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BookCourt
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
163 Ct StBrooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhood: Cobble Hill
(718) 875-3677
- Nearest Transit:
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Bergen St (F, G)
Borough Hall (4, 5)
Borough Hall (2, 3)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
70 reviews for BookCourt
Review Highlights
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"Great selection and great events." In 8 reviews -
"...thing about this book store is that it's not barnes & noble." In 13 reviews -
"i like the friendly well read workers and they carry paste..." In 3 reviews
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70 reviews in English
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Review from Vivian H.
What can I say? I am a nerd. I love books. I am going to end up being that old spinster with cats and lots and lots of books.
I came in here last Sunday looking for a specific book. The staff here are always helpful. The woman that helped me spent a lot of her time trying to locate the only copy of a book I wanted. After about 10 minutes with her looking everywhere, she found it!
She was awesome. Gosh, I love librarian types...
They have a well curated selection of books and at times, they may not have the book you are looking for, but trust me, you'll find something to easily peak your interest again! -
Review from Sam J.
Brooklyn, NY
Bookcourt remains the best bookstore in Brooklyn. My first review (below) was from 2009. I've been going there since 2002, before the renovations, and it has always been a bastion of peace and great literature. The readings are like no other independent bookstore. Last year's highlights - Michael Moore, Henry Rollins, Brooklyn Writers Space readings, Michael Ondaatje, Lou Reed - and it continues to be the place to get the best books. The owners, Henry and Mary, are wonderful, lovely people. And Zack, their son, is doing a great job with the family tradition.
The manager Chad knows more about books and the history of literature than most booksellers - and the staff there is friendly, as well - especially Christian, Molly, and Jack. Whoever does the hiring knows what they're doing.
Sitting in the back room is very relaxing - getting to read books peacefully, being on the more tranquil side of Atlantic, and the feeling that you're in a bookstore that is a throwback to when bookstores mattered. It's great to see independent bookstores making a comeback - many computer gurus know the lack of actual resources will mean that books will steadily be making a comeback, after eBooks and smartphones begin to show their true colors. Nothing can replace the magnificence of the way we absorb wisdom from books - not eBooks, not laptops, nor iGadget-ClusterF**k. : ) Books transcend them all...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2009
One of the true landmarks in Cobble Hill, I think. Bookcourt has been loyal to the community and… Read more »
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12/19/2009
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Review from Niall B.
Brooklyn, NY
BookCourt is a gem in the neighborhood. Otherwise, we're reduced to the lackluster, clinical B&N down the street.
The fiction selection is great, particularly crime fiction. I think a lot of the non-fiction selection is very good too. Although if you're looking for anything specialized in terms of history, philosophy, area studies, etc., you should make your way to Manhattan, or better yet, order online.
The downstairs bit is weird, but I kind of like the jumble-sale feel about it. There are some great classic and newer literature to be had at a bargain. -
Review from Maeve C.
I am such a sucker for real live books and love spending time among them so Book Court is heavenly. The displays are visually appealing, and even though they have a great selection, it never feels cluttered. Aside from being a great bookstore, it has a real community feel and announcements about goings-on in the neighborhood.
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Review from Andrei S.
Brooklyn, NY
BookCourt is the perfect neighborhood bookstore.
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Review from Brian m.
I really want to love this place. Yes, it's a local business, and the anti-Barnes & Noble, I get it. But, in the light of day, there is a snobby vibe to this shop I just can't ignore.
The store is certainly well-designed/displayed (well, the top floor is; as the lower level is a bit depressing with low ceilings and very tight aisles), and I love the centered tables with featured books on it. Something for everyone, and always some unique selections.
Besides two shelves of books for sale though, everything is full price, no bargain area (that I could see, and I've been in the shop a hundred times), and you can always do better than Full Price, particularly in "this economy," can't you?
As I mentioned, the service is a bit uppity. The staff seems to really enjoy talking with one another, but not so much with its customers. I've been asked a total of once if I need any help, and I've been going there for years. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker (Barnes & Noble never asks either), but for a cute, local shop they should step it up. If they're looking to separate themselves from the bigger stores, they need to step up their service. -
Review from Susan L.
