Even though it might seem as if independent bookshops are becoming increasingly few and far between, New York City still is home to some of the most unique bookstores for every type of reader. Independent thematic bookshops not only offer rare, specialty books, but they also provide patrons with a wealth of information on all sorts of unique topics. In this list, we highlight 10 of the most quirky themed bookstores in NYC which sell everything from cookbooks to graphic novels:
1. Namaste Bookshop
Namaste Bookshop on 2 W 14th Street in Union Square also caters to those interested in spirituality. It offers books on a wide variety of topics, including Buddhism, Western and Eastern Philosophy, Yoga, Meditation, Wicca, and Reiki.
In addition to the book selection, Namaste Bookshop is also popular for its wide variety of world music CDs, boasting a rare selection that it claims to be available only at its location. Additionally, it hosts a monthly bookclub, Namaste’s Spiritual Book Club, where people gather to discuss a selected book of the month. For those who wish to learn more about spirituality, the bookshop has a daily schedule of practitioners who come in to teach guests about psychics, tarot, astrology, reiki, and more.
2. Catland Books
The embrace of “magical” customs such as reading tarot cards and practicing ancient witchcraft has experienced a resurgence among modern women. With the more recent embrace of mystic culture, it comes as no surprise that there is a whole bookstore dedicated to Occultists, Yogis, Pagans, Mystics, Witches, and anyone interested in the enhancement of his or her spiritual self.
In Bushwick, Catland Books on 987 Flushing Avenue is a popular metaphysical bookshop and boutique. In addition to offering volumes on various mystical practices, it is home to a collection of supplies such as candles, crystals, oils, and tarot cards. Catland Books also hosts numerous monthly events designed to educate people about a variety of mystical and metaphysical topics, including guided meditation, introduction classes to tarot reading, and more.
3. Bluestockings
Named after The Blue Stockings Society, a mid-18th century English political movement and literary discussion group to promote literature written by and for women, Bluestockings bookstore and activist center aims to provide people with socially conscious literature. Originally founded in 1999, the Lower East Side bookstore on 172 Allen Street is a place where community members can share and distribute resources to make the world a more equitable place. Staying true to its feminist roots, Bluestockings offers a lot of books that share the stories of various types of marginalized people.
This volunteer-powered bookstore encourages community dialogue about social issues while also offering visitors access to a fair trade cafe. Through a series of monthly workshops, performances, and readings, Bluestocking aims to create a safe place for discussing topics such as gender studies, political theory, racial education, oppression, intersectionality, and the environment.
4. Chartwell Booksellers
Named after Winston Churchill’s home in England’s Kent countryside, Chartwell Booksellers is the only Winston Churchill-themed bookstore in the world. With original transcripts of his speeches, biographies, rare books, paintings, and autographed Churchill texts, this bookshop, located on 55 East 52nd Street in Midtown, is dedicated to this British statesman, army officer, and writer, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945.
The shop offers first editions of all 42 of his books, as well as signed works that cost thousands of dollars. Adjoined with a gallery, it also provides various rotating exhibitions highlighting the works of William P. Gottlieb, Chuck Stewart and Popsie Randolph, and others. In addition to its rare Churchill content, the bookshop has rare books on other topics, including Jazz, literary collectibles, and out-of-print photography books.
5. Forbidden Planet
Located on 832 Broadway in Union Square, Forbidden Planet is one of the world’s largest comic book, graphic novel and collectible retailers. Located next to The Strand, it is known to be a treasure spot for comic and science fiction lovers. While the shop offers new and recent editions of popular graphic novels and comic books, it also provides rare copies of certain issues in addition to memorabilia, toys, board games, playing cards and apparel featuring anime characters and pop culture figures.
Forbidden Planet has been around since 1981, and patrons can not only visit the brick-and-mortar store, but also order items from its official mailorder webstore for delivery.
6. Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks
Whether you’re a foodie or new to the kitchen, there is an out-of-print and antiquarian book for all types of food lovers at Bonnie Slotnick’s Cookbooks, located on 28 E 2nd Street in the East Village. If you walk down the steps next to the white hanging sign that reads “cookbooks,” you’ll be immersed with all types of culinary guides. Bonnie Slotnick has been selling her antiquated books for over 20 years and recently moved her collection from its original West Side location to a larger home on the East Side.
The store is known for its homey, welcoming environment. In addition to her collection, Bonnie Slotnick also hosts a variety of authors for guest talks at the shop. Bonnie Slotnick identifies her cookbook shop as one of the many independent bookshops that are still left in the city. She promotes the other local bookshops through her website and when they come into the store.
7. The Mysterious Bookshop
Visitors of The Mysterious Bookshop on 58 Warren Street in TriBeCa are welcomed by a sign that says “Nobody shoplifts from a store that knows 3,214 ways to murder someone.” Originally opened in 1979 by Otto Penzler, The Mysterious Bookshop is the oldest mystery specialist bookstore in America.
The bookshop offers visitors a wide variety of Mystery Fiction-themed novels, including subgenres such as Detective, Crime, Hardboiled, Thrillers, Espionage, and Suspense. In addition to this selection, the shop is also known for its seven crime clubs, including the Thriller & Espionage Club, the Crime Collectors’ Club, and the First Mystery Club. If you join one, you will receive monthly shipments of signed first editions from the best authors working in the genre.
8. Berl’s Poetry Shop
Originally located at a small booth at the Brooklyn Flea Market, Berl’s Poetry Shop now has a storefront location on 141 Front Street in DUMBO. It’s the city’s only all poetry bookstore, offering a curated selection of small press books, often featuring handmade and limited edition works by writers and publishers.
The family run shop aims to provide something for all ages and all types of poetry lovers, including chapbooks, illustrated children’s poetry, small press anthologies, and more. In addition to their wide variety of poetry and gallery books, the shop also hosts various monthly events. Visitors can expect to meet poets and hear readings from local authors as they browse through the selection.
9. Printed Matter
Originally founded in 1976, Chelsea-based bookshop Printed Matter on 231 11th Avenue is a non-profit organization that gives creatives a place to distribute their work. Visitors will be able to find books, zines, posters, audio-works and out of print material from a wide array of contemporary artists. By providing a space for people to distribute their work, Printed Matter aims to increase visibility and appreciation to printed books and other artistic materials.
Printed Matter also has its own publishing program that produces works that explore the wide possibilities of contemporary artists’ publications, typically publishing unconventional works that would be denied by a regular publishing house. Like many of the bookstores on this list, it also hosts a wide variety events that support the arts community. It is known for its all inclusive art book fairs and elaborate window installations for visual artists to display their work. Visitors of Printed Matter are regularly treated to exhibitions, book launches, artist talks, and performances.
Next, check out Cafe Con Libros is Feminist Coffee Shop & Bookstore in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and 10 of NYC’s Best Bars with Books.