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Alabaster Bookshop
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Books, Mags, Music and Video [Edit]
122 4th Avenue(between 12th St & 13th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, East Village
(212) 982-3550
- Nearest Transit:
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14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Alabaster Bookshop
18 reviews in English
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Review from Lee B.
Manhattan, NY
9/17/2011
Once upon a time, a teenage girl really needed cash (and quickly). She didn't feel like selling her jewelry, or getting a job (too lazy). the only other things she possessed were her books- of which she had hundreds. She began to surf the web, seeking a solution. Alabaster was thus discovered by me; although I wish I hadn't sold my limited edition hardcover book about the doors for 8 bucks, I probably wouldn't have gotten a fraction of that at strand! (YEAH, STRAND. Buying books by their weight. So if I have an ancient Chinese manuscript that only weighs an ounce I should only get a few cents? ....... Ok, if I tried to sell aforementioned manuscript at strand that would simply be a reflection of my own stupidity)
HOWEVER ( always start with the bad so the good shines through, a glowing star of warmth) years later I returned to Alabaster (this is about three days ago) and am absurdly overwhelmed by their collection. Immediately I notice two books by my favorite, though fairly underrecognized, author: W.G. Sebald. They are also in awesome older editions. lots and lots of Nabokov, memoir included. Beautifully bound leather volumes of Akhmatova (also just regular paperbacks) catch my eye. I had only planned on rummaging around for one book but I notice so many more without even trying to. Unfortunately, my wallet is more like an endless abyss than anything else, so I ended up settling for Joan Didion's "the year of magical thinking" which was a whopping two dollars (by whopping I mean whoppingly cheap) and an old Sotheby's new York catalog containing Italian contemporary artwork which I thought was kinda cool. (this was only a dollar!)
little alabaster bookstore has done a lot to earn my respect. It is a treasure trove of glorious goodies. So I forgive it for the 8 buck slip up. I would have probably taken advantage of a dumb teenager too!!! -
Review from Sunny B.
New York, NY
4/22/2012
I've just gone into this shop today, specifically to ask for a book that is now sadly out-of-print. I had been here once before and it didn't seem so bad, but today's visit garnered a review because it was a crappy experience and I'm never going back.
I walked in and saw that the "gentleman" that worked there was on the phone. He greeted me, and so I stood there for a sec, thinking that he would say one of two things: "Can I help you or I'll be right with you". Instead he gave me the most vibed, steely look- the dead fish eyes look. Absolutely rude and uncalled for since I was cheery and polite in my demeanor.
Well, I guess that was my cue to sod off- and I had a quick look at the very messy, non- sensical way in which the books were displayed. I saw a pile of fashion books, I saw a pile of art books... so I thought, I'm in the right section. But then I turned around, and there are loads more of these books displayed elsewhere and my mind was reeling because I realize there was zero organization. Which is okay with me- I like messy book shops, however, that's when helpful assistance is of great importance.
The really ridiculous part was that the shop keeper was on a personal phone call. I would have understood if he was helping another customer on the phone or something- but when I got the gist that he was making small talk, that's what made me write this review. I worked plenty of retail jobs and believe me, I have made my share of those calls also, but never at the expense of a potential customer/sale.
Don't waste your time or money here. -
Review from Joelle B.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011
I want to love this place because it is an indie book store. I really do. But the kids who work there are nothing short of obnoxious. Okay you work in a book store, you think you're smarter than I am, I get it. But nobody knows what they have in stock, how much anything is, or what's in the window. I get nothing but attitude whenever I stop in. If the staff was nicer I'd do all my used book shopping there, but since I'm not a fan of being treated poorly where I spend my money, two stars. If they get their act together, I'll consider upping my rating of them.
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Review from Justin L.
New York, NY
9/6/2010
Alabster Bookshop: A new sitcom by Justin Lamb
Aspiring Writer sits behind the desk. His buddies, Hippie Smiley Guitar Guy and Stand Up Comedy Girl chat with him about Pop Tart World. We'll work in some banter here later. Suffice to say, it's hilarious! A Pear Shaped Girl enters.
Pear Shaped: Do you have Twilight?
Aspiring Writer: DO WE?! Straight back! A WHOLE WALL OF IT LUCKY LADY!
Pear Shaped returns with the book.
Pear Shaped: You can't make fun of me because I'm buying it.
Aspiring Writer: I wouldn't dream of it! Would you like a bag so your precious, precious cargo doesn't get damaged? It's supposed to rain.
Pear Shaped: (sighs) Sure...
Credits. -
Review from Brice P.
New York, NY
4/11/2010
This is a simple bookstore nook with fairly inexpensive books. Sadly, the only time I needed help in there, the guy at the counter wasn't very knowledgeable about books (and there's no database), but the organization of the place implies knowledge so I'll assume I got a bad egg. All in all a decent spot for locals to pop in and check out what's on the shelf.