I hadn't been to BookCourt for quite awhile and was glad for the opportunity to be in the neighborhood today. I was talking to the manager (?) and he's a really nice person; very pleasant and enthusiastic. We were reminiscing a little about the store's expansion over the years and I was amazed to discover it opened 30 years ago already. The large back room is very nice, with several comfortable chairs - and it was the perfect place to be on a cold, sunny day. The store has a good selection of fiction, although admittedly I get fiction books from the library. However, they have a terrific selection of children's books and an impressive selection of art books. I really like the atmosphere and I hope BookCourt continues to thrive!
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Review from Eve S.
I am somewhat of an OCD freak about taking books out of the library. In these harsh economic times I cannot nor do I need to own every book I read. I came here a few weeks ago for a Miranda July event. I left my house a little later than I planned and walked there from quite a ways but at 6:30 pm every chair was filled and there was still a half hour to go. I was like um...no. (I love Miranda but I had been having a particularly shit day and just could not deal with waiting) I figured I came all this way so why not #occupylocalbusiness not Barnes and Noble which I have hated since I worked at one in NJ in 1997. (although I order stuff from Amazon sometimes I'm horrible I KNOW)
In about 30 seconds I snapped up Freedom in paperback, Joan Didion's Blue Nights and Mindy Kaling's book (which I had been 157 our of 189 holds at the library and was in a instant gratification mode) all 3 are currently best sellers so they were 30% off. I felt very good that some of the only book purchases I made were here!
Lou Reed and Annie Leibovitz are doing events soon-get there like two hours before maybe...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/28/2009
Have been to book court before-went to a reading with James Frey and this was my first visit since… Read more »
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5/28/2009
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Review from Bob B.
Easton, PA
Reader friendly atmosphere - lots of places to sit and read. A wide selection of books on diverse subjects that are hard to find in the big box stores.
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Review from Jaclyn L.
"Just take a look!
It's in a book!!
Reading Rainbow!"
Alright, who out there remembers "Reading Rainbow"? Probably one of THE most greatest kids show of all time to portray to children that reading is not only super cool and fun, it'll take you to far, far away places and your parents can't find you and force you to eat broccoli.
Walking into this place made me feel that this book hunting experience would be fun - and it was! Friendly and inviting would be two strong words to best describe the impression this bookstore left on me. The kids section was too adorable to walk past on the left side as soon as you walked in. I heard a child reading loud and proud over there; sprawled on the floor, hair wild, and fully lost in the pages.
Being the adult I am, I went over into the best sellers and stopped at the "Staffs Recommendation" shelf. Too cute! They even wrote three sentences or so debating why I should pick their book; nothing like a little shelf competition.
Walk in, smell that new book smell, pay cash or credit, and leave with a new friend under your arm. -
Review from Raphael R.
Brooklyn, NY
Nothing makes a neighborhood more appealing to me than an independent bookstore. I love being able to stroll down the sidewalk, pop in for a quick browse, and leave with some new reading material. BookCourt satisfies my urge: the store looks well maintained, and the book selection seems good. (I would have preferred a wider selection of philosophy books, but I have enough Plato and such as it is.) I definitely plan to stop in and get something soon.
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Review from Kilgore T.
Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY
Staff is super nice/knowledgeable and the atmosphere is peaceful. Also, they seem to always offer 30% off best sellers, so that's a big plus. I'd much rather give my $$ to this place instead of the dicks at b&n.
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Review from Patale M.
Berkeley, CA
This is my favorite bookstore right now. I peek in whenever I walk by and have at least 2 minutes. Most times I buy nothing but on occasion I'll splurge. It was quite exciting to listen to Michael Ondaatje and I also really enjoyed meeting Rich Benjamin. Keep up the good work Book Court !
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Review from Peter D.
There is now a delightfully comfortable couch, as well as far more seating than there was previously. BookCourt: my ass thanks you.
