Strand Bookstore

Love love love is what I feel for this place! Yes I’m a total book nerd & collector. I enjoy all forms including audible. I LIKE BIG BOOKS & I CANNOT LIE… haha! Ok so back to the store in which I will review in full! It’s not only great in size (yes 18 miles of books) but also great in history (almost 90yrs in business)! Ben Bass 25yrs old,$ 600 in his pocket in which half of it was borrowed so he could open the store (1927)!He opened it on 4^th where this particular area was actually called Book Row! Book Row covered 6 city blocks & 48 bookstores stood within. Today it’s the sole survivor of Book Row! He was a total book lover as well and named the store after a London street where well renowned writers like Dickens & Thackery once gathered. His son Fred took to the store at a young age (13) & was a book lover himself. He in fact is the one who moved the store to its current and longstanding location in 1957 after serving a tour in the armed forces! Fred’s daughter now owns the place and it looks to be in good hands with her kids! Man I love family tradition lol! I know this review is quite different but books are history and most importantly… life! Just like when the store was being formed back in the early 1900’s, it’s still a place where you can dig through new, old, used and rare books. Yes it will most likely be slammed but like I always say, that’s usually a great sign and I honestly I don’t mind. 4 floors jam packed & it’s ok to get lost, I do. You know it’s more then just a bookstore because it’s also warmth when it’s freezing cold outside and a relief, at least for me from the stress of being in a big city all day long! Every trip I take to Manhattan I go at least 2 – 3 times out of a weeks stay. The prices are often cheaper then any other big chain store and they have books that other refuse to sell. They have books that were once popular but have been removed from circulation or banned all together (Charlottes Web. yes BANNED lol)! It’s chaotic like the city but oh so comforting like your grandmas homemade Fried Chicken or Apple Pie, if you can see what I’m saying lol. I’m speaking from a book nerd point of view of course but you can surely find something for yourself or someone close to you. Let’s make this very clear, it should be on your list of sites to see and you should plan to take your time if it all possible. At least checkout the main floor in which comes right off the street and is the most popular! They don’t sell coffee lol, food and there’s not many designated places to sit. I think 2 very small benches in the entire 4 story building! It has an elevator but if you’re able, climb the short stairs to each floor because there’s always something too see in between levels. It’s all about books and the Ohhh so great selection of merchandise (shirts, shoulder bags/​backpacks, funny quotes on coffee mugs and posters etc)! It’s not your average bookstore and you shouldn’t expect anything of the sort. It’s a monument entrenched in history inside/out.The place is old, the wooden floors are creaky and the place speaks to you if you listen. They deliver and can help you find just about any book your heart desires! Go dig for a book that holds childhood memories or find somethings that will fit in your suitcase to bring back home to loved ones!!! I always do this, especially for my mom who loves books more then me lol. I hope to drag her (73) to Manhattan one day, even if it’s just to be together in a place I love with the person who made my love of books possible! Maybe you won’t see all the love, history and passion but it’s always nice to say you checked out a place that has 18 miles of books and almost a 100 yrs of family history! As always, I hope I helped and I hope you ENJOY!

If you want something that you KNOW they carry, most likely a recently published book of the NYTimes best seller list, you can find it in stock here at an incredible price. If you need something, almost ANYTHING else, this is NOT the bookstore to stop by. I’ve stopped by the Strand probably about 10x over the past few years when I’m in the area and need a book, and not once have they ever had anything I needed in stock. I’ve stopped going on the assumption that they will never have what I need. Great for browsing and wonderfully large single bathrooms to take public shits in. ²⁄₅

This place was amazing. Huge selection and friendly staff. We had a couple of hours to kill before our flight and we were looking for a book to read on the way home. It was a pleasant surprise to find such a gem and not just the standard chain mega stores.
Books are carefully placed to make them easy to find. It appeared you can sell old books which would have been great if I had decided to pack them for my trip. :-)
From the flyers inside it also looks like they do book signings on a pretty regular basis.
I’d definitely come back when I’m in NYC.

This is less a review of the bookstore (which is, of course, wonderful) and more a review of their fantastic book rental service.
As shameless nerds, my husband and I wanted to incorporate beautiful, old leather books into our centerpieces for our wedding. But of course, we don’t have a bunch of beautiful old books in our collection, so we looked to see if renting them was possible. Amazingly, Strand rents beautiful books *by the foot*! They have lots of different kinds at lots of different price points and were even nice enough to ask about our color scheme to make sure they would be a nice match. They were easy to work with, speedy (allowing orders just a few days in advance), and very accommodating, particularly when my older mom had to pick up the boxes of books before the wedding, but wasn’t going to be able to schlep them herself into her car (the folks at the Strand nicely brought them to her car as she waited at the curb.) The result was simply gorgeous; with beautiful books surrounded by flowers and candles on each table, our wedding had the feel of a stunning old library in a way that was perfect for us.
Highly recommend working with them!

