4.  Molasses Books

Molasses Books opened in Bushwick in 2012 and has truly become a local hub. The shop was founded by Matt Winn as a place to find used, affordable books – and when you’re done, you can trade your books for coffee. Now that Molasses Books has a liquor license, you can even trade for beer or wine. It’s a place to linger, read and chat with your neighbors. The shop offers space for local meetings, holds readings and has a great Happy Hour. With the new bar helping to pay the bills, Winn, who has a background in literacy from the New School, was able to fulfill a life-long dream of opening his own press. The first book to be released, will be his own. Located at 770 Hart Street in Brooklyn.