And although my review may or may not have had anything to do with this newfound seating bonanza, I would like to graciously accept the thanks of all other asses in Brooklyn.Listed in: reasons why brooklyn is…, "BoCoCa.", spots on court street., best places to buy gifts. and…, shop local NYC.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2010
I am convinced that the proprietors of BookCourt can read my mind. Evidence:
1. Whenever I walk in,… Read more »
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2/23/2010
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Review from Heather M.
New York, NY
Love this bookstore! Happened upon it while visiting the neighborhood after trip to IKEA. What a breath of fresh air! A real bookstore in the land of mega-corporate behemoths, this store made me want to curl up with a good book and a mug of cocoa. Customer service was easily had and knew the book we were looking for and found it for us no problem. We got some kind of best-seller discount so even though it retailed at $15 it was $10.50 before tax.
Love this neighborhood and always get off around here after trips to IKEA to get the F train back. Will definitely stop here my next time around. Much more satisfying to buy a book here than on Amazon or BN. -
Review from Genevieve B.
Brooklyn, NY
I had a book emergency, and BookCourt was the only place that had the book I needed (after calling about 12 places including: 2 Barns and Nobles, a book distributor warehouse, a few Brooklyn library branches, and several local bookstores).
When I called the woman who answered was friendly, helpful and sympathetic. The book I needed wasn't listed on the computer inventory, but she went to check anyway, and lo and behold, they had 1 copy. When I got there, the woman who answered the phone recognized my voice, remembered my name, and gave me the book I had asked for her to hold.
I browsed for a while and noticed the space was bright and airy throughout. They had a great selection and although the prices were a bit higher than the corporate stores it was worth it because the service was so wonderful.
If you're ever in Cobble Hill, stop by!Listed in: Brooklyn bookstores
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Review from Rachel M.
Brooklyn, NY
A story of two bookstore experiences:
When I was home in the Midwest 'burbs for Christmas I dropped by the local Inventory-Laden Big Box Bookstore looking for a novel or two for vacation reading. I came in with a list of maybe 10 or 12 books (Lydia Davis, the new Zadie Smith essay collection, Ben Marcus, nothing too obscure but not bestsellers, either). I came up dry on every count. Among all the other reasons to stay away, if you are looking for a book published in the last 5 years that isn't a bestseller or genre fiction, these Big Box stores are not your friends. Cranky, I returned home empty-handed.
Then, this weekend, I stopped in at Book Court, because I always see something that piques my interest there. And this time was no exception. As small as their square footage is, they had all but maybe 2 of the books on my list. An embarrassment of riches!
What does this tell you about Book Court? Well, it's run by people who CARE about books, especially new fiction. You know: readers. People who know what's valuable and interesting, not just popular or profitable or hyped. And that's increasingly rare, even in this city.
Also: sometimes they have a killer sidewalk sale rack. Last spring I got Colson Whitehead's first book for like $3. -
Review from Jia J.
This is seriously one of the best bookstores I have been to IN MY LIFE. It was as close to the Berkeley days I could ever get on this side of the continent with a program to match.
My darling coworker/friend and I braved the cattle cars of the F Train to get to the Bergen Street stop for a mellow walk along impromptu paths carved through lava-like formations of iced over snow. The slight and gradual hill of Dean Street crested at Court, and shortly after taking a right, we saw books bathed in a sunny yellow light. It was only 6:35 p.m., so we continued walking. Through the long window, I detected a huge space in the back and felt a surge of anticipation.
After some pizza, we rushed back, feeling that we were about to commit the faux pas of being inexplicably five minutes late. Instead, we found people sitting, chatting, and still setting up a floor as big as a dance hall, studded with stunning displays of titillating titles. One table had a HELIX made of paperbacks - it was quite tall!!
At the far end of this space was a podium and three chairs facing a gallery of assorted foldup chairs and a solid wood pew-type bench backed up against a table of exhaustive cook books; the kinds with lots of paper and print and few glossy photos. My friend and I squeezed in there, feeling like kids in church (though I am a raging agnostic, I mean this with POSitive connotations).
A man stood up and notified us that there was wine "over there," and to help ourselves for another ten minutes. People drifted to a cash register next to which three blackish red bottles of Argentinian Malbec stood recently uncorked beside towers of miniature paper cups. It was more than twenty minutes before the event commenced, but everyone was in seventh heaven just gliding around and paging through memoirs and oversized art books.