Holy mother of pearl I want a bookstore like this in Miami!
While many aisles are narrow and not easy to navigate, I had a great time checking out their new and used books on the ground floor and lower level. They even sell used blu-​rays, CD’s and LP’s. I think it’s very well organized too for a place that sells used books, athough it wasn’t easy to track down a copy of a book on my own, the staff were very helpful and friendly and had no problem walking me to the book I had searched for.
And that’s what makes this place so magical– the search. The search through thousands of books– old and new, stacked high and stacked low, while weaving in and out of tightly constructed aisles of bookshelves that are reminiscent of a library– the search for that one book that I just had to find and feel in my hands rather than ordering it online or reading on a device. This is the way reading is meant to be, the full blown experience from beginning to end; it starts at Strand and ends in your lap as you turn the last page of your hardcover knowing you worked hard to get here and immersed all your senses into the pleasure that is reading a good book.
I want to forget about all the fancy pretentious book store chains I’ve ever visited and never visit them again. Strand is a book lovers paradise and it is so easy to get lost in there you will want plenty of time to browse and explore all the sections of the store. I imagine there could be some great finds.

This is the biggest bookstore I have ever been, a very good selection splitted in 3 floors and the basement.
It has all the books divided by genre, which makes «easier» to find what you’re looking for.
I went on a saturday afternoon and it was busy, very crowded. Some people were just hanging out while some others were desperate to buy books; some others were selling their books.
I was just checking around, looking at every book cover and all the good items they offer (notebooks, diaries, pens, souvenirs, socks, etc) so even if you’re not a reader (which I’m not) you can still enjoy it.
Definitely I recommend this place.

I love this book store!!!
I spent my whole afternoon in there at my first time visit!!! But I barely had the chance to see all the categories.
Definitely going again!!! Love their books!!! Cheaper than in the other places. I even checked on Amazon, but, still, Strand has the better deals!!!
And I just love the feeling that I can actual touch and read the book before I pay for it. (You cannot experience that on Amazon.!!)
Wonderful place to go for book lovers!

There’s something difficult about describing a humongous store full of books, like all the words have already been used up. The Strand is comparable to Powell’s in Portland, Oregon for size and selection — if they don’t have it, you probably don’t want it or are a rare book collector. I could get lost in here for days, and provided I’d brought snacks that wouldn’t be too bad because the bathrooms are clean and well lit. That’s right, I’m recommending a bookstore as a publicly-​accessible place to pee, provided you can handle the gendered bathrooms.

I mean… how can someone not love here!
and remember always bring a tote or backpack or shopping cart when goto strand, cause you know you will end up with more than what’s on your list (ノ_​＜) especially now is warmer and they have the special dollar shelves outside… you can find all kinds of books (in other languages as well)

That shop is amazing. Great prices. Rare and okd books and new bestseller too. Every prices from 2 $. Lots of books are selling cheaper than the other shops. I would have bought so many if i didnt have to take my plane back to France. (books can get heavy…)
Ce magasin vaut les Gibert Jeune et Gibert Joseph de St Michel à Paris. Pleins de bouquins vieux comme neuf. Des prix super interessants. Cette librairie vaut le detour! J’en aurais acheté pleins si je né devais pas reprendre l’avion …(le papier a tendance a peser lourd!!)

Book heaven. It’s a maze in here though. Make sure you go to customer service if you’re trying to find something specific!
Even after the staff located my book though, we still ended up not being able to find it. They do have a courtesy service though where they can take your contact information and contact you within 1 – 2 days if the staff ends up locating your book. In general everyone is very friendly and eager to help you.
It’s definitely the most extensive collection of used books that I’ve seen!

Strand is somewhat of a New Yorker’s landmark. Perhaps, if you weren’t A.) Once or B.) Still ravaging through books with the little actual cash you own that doesn’t go to rent, chinese food, or alcohol you shouldn’t be drinking, then maybe you’re not an actual New Yorker.
My heart belongs somewhere along these multiple places that belong to Strand. The once $ 1 cheap book carts outside that are now ~$ 2 – 5 which you bury in hoping that the Martha Stewart cookbook you don’t need is $ 1, so you can chuckle at her pre-​prison style. The writing paraphernalia ranging from the 7 year never drying pen from Germany to the $ 32 lux planner you wish you could afford to buy but not plan things in. The historical section in the right back corner where you find all those lovely classics, including the actually historical wall with all those actually old books.
Strand just has a nook and cranny for every character in your soul. And that’s why I love it.

