Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Book Lovers in Williamsburg
Top Things to Do in New York City for Book Lovers in Williamsburg
1. McNally Jackson Williamsburg
A bright, design-forward bookstore where you can lose hours among thoughtfully curated fiction, poetry, art books, and magazines—perfect for a deep literary browse.
✓ Why Go:
For new releases alongside hard-to-find small-press titles and staff picks that spotlight emerging voices.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or rainy afternoons when the aisles are quiet and inviting.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for recommendations from the translated literature shelves; staff are great at pairing tastes with under-the-radar gems.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a destination bookstore with warm staff and inspired selections.
2. Spoonbill & Sugartown, Booksellers
A beloved Bedford Avenue institution known for art, design, theory, and used titles stacked high—serendipity guaranteed.
✓ Why Go:
To hunt out-of-print gems, browse local zines, and discover photobooks you won’t see elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Leisurely weekend afternoons or late weekdays for unhurried browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the sidewalk carts for budget scores and the back tables for avant‑garde finds.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Book lovers rave about its eclectic, treasure-hunt vibe.
3. Book Thug Nation
A compact, carefully curated used bookshop specializing in literature, film, philosophy, and the kinds of paperbacks that spark conversation.
✓ Why Go:
Affordable prices and a high chance of stumbling onto your next favorite author.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon, when the natural light and quiet make for great browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t skip the discount shelves; staff also keep a rotating rack of local reading-series flyers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as cozy, unpretentious, and consistently rewarding.
4. Quimby’s Bookstore NYC
A spirited shop dedicated to zines, indie comics, and subculture publishing—riotously creative and delightfully offbeat.
✓ Why Go:
To dive into DIY publishing and discover voices you won’t find in mainstream bookstores.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings on weekdays for space to flip through zines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Explore staff-curated racks highlighting local creators; zines make great lightweight souvenirs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love its playful energy and one-of-a-kind selection.
5. Desert Island
A cornerstone of the indie comics scene stocked with graphic novels, art books, and small-press oddities in a gallery-like space.
✓ Why Go:
For boundary-pushing visual storytelling and rare imports you won’t see elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for relaxed, attentive browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for recommendations by local artists; the team knows the neighborhood creators.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often called a pilgrimage stop for comics lovers—quirky, smart, and welcoming.
6. Leonard Library (Brooklyn Public Library)
A classic neighborhood branch with sunlit reading areas, free Wi‑Fi, and shelves that reward slow wandering.
✓ Why Go:
Borrow books, catch low-key community programs, or enjoy a quiet couple of chapters between adventures.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for the calmest study vibes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs for the coziest nooks and best natural light.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Noted for its friendly staff and peacefully bookish atmosphere.
7. Williamsburg Library (Brooklyn Public Library)
A spacious branch serving the south side with open stacks, study space, and a steady hum of readers.
✓ Why Go:
To browse a deep catalog, cool off in summer, and plug into the local literary community.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning, when seating is easiest to find.
✓ Insider Tip:
Place holds in the BPL app and use this branch for quick, convenient pickups.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated as bright, well-run, and community-centered.
8. Pete’s Candy Store
A cozy bar with an intimate back-room stage that hosts acclaimed reading and storytelling nights—literary vibes with a neighborhood soul.
✓ Why Go:
To hear emerging authors up close, mingle with locals, and pair a good story with a good drink.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings when literary events are most often scheduled.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to snag a booth; bring a few dollars to support authors at the merch table.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its atmosphere, friendly crowd, and consistently strong lineups.
9. Domino Park
A revitalized waterfront with loungers, tables, and sweeping skyline views—one of the city’s most scenic places to read outside.
✓ Why Go:
To pair your paperback with river breezes, people-watching, and sunset glow.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for quiet or golden hour for ambience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seek shaded seating along the Artifact Walk; the river can be breezy even on warm days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as clean, safe, and inspiring—great for solo readers and picnicking book clubs.
10. Marsha P. Johnson State Park
A relaxed riverside green space with artful flourishes and quiet lawns that invite you to stretch out with a chapter or two.
✓ Why Go:
For tranquil reading time with postcard views of Manhattan and the Williamsburg Bridge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunny mornings or sunset for cooler temps and softer light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a blanket and settle at the northern end for extra-peaceful nooks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as laid-back and welcoming—the perfect pause between bookstore hops.
