at their staff recommendations along the glass window. They have such a diverse amount of interests from their staff-- it's great. Not only do they support local and smaller writers but they had a variety of types of books as well. Their staff was super nice and willing to help with a suggestion. They were quite knowledgeable about where everything is located in the store which is good and you don't sometimes find it in other bookstores. They had a bunch of zines which were cool. Very nice to support local. . read more

The Center For Fiction - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

New Brooklyn's Unrealized, Uneven Potential The Center for Fiction (CFF) is a landmark of the renovated downtown/Ft. Greene complex including Apple, BAM, Barclays Center, Mark Morris Dance, and Whole Foods. It's a combination of a bookstore, café, private library, and writer's workshop, along with a rooftop terrace. Public fiction-themed events are held in-person and online. The Good CFF has several sales racks of low-priced novels and "novel-adjacent" (their words!) books. The café is an interesting place to meet or read over drinks or light fare. The (private) Members' Library is impressive and you can see it on a free tour if you're interested in potentially becoming a member. The Writer's Studio is an elite membership for full-time day-job writers with more means to get access to the best spaces. The Bad The design is a symbol of gentrified Brooklyn, superficially impressive but not at all functional. High ceilings (very 2010s) cause wild temperature shifts (hot or cold) and strong noise amplification, reverberation, and echoing. The somewhat chaotic layout you can blame on the architect's desire for spaces taller than long. There's no consistency about public behavior. Staff shakedown any café intruders without a purchase, but customers bellow on their phones next to you, cough open-mouthed, or blast cell phone games on speakerphone while others attempt to work. The members' library seems frequented by a respectable handful of trustifarians who hog work tables and chairs, eat stinky or crunchy food, or open-mouthed hack up the bubonic plague without any awareness (nor face mask). The Ugly Staff attitude and service is generally bad. By bad, I mean occasionally indifferent, sometimes marked by micro-aggressions and poor attitude, or just outright rude (Jory the bookstore manager.) You may be left waiting at the cafe while staff are chit-chatting. I asked if there were any writing guides and a librarian gave me a look before telling me that there weren't. The library was only fiction because "that's kind of what we're known for." The terrace and drinking fountains are not cleaned regularly. Yuck. Overall CFF is a unique space for bibliophiles and writers that's hard to come by. I've shared anecdotes but every one of my global friends have echoed my comments that the space is truly promising... and that the experience is hit-or-miss. While the face of the CFF is currently all about promoting minorities at events and some hires, the micro-aggressive environment clearly impedes a friendly, diverse space. Once you see how a Manhattan publishing industry exec or donor is treated compared to the lowly customer you'll have a bad taste. There are some standout staff, including volunteers. Melanie the audiovisual expert seems to know more about customer service than the CS staff. Marcus (sic?) and Anne (volunteer) are among the more dedicated bookstore personnel. YJ was the best of the cafe staff but seems to have quit--best of luck to her! As a non-profit, I suspect folks lack supportive training and decent pay to stay and excel. I hope that the dedication some of the staff have builds and improves CFF over time. read more

I've been here for browsing. I've been here for buying. I've been here for writing events. This is not a book store. It's a more like a writers social club. They have a writers membership that gives you access to the club upstairs. They have a refrigerator and a shower and quiet writing stations. There are quotes written on the wall and statues. It's like a gym for anyone who dares to pick up a pen. Downstairs is a library with a large selection. You can grab a book and enjoy a glass of wine at the cafe. All events are held in the room in the far right. Its worth coming out of your way for. read more

The Center For Fiction - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

Wonderful book place for readers and writers. We went to hear author Toni Ann Johnson talk about her book "Light Skin Gone To Waste." it was standing room only and all of the seats were taken because the author was so good... read more