Strand makes me forget that the independent bookstore is a dying art. I’ve always been driven to visit new places in order to find these gems. Strand is more than 18 miles of books. It’s where I purchased my first notebook. I have kept personal notebooks for ten years since then. It was here I read my first book about typography.
This place does a great job of curating and laying out works of literature. The tastemakers of this establishment are talented at categorizing works as «popular» or «up and coming» or even «difficult and dense.» A shelf suggests alternative books to the Murakami lover, or challenges readers to try their first Russian novel. This place is also full of random, amazing merchandise. Among my favorite paraphernalia selections: a postcard that says «a well read woman is a dangerous thing,» a «manitea» tea steeper, Strand themed tote bags, and a poster that diagrams the opening sentences of classics.
I always imagine a «meet cute» happening there. I’d see him browsing books, tall dark and handsome. Probably wearing flannel or chambray and sporting a 5 o’clock shadow. He wouldn’t just read titles and pass by, but would take the time to pick up a few and read the book jackets. After two hours we’d both still be there, and I’d start to casually come in closer. Eventually I would notice the copy of Solnit’s Men Explain Things to Me in his hands, and I’d compliment him on his book choice. He’d look at me full of meaning, and ask me if I’d like to get a drink – but not until we explored the rare book collection. A girl can dream.

Whenever I come to Union Square, which is often, I almost always visit the Strand. This is one centerpiece of New York’s literary scene (as a lot of people know) and for good reason: it’s still standing as the sole survivor of «Book Row», a 6-​block radius on Fourth Avenue that housed 48 bookstores.
A huge draw is the price range: you can find literary gems that cost just $ 1 on the outdoor shelves to oversized books that cost more than $ 50. This means that the Strand’s products are pretty accessible to people of different income levels.
I personally like that this bookstore holds a ton of graphic design books, since that field is my profession. I also like the «Explore the Underground» table and the bookshelves with staff members’ picks, both of which are distinctive features of the Strand.
When the store becomes crowded (which in my experience is usually during weekend afternoons and evenings), it can be difficult to navigate the store and walk through its aisles, since you’ll most likely bump into people. In this situation, I’ve found that common sense tactics, like being mindful of how much space I take up as I walk around the store and saying «excuse me» often when I need to pass through someone else’s personal space bubble, helps with this.

Hello, old friend. My dad introduced me to strand during my high school years. I come from a family of bibliophiles, dad being the most prolific reader in our house. Many of the books that remaining since his passing still have the little Strand sticker on them. For many old school New Yorkers, this is the only bookstore worth visiting again and again.
Last week I made the mistake of stumbling into the Barnes & Noble on Union Square North like I was still in college (see review). I felt filthy. While everything appears to be organized, the place is a hot mess. Enter Strand. There are days where books are scattered everywhere after a large donation or delivery, yet I never leave empty-​handed. I have found incredibly rare books here that I can’t imagine finding anywhere else in the country.
I recently read (no pun intended) that New Yorkers read more than residents of any other city. The book standings on the sidewalk outside Strand are often more impressive than the entire contents of another bookstore. Sure, it can be difficult to locate things here and it’s always crowded and somewhat difficult to navigate. For me, that’s half the fun! Unearthing first additions and other incredibly rare books here has been a favorite sport of New Yorkers for well over 80 years.
If you’re one of many voracious reader’s in the city, Strand does not disappoint. Whether it’s art or anatomy you’re seeking, Strand will never disappoint.

I really adore this bookstore. With everything becoming electronic these days, this place fortunately still holds a bit of that special old school vibes to it that no one really sees anymore.
The amount of books it holds is astounding and I, thus far, have been able to find all the books I wanted here, while being able to save some money as it sells cheaper compared to its corporate competitors. They have great sales every now and then and the staff is always so helpful in navigating you through their three level maze of books. I hope this place holds strong and people still appreciate the feel of a good book and flipping pages between their fingertips. This is definitely the place to buy a good old-​fashioned book.

The goods: you can literally find anything from best sellers to quirky unknowns for all ages. They also sell cute decorations (magnets, posters, vintage maps, journals, etc) so you’re sure to find a gift for your bookworm friends.
Staff: super knowledgable! They know where everything is and will help you find it at a drop of a hat. Really appreciated everyone I interacted with.
Layout: 3 levels and packed with books. I went on a Saturday afternoon so there were a ton of people.
Price: it ranges, but you can definitely find books for $ 5 and below, even the well known ones! They even buy back your books. (Never tried it myself tho so I don’t know what kind of price you can get.)
Location: 2 street blocks from Union Square. Very easy to find and convenient to get to via NQR, 456, or L.