An editor, a non-fiction writer, and a poet came out and gave a diverse yet coherent triple reading that converged on topics of philosophy, love, and of course the failure of love. Once, during this forum of sorts, a plane flew straight over the giant glass roof above our heads! Magical!
For once, there was not a person during Q&A who was a pedantic, out-of-touch hyperscholar who sounded like someone on crack living in the 22nd century. Then, there was a raffle, in which the people whose ticket numbers were called walked up, spun a wheel, got asked whatever question from whatever category the speakers felt like asking regardless of the category that the wheel landed on, and won a prize pretty much no matter what they said. My companion was the FIRST to be called. She won a hardcover autobiography of Justin Bieber in full color. Tears of genuine jealousy stung the corners of my eyes, which already smarted from the radiance of the pages of the dewfaced teenage boy.
Luckily, the event dispersed, and the Malbecs appeared to have regenerated themselves, for still only three bottles stood on the side table at the register. We browsed around, and it felt quite romantic to squat all the way down to be at eye level with the broacaded, laminated, and embossed volumes on the bottom shelves. They seemed to have a couple of each edition of anything that would ever interest anyone, whether they were old favorites or cutting edge novellas with alluring titles such as "Shoplifting From American Apparel." The edges of my long dress swept the dry wood floor, and I rather liked it. I felt like I was in the movie Little Women.
The best copy of Edith Wharton's House of Mirth was a no-frills Bantam edition, the kind that was only available at Waldenbooks of the '90s. I wanted this particular one to send to a romantical bosom buddy in our nation's capital, but it had a crunch in the back! I asked the stylish girl at the front register if there were other copies. She ended up encouraging me to seek a discount!
Feeling as classy as Rodney Dangerfield in a country club, I walked up to the authorized sellers - two dudes and a girl at the register by the wine. The guy gave me 20% off of a $4.95 book! He asked if I wanted gift wrapping, and said he could ship it for $10. I said I didn't know her address yet (true). He said he was really good at guessing addresses. At this point I didn't know if he was tipsy and f'ing with me about the gift wrapping and the shipping, but it was all right.
Two seconds later, I found a copy of Atlas Shrugged and decided It Was Time. I went back up to the same counter, and the same guy rang me up, and when I couldn't find a penny that I SWEAR was plaguing me earlier, he waved that off too, and tucked a bookmark into my volume, which accompanied me home on the dreadful trip back home.
There were so many times that I was curious about coming here for a reading or a book discussion or whatnot, but simply never did. That's all changed now. BookCourt is already a local favorite of mine. -
Review from La-asia L.
North Hollywood, CA
This is a great bookstore!
Very neat and organized selections, discovered a new author here during my visit would recommend. -
Review from Todd L.
Brooklyn, NY
Since I have no social life and spend most of my free time with my entire face buried in one book or another, I am a big fan of places that sell books. This said, Book Court is currently tops in my book (huh?). Since I live within crawling distance of the spot and I am increasingly lazy in my old age, I am grateful that such a wonderful place exists.
Walking into the store, I can't help but pause and rock back and forth on the unbelievably squeaky floorboards. Once that is done, I am free to move on and find an enjoyable read, either on my own or with the assistance of a smart and well-read staff. All around goodness.Listed in: Places I Should Not Spend My…
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Review from Sean A.
Brooklyn, NY
I love this place. Great selection, serene atmosphere and a knowledgeable and friendly staff. The perfect alternative to big box book sores.
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Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
I agree with Danny: Bookcourt is a gem, the kind of bookstore you wish were in your neighborhood. Not only is the store's selection very smartly chosen -- you can tell that the buyer's are brilliant -- but the next titles are always exactly what you might want to read next. Their local book section is solid enough (although I was recently surprised they didn't have a copy of Five Points in stock, they had a copy on order and said I should come back the next day), and the handful of magazines and journals they choose to stock are extremely thoughtful and impressive.