See all

I had lunch with a couple of writer friends in Brooklyn last month, and they suggested checking out the new Center for Fiction while I was in town. I taught an online class for this place last summer, so I was curious to see what it looked like, especially after my friends raved about its quiet rooms stacked with books. Plus I had an hour to kill before meeting new parent friends and their fresh baby boy. I figured the bookstore here might be a good place to pick up a gift. The Center for Fiction is a nonprofit that must have some serious cash behind it because holy shit, the new digs are nice. It's an organization devoted to fiction, hosting live author events and workshops as well as various online classes you can take with very famous authors like me, Steph C. of Yelp (I also write novels). This Brooklyn space also features a bookstore and cafe, both open to the public, and a members-only area upstairs. I loved the bookstore, which was of course focused on fiction, with books going up the wall so high there was a ladder to help reach the upper shelves. I enjoyed browsing, though I didn't get on the ladder (I kind of wanted to, but suspect this might be a staff-only thing). There was also a nice selection of picture books. I bought two of them for my new baby friend and got them gift wrapped. The staff was super nice and suggested I take a look around upstairs while I waited. (It seems like you can just do this if you're interested. They certainly want to entice new people to buy memberships.) This upper level was huge and serene. It felt like a library with almost no one else in it. I was impressed with the gorgeous high-ceilinged rooms practically wallpapered in books, all of which were available for check-out to members. It seemed like kind of a shame that there weren't more people in this massive place, given the vibrancy and density of Brooklyn, but it had the appeal of a private club or office space I guess (though you can't have a laptop, I don't think). I spent around half an hour at the Center for Fiction and see how I could blow through whole days here holed up with those endless bookshelves. If you have any interest in fiction, I'd recommend visiting and seeing what this organization is all about. read more

Although it's a beautiful space, the vibes here are the reason why gentrifying Brooklyn has such a nasty reputation. I've been working out of the café area and using their internet for the past few months. I've bought sparkling waters, coffees, pastries, and even books here. However, today I was surveilled by a white lady (who introduced herself to me as Melanie) and was told that I needed to buy something in order to stay. I had to get back up again after ordering my sparkling water to go get a glass of ice because I was VERY hot after that encounter. It's ironic that they have an "inclusive" representation of authors featured in events and whose work is sold in the bookstore and yet all of the portraits in the cafe area show only old white men. Also their restrooms rarely have soap. read more

The Center For Fiction - Only old white men are literary according to the Center For Fiction. - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Everybody had an an attitude in here. I was asking simple questions about the space since it was my first time there and everyone was sour. The two goofy's behind the coffee area were irked I interrupted their conversation and gave me the craziest look. The person at the checkout barely acknowledged me as I was checking out. I won't be back. I don't recommend the space to anybody else unless your white. Spend your money elsewhere. read more

The Center for Fiction manages to do a lot with minimal space. Books are stacked to the ceiling, and yet they're all well-organized. I was in the area, just exploring the neighborhood, and decided to check out the independent bookstore and browse its selection. While I wasn't on the hunt for anything in particular, I left wanting to return and buy every book on the shelves. Despite its name, The Center for Fiction does carry a small collection of nonfiction titles. In addition, it has a no-touch short story dispenser in the young adult section; pick a one, three, or five-minute story, and the machine prints out a winning entry by a participant in The Center for Fiction and The Decameron Project's writing contest. Depending on the story's length, it can end up looking like a never-ending CVS receipt, but I enjoyed my three-minute tale regardless. There are a bunch of hidden treasures within this bookstore. I've only scratched the surface so far, and can't wait to go back and discover what else it has to offer. read more

I love visiting bookstores. Greenlight will always be my favorite, but The Center for Fiction is pretty cool too. Contrary to the name, they also have non-fiction. They have tables dedicated to books about Brooklyn/NY, as well as one for black/minority authors. There's also a coffee shop off to the side with a good amount of seating. read more

Sigh. i used to love this place...a lot. I started coming to Center for Fiction in 2019. The last.. I'd say handful of times I've been after COVID, I've had pretty bad experiences with the employees. As someone mentioned in another review, prospective donors are paraded around the place and given star treatments, which feels pretentious and icky. One of the last times I visited, I stood in front of the cash register, waiting to get rung up for at least a few minutes while three (3!) workers walked around behind the desk. A white, older lady approached the desk to peruse through some of the smaller books/knick-knacks on the desk and she was immediately greeted with "I'll be with you, please dont think we're ignoring you!" and she countered with "no im just browsing" at that point, I had to actually ask to be rung up, and got dirty looks from some of the staff workers. I also accidentally walked into the study room without buying something before I sat down and hear someone scoff and turned around to a dirty look by an employee. Jesus! Use your words people. Overall, cafe workers seem to be more attentive than any of the individuals working in the larger, main room. Such a shame, I've bought dozens of books here and used to bring friends. No more! read more

