3. Bookseller’s or Book Row

https://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wl9zhC-snY

Bookseller’s or Book Row was an area of used book stores located on 4th Avenue from 8th Street to 14th Street that had 48 bookstores. This mecca for second hand books started in the 1890’s and lasted until the late 1960’s. The secondhand book business was not lucrative and many stores moved or went out of business when rents started to rise.

Strand bookstore which was originally on 4th Ave. is the largest survivor and has been located on Broadway and 12th Street since the late 50’s. While not an original to Booksellers’ Row, Alabaster Bookshop on 4th Avenue off 12th Street links the present to the past as the only used bookshop on 4th Avenue.