Add to that a solid series of readings and a strong support for local authors, the independent press -- as well as the requisite love of reading -- and you've got an awesome neighborhood book store. Oh, and the poetry section is HUGE! Nice to see.
Whatever you do, though, don't go downstairs. If for no other reason that I haven't yet. I have no idea what's down there. (Secret: The basement had a dirt floor until 1990. There there be monsters?)Listed in: For Cobble Hillbillies, Best NYC Book Stores
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Review from Natty B.
New York, NY
David Foster Wallace, Frederick Exley, the cartoons of Daniel Johnston? That wall of staff selections makes me want to befriend every man, woman, cat or dog that's ever been considered a member of the staff (especially that sweetheart who found my lucky black & white glove; thanks, hon!)
P.S.
I've been living in Queens this past year, and I went back today and they've EXPANDED. I felt like Lucy pushing through the wardrobe or something. Killer. -
Review from Alex C.
Brooklyn, NY
Book Court is a nice space, well laid-out and with a nice selection. If you stay upstairs, it's easy to open and books are clearly displayed and it's all very easy navigate as. Yet downstairs, I can't make heads or tails out of how things are organized or where anything is shelved. I get very confused, and I imagine it's only partially because I'm not very smart.
All in all, however, it's a very nice store, and I enjoy shopping here. Eerily quiet, though.... -
Review from Lauren S.
New York, NY
I went to Bookcourt for a reading and (pun intended) guilty as charged for my insane obsession with the bound literary form. I actually go to bookstores to be surrounded by texts and decide what authors/books I should be adding to my LEO Online list so that I can borrow them later from NYPL or a friend.
This is an intimate, relaxed place. Perfect for the neighborhood of leashed dogs and toddlers. Downstairs it is easy to find parents teetering on a stool and reading to their children. What I like about this place is that it is not overly radical. Blasphemy you say? Well one day I'd like to take my future children to a bookstore and not have them tugging my skirt hem to ask what "BLOW HIM away" refers to. My favorite section is the photo postcards. Great pics of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean to choose from.
Last time I was here I came for a reading for "the Anti-9-5 Guide." The author was kind of not captivating but the book sounded fairly interesting. The peeps at Bookcourt have regular events but you gotta get there to find out about them because they don't update their website much.
They specialize in special orders too so if you're looking for something that's out of stock everywhere maybe you should stop in and see if Bookcourt can help you. -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
A
Well kept
Family
Owned bookstore with
Fair prices and a great book selection. -
Review from Alli J.
This is an ideal neighborhood bookshop. I absolutely love the staff here - super friendly and helpful. It just feels nice and intimate here and the book selection is well edited.
Plus I think it's cool you can bring your doggie. -
Review from Jonathan G.
Verona, NJ
The absolute antithesis to the fictional Fox Books, the book superstore. You have no idea of the depth of the store, literally and figuratively, from the street. I am so glad I took a peek inside. The selection of books is great and tailored. They have what every independent book store should have, an our employees recommend section. In this type of book store you know that the people who work there know their stuff so by having this section, you could reap huge benefits.
If you love going to Barnes and Noble, you probably won't love it here. If you value the independent store and its accompanying uniqueness then Bookcourt is the place for you. In the first three minutes I found three books I had to have. Two of them were in their 30% off section of fairly new releases and those came home with me.
While many of us have Kindles and are unwittingly or wittingly putting pressure on publishers and independent book stores, this is the place to give back. I will have no problem buying books here and you must go inside to realize that there is an entire back room, with seating, in addition to the front room and downstairs.Listed in: BoCoCaGow
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Review from Kellser G.
Brooklyn, NY
Book Court is one of my favorite bookshops of the quaint variety. i like the friendly well read workers and they carry paste magazine which is such a plus in my book (no pun intended).
I really thought there was a cat there, or maybe I'm starting to loose it with all the bodega cats in town?? -
Review from Seth G.
Brooklyn, NY
You may pay full retail for most items, but at least you know you're helping to keep alive that vanishing species: the independent bookseller. Good selection that features local authors (some of whom are on the staff!). Lovely main room with a skylight that turns grey winter days into cozy browsing experiences. But where's Francis the cat? I haven't seen him the past few times I've been in.