I love this bookstore. It’s an alternative to Barnes and Noble, minus the Starbucks and large areas to sit and read all day. If you can get in the chairs, they are comfortable to sit and read a book for a while. For coffee, go across the street to The Bean.
Even the pickiest of readers will find a book on 3 floors plus a basement. They also have events here frequently.

I’m literally obsessed with this bookstore and sometimes take a day trip from Buffalo, New York just to visit the Strand. I mean, 18 miles of books is a bibliophile’s heaven and when I walk into this bookstore I just don’t want to leave. Between 18 miles of books, all of the book themed gifts and paraphernalia, and the rare book room I really am in heaven! Four floors of books. Ahhhh pure bliss!
The books are separated and organized very well. There are plenty of employees who are more than willing to help you and the variety/​selection is extraordinary. If you’re looking for a book, chances are you will definitely find it here. I am obsessed with their postcards, notecards, notebooks, and magnets as well. I got a cute pin here during my last visit with a girl surrounded by four cats with the words «Stay Home Club.» Yep, that’s me. Except when I make the enjoyable trip to the Strand. HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who likes books. I wish I could get a picture of the rainbow book display above the registers. I’ll just have to come back and try again :) They always have a decent selection of author autographed books as well. Check out the sale shelves outside for some good deals.
One of the best bookstores in the country. My personal heaven. I feel so comfortable and relaxed amongst all of the books!

The Strand bookstore is an incredible place to lose yourself for many hours. The 18 miles of books is not an exaggeration.
Great postcards, notecards, gifts and sales. You can buy stamps and post mail. Plus, all the new releases are available. As a published Author, I can truly appreciate this NY hot-​spot.
I recently visited from Nevada, met a superstar representative of the store (Benny M.) and bought several books.
What a treasure, both the iconic business and Benny.
I’ll be back.

I’d heard of this bookstore but I had no idea where it was and never made the effort to look into it. Fast forward to a night down in Union Square and I stumbled upon it unknowingly. It wasn’t until I walked into «some random bookstore» that I realized where I was…
The Mecca of books. 18 miles according to their merchandise. And I believe it. 4 floors covered top to bottom in books, book quotes, book accessories, and anything you could ever want. They also have a vinyl, cd/​DVD section.
I’ll admit I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of books they had. It’s an absolute book lovers paradise and I plan on coming back so that I can spend proper time (read: open to close) browsing and buying.

It’s a bookstore so that’s an instant 4 stars. Crowded and crammed full of books. I could while away an entire afternoon here. The number of people buying tomes gives me hope that e books haven’t ruined the real thing. We definitely dropped a dime or two or three at The Strand and have never regretted it.
The added star to make it a total Five Star experience is because it’s awesome even if overwhelming. So awesome I can’t even describe the awesomeness.

Love wasting a few hours and love their brand merchandise. I always leave with 2 – 3 books.

Well why would I need a bookstore you ask? Since most books can be read and had electronically online. I dont like reading books online it may sound weird but somehow scrolling down just isnt the same as holding the book in my hands. I guess that my liking to turning pages makes me feel like I am accomplishing something.
So this is where Strand comes in with its massive collection of paperbacks and assorted hardcover delights that I have come to read over the years. When you have a job that requires you to sit and do nothing in the power plant. Reading is the only thing to do. Found some good foodie cookbooks here as well as mystery and old vintage books.
The staff is always friendly and helpful not like some other book stores (cough) (cough). And when I had to move and downsize. This place purchases used books as well. I sold a lot of my collection and was not looking to make a killing cause you are not gonna get an astronomical price on used books.
Hey even on rainy days there is a worker that stands at the door giving you rain bags for your wet umbrella now that is service. Dont wanna be dripping around a bookstore lol

It’s odd to me that I never reviewed Strand. This bookstore isn’t a hidden gem that you want to hide from the masses… its been out in huge plain sight for decades.
You can find most any book here, especially specialty ones. Most of the time it is there and you can get a good/​great price for it, comparable of better to Amazon. I can’t reveal the most hidden secret, however, they have every category you can imagine and more. You can have the bestsellers and such, my favorite section is Film & Media, followed by History. In my NYU days, I always found certain sold-​out books here, and I prefer buying from them as opposed to the megas like Barnes & Noble. While my fave location in the Financial District closed down years ago, I still dig this über-​busy Union Square one.
And have I mentioned how huge it is? With three pretty massive floors, you can get pretty lost in there.