Equally important to you sweet toothers, it's next to Pie by the Pound so you can dive into some rhubarb or cherry after you've gorged yourself on some new books. -
Review from Holly N.
8/5/2010
I stumbled into Alabaster Bookshop when I needed to kill some time and get out of Union Square. Outdated hardcover, and some more recent hard cover and paperback books, were overflowing the crowded shelves, just as you'd expect from such an establishment. Most books seemed to be organized by subject and the place is built for browsing until you find something you didn't even know you were looking for. That's what happened for me... the perfect book just happened to be placed on my eyelevel. I flipped through the pages and realized it was the perfect gift for my mother, which is why I can't mention the title here. Stop in and take a look. You might just find something you'll like!
*Credit Cards are accepted for purchases $15+Listed in: Unique New York, Hipsterville
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Review from Karen M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/27/2006
This is a great little bookstore. I love to sneak in here and look at the used books when I'm wandering the city by myself. Personally, I like it better than Strand because its not so daunting! It's run by one person, there is a cat, and its quiet. My kind of bookstore! I also like the $2 cart outside, where I've found many, many recent bestsellers.
Support independent! -
Review from Denise D.
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bought two books here on a lucky day with 30% off. The bookstore is lovely and cosy with lots of unique old and modern second handbooks with awesome prices. They are organized by subject and neatly placed. I like finding interesting old books. Help is always around the corner and they are very friendly. Love that in the big city, I can hide with solace in this place.
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Review from Jenny F.
Brooklyn, NY
2/24/2008
So many books I want to read are just sitting on the shelves of this shop! It's small and feels like you're the only one who knows about it (otherwise all those books would have been snatched up by now!)
Whereas other second-hand shops always seem to have several copies of an author's worst work, books that turned out to be duds, etc., this place is full of gems. A hidden treasure. (shh don't tell anyone!)Listed in: A Day in the Life
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Review from Maxx C.
Washington, DC
11/15/2009
Nothing about this bookstore really stands out. The selection is subpar; I would expect better given the neighborhood.
There may have been some interesting books in the rare books case, but there was such a pile of books in front it was impossible to tell.
I suppose it's better than another threading salon. -
Review from Chris C.
Farmingville, NY
6/4/2010
Like the small sea creatures who survive by hanging around the neighborhood whale, Alabaster enjoys a similar relationship with the Strand.
The store is small, but teeming with good titles, which is indicative of, as noted in another review, good taste and careful cultivation. Moreover, the prices are better than the Strand and even Amazon. If you see something you have wanted for a while in Alabaster, especially when it comes to their art and photo books, it's most likely going to be the best price you will find.
The store has no database for their books and some sections, such as Psychology and Occult, are simply organized generically, so it's a store - like it or lump it - you need to set aside some time to browse. Whoever is at the front desk of the store however is usually friendly, helpful and will point you in the right direction to find a title.
Also, their outside books are all in good shape and filled with recent mass market bestsellers. Plus, they are only $2 a piece.
BIG TIP: there is a $15 minimum for credit card/debit card purchases. I have been on the wrong end of that exchange too many times so learn from my mistakes!
Next time you are on a bookstore run, complete the trinity of bookstores in the area: Alabster Bookshop, The Strand and East Village Books. -
Review from Rachel B from LES B.
NY
5/29/2011
A quite refuge, a bit of home amidst a constantly changing neib. High-quality stuff with an unassuming style.
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Review from Olga K.
Brooklyn, NY
11/12/2009
I used to live two blocks away and this place was a daily danger -- I'd stop by "just to look" at the two-dollar shelves and soon I'd be dropping $15 for an armful of new books. Well, used books.
They've got a well-edited fiction shelf, but it's the kind of place to visit when you don't have anything specific in mind; chances are you won't find exactly what you're looking for, but you'll probably find something great instead. They sell some mass market paperbacks of classics (i.e. Homer and Shakespeare) for very reasonable prices ($3-4), and even the contemporary fiction is usually under $10. They've got a lot of nice editions and photography books, too, but I don't have the budget to even "just look" at those.
Lots of character, and that comes with some attitude, sure, but it's a fair trade. -
Review from Alma Z.
9/14/2005
When you here the word Alabaster your mind goes to those cheesy Harlequin novels that over use the word to describe certain parts of a womens physical aspects. You won't find those books there. You will however find tons of old photography books and other coffee table books. Why they had to open near Strands is still a mystery to me?
Listed in: Save Yo Cash!, I Heart Books
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Review from Daniel K.
Brooklyn, NY
10/9/2010
So it's got a quirky collection and some discount books (my favorite for bookworming) but the atmosphere is a little....weird?
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Review from Tom L.
NY
2/6/2007
A decent selection of theory, some stuff you'd actually want to buy, and only a moderate about of aggressive pretension.
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Review from Port D.
New York, NY
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Incredibly tiny. Very carefully selected collection particularly in fiction.
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Review from Lindsay S.
Brooklyn, NY
12/15/2010
I love this place. It is exactly what a used book shop should be.
