The 7 best bookstores in Brooklyn

Words are magic and change lives. One of the best things about living in Brooklyn is the art scene. You can support writers and artists by buying and supporting their art at bookstores.

Books Are Magic 
225 Smith St (Cobble Hill)

This book store is dreamy and airy, and has everything you want, even an amazing children’s book section with playful nooks to read in.

WORD Bookstore
126 Franklin St (Greenpoint)

WORD is spacious and has the best new books to check out, along with a stationary section that will make you drool. It also has an events space downstairs, so you can hold readings, parties, and book club meetings.

Spoonbill & Sugartown
218 Bedford Ave (Williamsburg)
99 Montrose Ave (Bushwick)

This bookstore is so awesome, it has two locations in Brooklyn. Both stores are beautiful in their own way, selling art books and limited edition chapbooks and indie books. The Bushwick location is a great location for events.

Quimby’s Bookstore
536 Metropolitan Ave (Williamsburg)

This bookstore is a gem. It has a wonderful DIY, gothic, occult, and music concentration, and often hosts events and workshops. Workshops include zine making nights and other wonderful opportunities.

McNally Jackson
76 N 4th St, Unit G (Williamsburg)

The iconic bookstore, originally based in Manhattan, opened up a Brooklyn location. The curation is always on-point, and you could get lost in the stationary section.

Freebird Books
123 Columbia St (Brooklyn Heights/Red Hook)

This used bookstore specializes in New York history and culture, and is also home to a record collection as well as events, workshops, and a book club.

Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop
141 Front St (DUMBO)

This is the only all-poetry bookstore in Brooklyn. It has an amazing selection of books from all over the country; the space is often used for events.