A book-lover’s paradise. If only I hadn’t walked into the store with a migraine a-​brewin’. I could’ve stayed here for hours. As it was, I stayed much longer than a sane person with a migraine would before seeking a pharmacy… still worth it!
If you’re not in a rush, enjoy a laugh at the sidewalk sale titles that are ridiculous and outdated, but you might just find a gem. Also — cheaper than on kindle table? Heck yes! What a hook to bait me with! I know we’ll be back on our next trip, for sure!

Looks like I get to write the 1125^th Unilocal review of Strand Books. This has probably all been covered before, but not by me…
Strand is the largest bookstore I’ve ever seen (with the possible exception of the Borders in Chicago, which is dead and so it does not matter).
I love how big, bright, and open Strand is. I love how full of books it is — from floor to ceiling. I had to use a ladder to access some. I love that a rainbow wall of books greeted me. I love that an image of John Waters was one of the last things I noticed on my way out. I have an Evernote with the list of books/​authors I’m seeking and I check it whenever I go into a used bookstore. Never mind that I already have dozens. I’m collecting them for retirement or in case I get snowed in for two months.
Check out the fourth floor for rare books. I don’t collect them myself, but it was fun to look at the collection.
Staff were everywhere, but they never got in the way or acted salesperson-​y. They let you do your shopping in peace.
Strand has its share of book-​related merchandise. I bought a cute print and shirt and some greeting cards. They even throw a $ 50 Strand tote bag in with your $ 50 purchase. At the moment, I’m all about Anya Seton’s biographical novels. Strand had about half of her bibliography, including her masterpiece, Green Darkness, in a first edition, first printing hardback with the dust jacket for only $ 7.50. I easily sold my friend on Green Darkness (it sounds a little like those Outlander books I have yet to read), so she bought a matching edition. I selected four other books, including one autographed new release that will make an excellent gift, and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, which I’ve been wanting to read all year.
The sidewalk outside had at least 10 carts of bargain-​priced books. I’m sorry I didn’t have an extra 10 minutes to spend looking out there.
I love buying books in person as opposed to online. I feel so lucky when I find what I was seeking. I was expecting to find a few more particular out of print mid-​century bestsellers (my abundant Seton has never been out of print) but I guess if they’re not at Strand it’s going to take some fantastic luck or interlibrary loan to accomplish it.

I fell in love the moment I walked passed the outside carts full of books. From the excitement of my face, a lady next to me told me Strand was an NYC icon, that I should feel special shopping there. I laughed and wasn’t sure what she meant until I went inside. Mother of Pearl! I shouted in my head… gasping for air… I was in freaking heaven! Book heaven!
It was so beyond busy, I was so overwhelmed that I decided not to shop– but I can only assume that the Black Friday weekend and Cyber Monday sales were a blast! I do plan on coming back to do some shopping, this time I don’t care about crowds– I’m getting some damn books. :)
I ended up finding out that Strand was New York’s most famous bookstore. This info made me want to dive into NY History– since I’m a 3 month resident now. According to my mates I’m practically a New Yorker, although flattering, I will ALWAYS be a San Diego gal! :)
Any who, back to the store… It’s rad. It’s clean. The aroma of freshly printed books and some old lingers through the store. TOTALLY SHOP HERE! :) LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE… LOVE.

Not much to say that hasn’t been said already. I moved midwest this year, and upon my thanksgiving tri-​state visit for family, I knew visiting strand was a top-​of-​the-​list item. I think it’s probably one of my favorite book stores (though housing works west vil, and daunt books london, i’m lookin @ you).
I love everything about the Strand– great location, «miles» of books to search through, great prices on used and new books, you’re never rushed. I’m a grown up. But my favorite place is the children’s section (I buy books for my students)– there are wonderful deals to be had in that section, and all over the store. My partner and I had our first date there. The new deal with the $ 50 spent/​get a free cute tote is wonderful, also.
Good place. A+++. Never change.

Strand es una librería soñada y seguramente la más significativa y popular de New York. El lugar es enorme, tiene varios pisos llenos de estanterías y mesitas por todos lados repletas de libros. Posta que es un sitio descomunal y si es que son amantes de la lectura se llevarán una grata sorpresa al darse una vuelta por acá.
Lo genial de Strand es que tienen una cantidad y variedad de ejemplares que te emociona, ya sea del tipo o género que sea, bocha de libros de cine y arte, realmente lo que se imaginen lo tienen acá, ya sean clásicos, últimos lanzamientos o libros de culto. En esta librería tienen de todo.
También tienen cds y vinilos, como tarjetas y distintos tipos de accesorios. Otra fija de este local es que la atención es excelente y la gente que trabaja acá sabe de libros posta, lo cual es genial. En fin, si son amantes de la literatura, Strand se vuelve un lugar totalmente imprescindible en New York.