Listed in: Favorite used or indie book…
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Review from Gowanus i.
Brooklyn, NY
I can always find too many things I want to read in Book Court. The authors that come and read there, often, blow my mind. I love this place.
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Review from Colleen L.
Brooklyn, NY
Love Love Love it. I really love independent bookstores to begin with, but this one is such a great space and has super friendly staff. Great selection, frequent author readings, and awesome staff recommendations. I asked about a book which wasn't out and the guy talking to me was more than willing to try to find it... until we realized it isn't out yet (woops, my bad).
Anyone who shops at the Barnes & Noble up the street instead of BookCourt has no soul. I don't care if you had a coupon. -
Review from Jennifer N.
Washington, DC
Still loving BookCourt!
Well worth the hour ride on the A from Inwood to Bklyn.Listed in: things i have loved about nyc…, best nyc bookstores
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/12/2010
If local, intelligently run, bookstores move you, this is your place. If you're looking for a mega… Read more »
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2/12/2010
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Review from Marygold H.
Brooklyn, NY
This is one of the rarest book stores that I go mostly to have alcohol rather than buying books, on Thursday just as today, which might explain the reason that I am still drunk but bother to write here. The last time I bought something--was--last year? I am uncertain although I partake their nice complimentary drinks and foods--just a bit--and I thought I should note their wonderful job especially since their renovation a couple years ago. For I have no habit of drinking, this is the occasional fix as well as meat from Trader Joe's samples; I am freegan as well.
Listed in: Book Porn NYC
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Review from Will C.
I love books and this place is next to Starbucks. =)
Listed in: Brooklyn's Best, The Best…
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Review from J B.
New York, NY
Full disclosure: I haven't gone book shopping here yet.
However, I stopped here the other day to get directions, and I was struck by their excellent customer service. I hadn't gone three paces in the store, when a sales clerk approached and asked how he could help.
There were lots of signs for upcoming events at the store, and it seemed like a nice, friendly place to spend a rainy day. I will return soon and update this review. -
Review from Amber B.
Brooklyn, NY
I am a book nerd. I teach books, I read books, I ingest books. Okay, the last one isn't as literal as the others, but you get it. I live for literature.
In fact, I should probably pay rent here, because I'm more comfortable here than in my own (fabulous) home. The space, the staff, the set up- it's all so warm and welcoming, you'll never want to leave. There are places to sit, people to talk to, and you don't even get dirty looks for drinking coffee (but, for the full experience, bring local coffee to the local bookstore- don't be tempted by Starbucks next door).
The customer service here is excellent, and they're more than willing to get you whatever you need- even if it's not in stock. Plus, my orders are always delivered at least two days faster than what Barnes and Nobel promises. Plus, the speakers/authors they get are top-notch.
Don't worry, BookCourt, my rent check's in the mail. *There's no place like home, there's no place like home* -
Review from Lisa K.
Amityville, NY
After walking by this place thousands of times, I decided to check it out. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than the Barnes and Noble down the street, but I just love the cozy feeling and knowledgeable staff. I was surprised by the expansiveness of the store, because from the street it looks a lot smaller.
Visiting is a must if you're in the area. -
Review from Lucy M.
Brooklyn, NY
I really enjoy this bookstore. Prices are on par with larger chains, and they have a nice selection for the size. I am fiction-biased, so they serve me well. The clerks are always helpful and friendly, and the space is clean and pleasing. I was happy to see they were recently featured in the NY Times.
There are certain organizational things that I think could be improved, like I wish all of the moleskins/notebooks were in place, and all the cards were in one place. I know that is probably designed to keep me browsing, but not the most convenient arrangement.
Overall, I am a happy customer and will surely return many times while I live in the neighborhood! -
Review from Kelvin J.
Brooklyn, NY
BookCourt never fails. I've ordered books countless times here. Books are more often than not there before the day they say they'll arrive.
The local selection is unrivaled.
The staff are very helpful and the aesthetic is perfect for coffee and getting lost in another world.
Thank you BookCourt.
