Another outpost of the Whitney, the Friends of Schenectady County Library volunteer-staffed used…read morebookstore, and just as good in terms of selection, organization, and value. It's smallish (see picture) but a huge improvement over not having a bookstore in the mall. My only real quibble is the hours (see photo for hours as of late August, 2023); they make it hard to combine a swing by the bookstore with a trip to the Local or the movies, pretty much the only things that draw us to Viaport these days (although perhaps more on the schedule of the fans of the aquarium). We barely had time to take a gander arriving for a movie matinee when they were closing up! Sales support the excellent county library system and the place is a pleasure to browse, so stop in sometime and find something to take home.

From the owner: Used bookstore operated by Friends of Schenectady County Public Library. New and classic fiction…read moreand non-fiction books in almost-new condition at very reasonable prices. We also carry games, puzzles and DVDs. Proceeds benefit library programs and purchase of new materials for the library.

I visited here again recently and this place is still just as magical! It's tucked away in the…read morewoods and is chock full of immeasurable charm. The owner is English and her business is an extension of her lovely personality. I have childhood memories of this place that could have come straight out of a magical fairytale book. There are many categories here; a large history section, gardening, art, film, geography, mythology, crafts, so many categories and subcategories, and because they are curated by someone passionate with books there are no filler books here. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, this is a curated collection by a woman passionate about books, making a living off of it feels secondary here to the passion of finding the books. You will not ever find another place like this. In a small rural town no less! This is a destination place if you are visiting the area. Such a gem!

Brief drive up winding hillside roads gets you to this barn/oasis of books, reasonably priced and…read morefun to browse across 2 floors and an adjacent annex. Will be back. Be sure to say hello to the tuxedo cat haunting the stacks.

Love the hunt in this place! Lots of variety !Just moved here and missing the eclectic place I used…read moreto look,they are very helpful!

Mr Somers is a very professional and articulate business person. His shop is jam packed with every…read moretopic anyone could think of and he has new material every week or even more often. His $1 special section always has a few hundred books and changes all the time. He will buy some titles but not the mass market stuff. A very pleasant man and willing to engage in conversation.

Amazing, large, and well-organized bookstore…read more There are 6 rooms in this bookstore with lots of history and amazing books. We ended up purchasing 3 books, with one dated back to the 1850s for a great price. I love the history of this bookstore and its purpose. It was founded by a courier who lived modestly and loved books. He collected books to preserve history, with books from all around the world.

Wonderful store, the staff is great very passionate and knowledgeable. They have an amazing…read moreselection of old books with great prices. Highly recommend checking out!

I went in to browse and found some lovely books for my grandsons and a birthday card for my sister…read more What a large assortment of stunning items for almost everyone I know. Free membership that doesn't expire. Discounted items (including book shelves of them as well) from holidays and their book selection offers. Helpful, kind present people working there. It's downtown Schenectady so street parking. (Best to go on Sunday)

The Open Door is Schenectady's locally-owned independent bookstore and gift gallery, serving the…read morecapital region for 50 years. We carry a wide selection of literature for adults and children, including those of local and regional interest, as well as an expansive variety of toys, gifts, jewelry, stationery, personal accessories and home goods. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady on the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall, they are around the corner from Proctors Theatre and many restaurants. There is lots of parking. The knowledgeable staff is wonderful to deal with in person or by telephone. The store even offer a frequent shopper rewards card. I had to pick up a book I ordered. Like many people, I prefer to support small businesses rather than Amazon and large mall bookstores whenever I can. The store was packed with great displays of books and gifts artfully arranged. I am always impressed with the space and attention devoted to books etc. for children. Before I checked out with the book I ordered, I selected a children's board book, three greetings cards, a stained glass frame for a 5 X 7 photo, and an adorable pair of llama socks for my young granddaughter. Great retail therapy!

A real gem. Stopped in on a whim while in Albany for other business and left a few bucks lighter…read morebut with a bunch of great books - including a hard to find out of print title. Fantastic selection - obviously thoughtfully curated - and an inviting, warm space.

A great many quality titles, in great condition, at fair prices. Dove & Hudson is a little gem.read more

I've been going to Catnap Books for years, but hadn't been there in the last few. It is just as…read morenice as ever, with fair prices, and a great selection of books. I am particularly interested in art books, and books about antiques and collectibles. I saw books there that it took me years to find, or that I had never seen before. I particularly enjoy going through the selection of unusual pamphlets--I have found treasures in those boxes!

This is an absolutely lovely bookstore. The books are thoughtfully curated and most have a little…read morecard with information on the book or edition. Was able to find some books from the 1800's - absolutely lovely. Thank you!

If you love books and coffee, this is your place!! Very warm and welcoming coffee shop. They also…read morecarry food from another local business ppang bakery. This is a great place to meet and catch up with friends or take your coffee to go and walk around the park down the street.

My boyfriend and I came in earlier today and everything from the service to the drinks was amazing…read more Our server (whose name I didn't catch, my apologies) was so kind and sweet. She even gave us good input for what to order since it was our first time in there and she had so much patience as well. I ordered a vanilla matcha and matcha isn't something I enjoyed my first time trying it however, it was just the perfect amount of sweetness and didn't taste too grassy like other places. My boyfriend ordered a mocha iced coffee and cinnamon bun, usually he gets cream and sugar as well however she kindly informed us that the syrups itself was sweet enough and he didn't need it to which she was absolutely right. The cinnamon bun was delicious as well :))) This place was so cozy and cute, definitely would recommend if you're looking for a small place to enjoy good coffee and pastries. I don't know what it was but the coffee here was just perfect! I'm glad I found this place and I surely will be returning next time I'm in the area. They had lots of good books and vintage stuff as well. 5/5 most def!

I got Marty to bring me to this bookstore because the book 1st book store featured in the book…read moresecret lives of booksellers and librarians. We were hoping to meet Alexa sky. She was not there so Chris autographed my book for me and another woman suggested the bookstore log which I thought was awesome. So of course he autographed that as well. Then he made me a little swag of bookmarks and stickers. Love that guy! Everyone here was so wonderful. They even helped us pick out a place for dinner. If you're in the area, don't miss going to this bookstore, which is anything but little. Sorry we missed you, Alexis!

Each time I go into this store , I vow to never go back. Yet here I was again with my two young…read moregrandchildren anxious to purchase some books. This place obviously doesn't want children in there, so don't sell children's books! My grandson was literally frightened by an associate grabbing a book from his hands and shouting, "NO, NO. This book is NOT to be touched!" Really? Then why is it on display in the children's section?? I never give bad reviews, but I really miss the Little Book House where kids could be kids and enjoy choosing books. Sorry, but Barnes and Noble here I come.