Simplesmente incrível e única! Passagem obrigatória para colecionadores, geeks, nerds e qualquer outra categoria intermediária entre curiosos e intelectuais. Adoro os souvenirs «cult» de lá! Escrevi um pouco sobre ela em um post sobre a Union Square e também em um post sobre livrarias especializadas em gastronomia. Seguem os links

Right next to Union Square, Strand Bookstore stands as one of New York’s most famous bookstores bragging about having mlies of books, of that they do! Some would draw comparison to Powell in Portland, OR, but the Strand has its own unique feeling to it.
Things to note:
–Excellent selection
–Great sorting from pricing ($ 5, $ 10, $ 20) to topic (non-​fiction, fantasy, health), which makes it easy for a browser to find a book
–Third floor rare book section (closed at 6:15 PM FYI), which is pretty sick!
–They sell more than books and sell poster prints and cute items that can appeal to all the New York hipsters
–Used book racks outside $ 1 books! If you can find a gem in there, go for it! There are so many, there’s bound to be one!
A paradise for book lovers in New York. This place is a cannot miss!

Powell on the West Coast, Strand on the East. An amazing collection of second-​hand books, well curated and with helpful personnel. The only problem I encountered was leaving. Can’t wait to return for more.
Now for aome details:
+ excellent selection of award-​winning and forbidden books.
+ excellent collection of sci-​fi, fantasy, and fiction books.
+ excellent selection of graphics, design, photo, and other media.
+ excellent… all kinds of books.
+ nice assortment of book holders, bags/​totes, little gimmicks that go well with books.
+ nice people shopping by.
Cheers, and have a good book!

The ultimate book nerd paradise. If a book exists, it’s likely to be on Amazon or in the Strand. Supposedly this place has 18 miles of books, and on some days it can seem like there are almost as many people. Advice: Come in the morning or right before closing. Avoid lunchtime or weekend afternoons.
Price-​wise, you won’t beat Amazon for the price of new books, but you can find some second-​hands in stellar condition here. You can also find some rare editions that you might not easily find on Amazon. I’m a sucker for cover art, and I love browsing the different editions of my favorite books. Don’t expect to find comfy seats, there’s barely enough standing room for all the books and humans.
On the flip side, I would avoid selling your books here unless you’re prepared to be seriously lowballed. I came with 6 barely touched books, including one that I had purchased from the Strand only a few weeks ago. The price I got for all 6 was $ 15. When I asked how they determine the value of the books, they gave me some shifty response along the lines of «it’s an art.» I was peeved, but I do understand they’re trying to make a business, and it’s not easy to stay afloat in the ink-​and-​paper business.

Obviously an institution… smells of passion, stories and learning…
I picked up a cheesy novel, a book on 20^th century furniture design and a Sotheby’s modern art catalogue (it’s that kind of place)
If you’re in New York and inevitably find yourself in Union Sq, I implore you to walk a block south and immerse yourself for an hour in this place (please)
Prices are cheap (for Manhattan) and if you’ve got another hour or two there are a ton of 2^nd hand books in the basement or on the street outside.
They don’t make em like this anymore…

The Strand is a historic wonder. Every time I have visitors from out of the city I try to take them to see the books!
There’s not much to say that can describe the feeling you get when you go there. They have done some renovating making it feel newer. I still get lost in there.
The employees are very helpful. My last visit my friend used the restroom. I’ve never been in there. At least they provide one!
My favorite thing is a free bookmark! Do people read real books any more? I will when the freezing cold Winter months come!
If you like books, go to the last of the original bookstores from Book Row! You won’t be disappointed.

Place to be, place to live and place to get lost:)
Beside all the great books that they have, I love the staff and friendly community that they have built.

Patti Smith laburó aquí!!!
Este es el sueño del humano lector; pisos llenos de libros de todo tipo. Gente leyendo en pasillos, muchos chicos sugiriendo que libros leer, mesas con los libros seleccionados por el personal.
Además de libros, las sesiones de firmas y presentaciones de libros son casi que diarias, siempre hay alguna actividad literaria.
Hay una hermosa sección de libros de primeras ediciones. Afuera del sitio puedes comprar libros en perfecto estado a sólo 1 dolar. Venden mucho merchandise de la librería, los tote bags y las tazas son preciosos.
Es hermosa, quiero vivir en Strand.