Cool spot in Brooklyn! I came here for browsing and ended up leaving with two new books to add to my collection. The staff here was really friendly and I had a pretty peaceful time browsing and spending time here. My only complaint about this bookstore is that it felt a little unorganized. I was a little scattered while in here and that's part of the fun when you're in a bookstore and have time to kill! It's in a great central location and I'll most likely be back once I'm done with these books and have a better idea of what I want next. read more

Large and cool looking bookstore but it was so disorganized that I couldn't really search for anything very well or even reach anything/read the titles of half the books. I feel like independent bookstores are super into the whole eclectic library look which would be cool if I didn't actually want to buy a book there. I got so frustrated that I left and went to a different bookstore. Maybe I'm just not cool enough to understand their organization, but I just wanted to buy a book or two ... and I've been to bookstores where it wasn't this hard. read more

I've never purchased a book here, but I've come a handful of times to work at the cafe, which is a great space for writing! There isn't a ton of savory food on the menu, but I've ordered teas and pastries in the past, which are all average to slightly above average. Mostly I just pay for the space, which is light filled and quiet and atmospheric. I know you can become a member for access to some of their other writing spaces, but I've found the cafe works perfectly for my purposes. read more

This book store is just the coolest. It's probably my favorite in Brooklyn - it's just SO beautiful and open with thousands of options for you. The people working here are friendly as well and the store is doing a great job with pandemic precautions. I just recently got the Obama biography here and can't wait to read it. They also have a loyalty program where you get money back after a certain amount of spend which is awesome! read more

The setting is lovely, and they have a nice cafe. However, they can play some pretty horrible music. It sounds like royalty-free Garage Band samples. There are also certain patrons here goofing off rather than working and I wish they'd be quiet. read more

One of the better book stores with coffee counter inside. Great events. Staff super helpful. And the pastries always are on point. If visiting brooklyn? Give them a try and see what events they have scheduled upcoming. You won't be disappointed read more

I've come in to the bookstore twice and staff have never spoken to me. On my most recent visit, the woman at the register was cursing loudly as she held a conversation with a coworker, and completely ignored everyone in the store. I was excited for a new bookstore in the area but the vibe here is off and unpleasant. Despite the large welcoming glass windows, I don't know if this store actually intends to welcome everyone. read more

Pretty cool. Bookstore, bar & café ( that also light liquor) , library, writing studio, reading group, writing workshop... This is pretty cool! It pretty cool, it's my first time here. And, I been here almost a hour... LoL read more

The Center For Fiction - Nonprofit bookstore/ library/ Bar & café ... Pretty cool... - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Based on the way they speak to people I'm not entirely sure they want customers. They snap their fingers, begin sentences with "you" or "hey you" , tell you "these books are not for browsing" and roll their eyes like patrons are kindergarteners who just passed gas. read more

