Even though it might seem as if independent bookstores are becoming increasingly few and far between, New York City still is home to some of the most unique independent 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 interesting themed independent bookstores in NYC that sell everything from romance novels to cookbooks.
1. Ripped Bodice Bookstore
To all the readers who make a beeline to the romance section of bookstores, Brooklyn’s new romance-only bookstore is the place for you. Opened in August 2023, The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn is a sister location to the original romance-only bookstore which opened in Los Angeles more than 7 years ago. The stores are owned by sisters Bea and Lea Koch. With the baby pink exterior, fun calligraphy, and book pages sprawled across the wall, it is clear that Koch is a creative spirit. She says she loves “putting my stamp on a space and especially challenging people’s notions of what a bookstore should look like.”
Bookstores should be fun places to discover new worlds and socialize, which all come together in The Ripped Bodice’s calendar of exciting events, author signings, writers’ workshops, and book clubs. They started with a bang at their opening signing, having New York Times Bestselling author Casey McQuiston in attendance as well as award-winning author Alexis Daria.
The Ripped Bodice aims not only to create a great book-buying experience, but also to craft a space that facilitates learning, sharing, and conversation between the romance readers visiting the store. On the shelves, romance readers will see familiar favorites, but also a vast array of lesser-known books that may not normally be displayed at chain bookstores. Koch passionately states, “We always strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome, particularly the LGBTQ+ community.” Even if romance novels aren’t your thing, it is worth taking the trip over to 218 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY to look at the beautiful interior, speak with friendly customers, or even chat with one of the passionate minds behind this storefront.
2. Albertine Books
Albertine prides itself on being the only bookstore in New York featuring exclusively French and English books, over 14,000 of them. Housed in the beautiful Payne-Whitney mansion and decked out with a gorgeous ceiling mural, browsing the aisles of Albertine is an event in itself. The bookstore is partnered with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, proving that literature can create friendship beyond borders and foster a better world for all. The shop often hosts discussions and events, bringing the world of literature closer to the world of global history and government.
Tour Villa Albertine
On November 22nd, join Untapped New York Insiders for a free tour of Villa Albertine where we’ll get a look inside the bookstore! We’ll also visit other rooms in the former Gilded Age mansion including the newly remodeled Albertine Atelier and the Venetian Room.
3. Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore in Washington Heights is more than just a bookstore. Opened in 2000 by Janifer P. Wilson, the bookstore has since expanded to include the Sister’s Uptown Cultural Center as well. Inside the bookstore, shelves are lined with tomes written by authors from the African diaspora. Wilson writes on the store’s website that the goal of the center is to provide “resources for members of the community to nurture their minds, hearts and souls with present and past works of gifted African American authors and other great authors and intellectuals.” Like many of the other independent bookstores on this list, the shop hosts events like book signings and authors talks.
4. 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. 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.
5. Bluestockings Cooperative
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.
6. 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 at 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 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.
7. 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 website for delivery.
8. 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 at 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 in 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 independent 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
This article was written by Alyssa Ciardi and Grace Notarstefano