Insert deep contented sigh.
What a wonderful, glorious bookstore. I wish I made it before the rare books collection closed, but you don’t need an appointment to visit!
Oh man, it was just so nice to walk around all these great books. There are 18 miles of books, you guys. Just think about that. Longer than the island of Manhattan. So many options, so many pages, so many stories.
They also have great events at the store, great gifts galore, could you ask for more? (I really wanted that all to rhyme.)
Just go. Breathe in the book smell, deeply. And sigh a deep contented sigh.

+ Largest non-​commercialized bookstore in New York holding all genres and subjects including rare books.
+ Bathrooms on the second floor.
+ Water fountains on the second and third floor.
+ Bench that seats 3 is available on the second floor and 4 x one person couch chairs available on the third floor for those who want to lounge and read.
+ Free events for booksignings and meet the author on selected days.
+ Books outdoors are $ 1.
— Third floor is open until 6:15PM
— Difficult to walk through during peak hours. Kind of like walking through Times Square with many people standing in place.
— Erotic books on display on the other side of the Children’s section. One of the reasons why kids are growing up so fast.

Die größte Auswahl von deutschen Büchern in Manhattan. Ganz gut. Das einzige Ding, das mir nicht so gut gefällt, ist dass manche Angestellte unfreundliche Hipsters sind, und ich habe überhaupt keinen Bock, mit ihnen zu interagieren. Aber es gibt auch andere, die ganz nett sind. Auf jeden Fall, das ist ohne Zweifel eine der besten Buchhandlungen in NYC.

Four bookworms let loose in NYC for a day? Of course they’re gonna visit a bookstore or two! My sister, her boyfriend, my husband and I are all prolific readers, so a couple of bookstores made it to our short list of must-​go to places in NY for that one day of exploration.
The Strand was one of the bookstores we got to visit in a serendipitous fashion nonetheless. We were feeling discouraged by the wait times at Momofuku and Ippudo that we were about to walk back to our car when we saw The Strand just a block away. As my sister’s bf (Jimmy) had not been to The Strand, we decided to indulge him and make a stop here before heading back to the car.
It was busy in there with tourists and locals alike even at 8 pm on a Sunday night. Jimmy and my sister went on their way to explore beyond the display at the front of the store. The hubby and I however stayed by the front area. There were a few tables with nicely curated selections of fiction, nonfiction, New York and travel books. My husband ended up buying a fiction book and I ended up buying a nonfiction book that my book club might be interested in reading sometime in the future. We browsed for a while, noticing the prominent display of Strand souvenirs – bag, water bottles, totes, journals, etc… We didn’t buy any souvenirs. My sister and her bf ended up buying some books as well.
The Strand has quite a significant selection of new and used books. It’s definitely an institution in NYC, just as Powell’s is in Portland, Shakespeare and Co. in Paris and Foyles in London, all of which I’ve been to at various points in my life. If you find yourself in NYC, and are looking for a good book, stop by here!

Beeindruckend. So viele Kilometer Literatur. Passt zu dieser Stadt. Bücherwürmer finden Lehrreiches und Unterhaltsames, ohne Ende. Es riecht nach alten Mauern und nach knarzenden Bohlen. Ich bin aber nicht nur wegen der Atmosphäre gekommen. Ich habe nach Inspiration und neuen Denkanstößen gesucht, in den Ecken für Philosophie, für Mathematik, für nicht so gängige Fremdsprachen. Ja schon, es gab da so einiges, aber fast jeder deutsche Uni– Buchladen kann das toppen, was man hier findet, im größten Buchladen, in dieser Stadt der Superlative.

Riesig! Das beschreibt eigentlich schon alles. Ich fand es im Detail unübersichtlich, aber in Buchläden stöber ich eh immer gerne rum. Es gibt so viele Bücher das man einfach eine gewisse Zeit dort verbringen MUSS. Es gab aus allen möglichen Genres Bücher. Einzigst die Kelleretage war bei 24 Grad Außentemperatur unangenehm stickig und warm.

Kurz: Himmel. Einziges Manko: unübersichtlich, aber Bücherfreunde werden das lieben;)

On y trouve tout, impossible d’en ressortir sans un bouquin. Neuf ou d’occaz

Ein Universum voller Bücher! Wer Bücher liebt, muss hier gewesen sein.
Soviel Buch sieht man sonst selten an einem Ort. Trotzdem ist es sehr übersichtlich. Es gibt auch tollen Tinnef zum Mitbringen als Geschenk.