I joined the Writers Studio in an effort to finish my second novel in what seemed like a community of serious writers, in a place I hoped was hospitable and humane. Formidable mission, misguided execution. The studio seems to function as a showplace, prospectives constantly paraded through, to convince members to join/donors to contribute. Members are treated as bottom-rung. If you aren't a fancy visiting writer doing a talk, or an "emerging writer" or other luminary, you're kept at arm's length--but utilized for flattering fundraising optics. They drastically oversold memberships. There's almost never a desk available. I tried mornings and afternoons, tried to game it & get a sense of traffic flow, but I was invariably exiled to other rooms not meant for writing, waiting for something to open up. The unlucky rejects are stuck at large communal tables in weird rooms, with people walking in and out, sharing spotty WiFi with the condo that hovers above. On consecutive winter weekends, the studio had NO heat. It felt bizarre to pay to sit in my parka, freezing in fingerless gloves. The space at first looks bright and impressive, but its design is antithetical to its purpose. Thoroughfares criss-cross through the small box of a room, so that all screens are visible to everyone, and people must walk back and forth past each other's desks to come & go. The Center itself is part of a "new-Brooklyn" condo that's ruined the vibe of the Flatbush/BAM nexus. The studio's essentially a glass box that looks out on the other condos surrounding it. You can almost tune it out during the day, but once the sun goes down (early in fall/winter), it's like trying to write on the Vegas strip. LED screen animations and ads above the opposite Whole Foods/condo are being projected into and around the studio. It's frenetic and hugely distracting. I've worked in worse places, and I'm no delicate flower. But you'd think this would've been considered. Also, if you work past 5pm during fall/winter, overhead lights illuminate the room unmercifully. You can't adjust these, although desks have small lamps (which don't help). I joined in order to get work done, but hoped the vibe would be warm, or at least not cold. It's stilted and wooden. The reading room upstairs is nearly empty all the time. I imagined it as a salon of sorts, somewhere to read and be in the company of others who valued the same things, but it was funereal. Most people who check you in upstairs are nice enough, if not welcoming, but the two main librarians are almost comically unfriendly, DMV-style. No eye-contact, not a trace of a smile, often they won't even look at my friend or me -- they grab my card and slap it back. Abrupt & unsettling. Even after I'd seen them at events, no recognition whatsoever. I don't ask for much, and don't expect effusive commercial-phony customer-service. Just an inkling of politeness for the 30-seconds in play. A synthetic "prestige" has been manufactured around the studio. Some writers seem serious, others shop for shoes or play video games, which I know because of the dearth of private space/sightlines. One woman takes personal phone calls, walking around, chatting re what she wants for dinner, her babysitter problems, etc., loud enough for all to hear, while another walks around eating salad, chatting on the phone, publicizing her own minutia. You can only be away from your desk for 30 mins, since desks are at such a premium & people swarm like vultures. To go get lunch, you have to hustle--fine if there was somewhere in the bldg to eat, but due to the overflow, rooms are full of writers bumped from the studio. A problem when the weather's cold & you can't eat outside. Not an option to bring laptops into sitting rooms, a policy I like & endorse, but those rooms are empty while the studio is full to the rafters. They've opened the second floor to members' guests, so maybe it's an improvement? Kids working down in the coffee shop act like they're doing you a favor. Bookstore is okay. Splashy editions of zeitgesity books, no lit mags, half the inventory's prohibitively high. Not a place to linger, or discover. Kitchen is shared w/catering team, there are always evening events (disruptive to studio), many times I couldn't get in for a quick coffee. Platters of appetizers etc dominate the space, you feel you're intruding, it's tight. People rarely do their dishes, so clean coffee cups are a rarity. Hard pass, especially if you must commute (at least I could walk). Before Covid, I visited another Brooklyn space for writers, with a serene, clean kitchen (with good water! And real, brewed coffee! And a place to sit and eat!) and a lovely view, more than enough private desks/cubicles, and a freeze policy that lets you hold your membership if you need to. There's also a soundproof room for personal phone calls. I'd rather not settle for the fabricated cache around the Writers Studio, which is neither a studio, nor an oasis for writers. read more

A beautiful space with great readings, a diverse library, and a bookstore with plenty of discounts! As a member, I get to use their writers' studio on the 8th floor which is quiet and peaceful. The reading room on the 2nd floor is very comfortable and just an amazing space. Staff is great and events are interesting and varied. Perfect for readers and writers of fiction :) read more

The Center For Fiction - The writers studio. - Libraries Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