Une vraie mine d’or pour les rats de librairies en quête de bouquins en anglais! On y trouve de tout, partout, et il faut parfois chercher longtemps, mais au bout du compte on y trouve toujours un livre ou deux qui plairont.

Impressionnante librairie ! Tous types de lectures, neuf, occasions et livres rares. A voir

Der wahrscheinlich coolste (und größte) Bücherladen der Welt!
Wer den Broadway runterläuft, sollte hier auf jeden Fall einen Stopp machen. Aber vorsicht, ist man drin, vergisst man schnell die Zeit, 18meilen Bücher, von uralt über second hand bis neu warten darauf entdeckt zu werden.
Das ganze erinnert vorallem im Keller mehr an eine alte Bücherei, als an einen Buchladen, hat aber unglaublich viel Charme.

Wenn in New York, dann Strands. Eine Fundgrube an alten Büchern, Bildbänden und einfach allem, was man sucht. Und hier hat man sogar den Eindruck, die Stadt würde für einen Moment zur Ruhe kommen.

Wer mal in New York gewesen ist, wird sicher zustimmen, dass man an sich vor allem mal im Strands gewesen sein sollte und dies bestenfalls an einem Samstagvormittag, wenn man hier so ziemlich alle und überhaupt jeden beim Abklappern der 897.634 Meilen von Regalen antrifft, Regalen voll mit hoch interessanten Büchern, die man so schnell nicht wieder zu sehen bekommt. Wenn man nur einen Anlaufpunkt im ollen Manhattan braucht, so sei dies das Gebrauchtbuch-​Imperium Strands. Alles andere ist gleich außen rum sortiert.
— Yes, I’m a fan!

Podría pasarme horas aquí, uno de mis lugares preferidos en Nueva York, aunque nunca sé qué escoger, demasiados libros buenos, creo que aunque me leyera uno por día no me daría tiempo a leerlos todos (y eso suponiendo que viva hasta los 90 ;)
Da gusto ver que todavía quedan librerías con solera, comprar libros en un centro comercial o por internet nunca será lo mismo.
Los empleados muy amables, pregunta y te recomendarán!

Meilen lang gebrauchte, neue und oft auch bereits vergriffene Bücher hat Strand im Sortiment. Stundenlanges stöbern udn Schätzchen finden ist hier vorprogramiert. Wunderbar.

Mehr als 18 Meilen gebrauchte und vergriffene Bücher hat Strand im Sortiment. Das sind fast 29 Kilometer! Es gibt zerfledderte Krimis für 50 Cent, die signierten Memoiren des ersten Weltumseglers Joshua Slocum für 750 Dollar und französische Architekturbücher von 1559 für 6000 Dollar!
Wer keine Lust auf staubiges Stöbern hat, kann von zu Hause das Angebot durchforsten: Fast alle Bücher sind im Online-​Katalog aufgeführt.

Ein guter Freund von uns, bei dem wir freundlicherweise übernachten dürfen, wenns hin und wieder in Die Stadt geht, wohnt hier quasi um die Ecke. Mit dem gesparten Geld, das sonst für ein überteuertes Hotel draufgegangen wäre, läßt es sich dann gut einen Kaffee bei der blöden Kette Cosí gegenüber holen und dann ab ins Strand Books, wo man stundenlang Bücher suchen und manchmal auch finden kann. Draußen stehn die Sonderangebote ab 50 cents aufwärts, drinnen auch manchmal das eine oder andere Schnäppchen.

Strand Books ist ein großes, über mehrere Stockwerke hinweggehendes modernes Antiquariat. Ein wirklich schöner Laden mit viel Holz und hohen Decken! Wie das bei gut gehenden Geschäften dieser Art ist, bekommt man hier unter anderem auch alle möglichen absurden Bildbände, die niemanden interessieren und preislich überhaupt nicht herabgesetzte Top-​Selller.
Aber man findet hier auch fast alles, was in den letzten 30 Jahren in den USA veröffentlicht wurde als Second-​Hand Buch. Das gibt es dann für nicht wirklich hinterher geschmissen, aber doch deutlich erschwinglicher als im wirklichen Leben.
New Yorker Jungintellektuelle schmücken sich nach meiner Beobachtung gerne mit Strand-​Book-​Accessoires, insbesondere die Stofftaschen erfreuen sich breiter Beliebtheit. Wer also akademisch in NY zu tun hatte, sollte wahrscheinlich zumindest eine Plastiktüte von dem Laden vorweisen können.