There's only one writer's studio review here, which is vastly different than my experience. I always find a desk. It is quiet, a serious workspace for writers working on big books. I won't name drop but I see people here who are, well, names. But that's not a reason I come here. I get so much work done. There is camaraderie and I see friends, and meet people at the space. I don't really hang out in the bookstore or cafe downstairs do I can't comment on that, but the writer's studio upstairs is excellent. Comfortable desks, chairs for writing, quiet, and when they do have extra food from catered events, they are offered to us. Really nice. Borrowing privileges from the library are great too. The reading room is huge with lots of sofas and the latest lit mags. The only criticism I have is that readings and events are too expensive - they're $10 or so. Who wants to pay $10 to go to a reading when Greenlight is just blocks away and most bookstores have free readings? After all, the writers are promoting their new books. In any case, the space is clean and bright and big. Really nice that Whole Foods is across the street for grabbing a quick lunch while working. read more

Nice atmosphere but beware no refunds. No signage or warning from staff of this policy before completing purchase. Staff was condescending and Marcus Scott Williams, store manager, very unaccommodating. On top of that, more expensive than the store down the street. Definitely go to Greenlight Bookstore just a few blocks away instead! read more

I'm writing this from the Center for Fiction, where I was just literally told by the cafe manager that I "should probably go elsewhere to purchase food," after politely asking why the gluten-free items weren't separated. Of course, this is a disability issue--and equal access is part of the Americans With Disabilities Act--it doesn't of course mean that anybody has to have gluten free food, but I'm pretty much certain that "Go Elsewhere, Disabled Person" is not kosher, and it's certainly not good practice. I did reach out to the folks in charge of the Center and its public interface. I LOVE the mission, Center for Fiction: please be at least polite, if not kind, to those spending money on you!!!! I will edit if I receive a response about this from the management. read more

WOW. So impressed with their dedication to customer service. I spoke to Riley on the phone (set up @ her home due to the Rona) and she was so incredibly helpful. Will be calling back just so I can speak to this bookseller! Heard about this store from a friend who told me they still had their hourly booksellers on staff (AMAZING) and will be coming into the store once they have reopened. Would love to speak to their other booksellers if they're as great as Riley. read more

It pisses me off how unorganized they were tonight i could of saved my $10.............................................................................. .. ....................... ................... read more

Lovely Literary Collection + Good Reading Suggestions Cozy Intimate, Fantastic Lending Library I could hear the voice of someone lecturing in the back room as I perused the store looking at books. Classes, workshops, literary discussion groups. Something about The Center For Fiction felt magical. The lending library seemed to have a robust list of fantastic titles, and the librarian I spoke with seemed quite knowledgeable. Definitely worth paying their membership fees to have access to the entire facility. Would recommend to friends. The Scene: Top Notch, Bibliophiles, Writers, Lit Lovers and More Destination Rating: 7 Date Rating: 3 (8 if they're interested in fiction) Hob Nob Potential: 2 (8 if you attend a workshop) Strong Suggestion: If you like reading, stop on by! Make sure you have enough time to take it all in. read more

I love The Center for Fiction. Not only does it have a wide selections of books (not *just* fiction, people!), it also fosters a wonderful environment for writing. They aren't persnickety about having to buy a coffee to write there, and the music is always the right volume. The author events are thoughtful. The only this I wish is that it would open earlier on the weekends! read more

If you're a reader or writer of fiction, you need to check out the Center for Fiction. They offer great literary events, a deeply discounted bookstore and a serious fiction/non-fiction lending library for members. I was there last week for the first time, attending a reading by Dylan Landis and Beverly Beverly Gologorsky. Amazing writers. Great venue. And I was able to pick up books by the featured writers for 30% off. Sweet! I can't wait to go back and really browse the bookstore - I'm sure I'll get into lots of trouble. read more

You can still step in and use their bookstore etc regardless of your member status. Yet you can also opt for a membership in order to be granted to their entire facilities for $125 annually. (You can divide the fee into monthly payment of $11 per a month, if you prefer.) They have the library of seemingly a good range for the limited space in the midtown. Also they are vigorously provide events such as authors' appearance and reading and interaction with their fans. It feels like oasis in the bustling location. The only regret is that I am neither interested in nor familiar with the genre of 'detective novel', which this organization is dedicated for. Nonetheless, you can fully benefit what this precious place in the city offers. read more