Reviews of Book Culture. (Book Store) in New York (New York).

Book Culture

385 Reviews

170 Comments

Book store

Book store

536 W 112th St, New York, NY 10025, United States

Description

Information of Book Culture, Book store in New York (New York)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of Book Culture

Popular times

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Reviews of Book Culture

Danielle Michaud

I love book culture! The atmosphere is so homey and welcoming plus the staff are always willing to recommend a good read or help you hunt down a title on the shelves. Recently they also have some shelves of cute knick knacks like key chains, candles, and notebooks.

Sohaib Ibrahim Khan

My favorite independent bookstore in all of US. They have the best collection of academic and popular literature at great prices. I used to visit here as a Columbia grad student and have kept their membership ever since.

Carl Petter Opsahl

Oh, what an overwhelming book store! So many great books makes me wish I was a billionaire of time and money. This is probably one of the best book stores in the world. Great people working there, good prices and many good recomendations by the staff. This store is a must see when in New York.

Shantonu Basu

THE BEST academic bookstore in the United States! So this is it. This is the best academic bookstore in the entire country. The Seminary Co-Op is a close second, but that is in Chicago and they are second in everything (get it?). Third place probably goes to Labyrinth in Princeton. This is the place to go for literary theory, philosophy, poetry, and history. They also have a vast fiction section. Naturally, being so close to Columbia University there are are also a lot of academic press books. Go here. Get a book. Then go to the nearby Hungarian Cafe and read it, or pretend to while people watching.

Matthew Oliver

Plenty of selection here, and is one of few places that actually has a book club which I think is charming. They also have the occasional sidewalk sale, and a local publisher section. I believe they will also buy some used books in good condition. I posted some photos for your viewing pleasure!

Oscar M. Landa Samano

Great service, helpful, quick, and kind. If you are looking for a specific book, make sure to call them in advance to see if it's in stock and not rhet can order it for you

Yufi Nabila Priadi

Love ambience of this place. Fav place to buy used books in NYC, they provide comfy sittings upstairs

Dave Marques

One of the best bookstores in NYC and my neighborhood staple. Very chill atmosphere inside with newer releases on the ground floor and a wider selection on the upper level. Easy to find what you're looking for but also great for just browsing. Staff is awesome.

Aquiles Carattino

It’s hard to find good bookstores in the US. Book Culture has a good mix of new, used, classics, and hard to find books. Nicely organized, I particularly liked the recommendations from the staff, few written sentences enough to decide if the book deserves a shot or not. Didn’t find much in original language (not translations to English) but overall the assortment was excellent and the staff very friendly.

Jeffrey Kruger

Great non-commercial bookstore stocked with new and used books that can satisfy a plethora of interests…I am always surprised to find some of the titles that I come across there. It’s a vastly different experience than going to a large chain like B&N (which for what they are carry a great selection of computer science and wine & beverage titles, which is my typical hunting topics) or even The Strand (which I also love equally as much as Book Culture). Book culture has surprising depth when it comes to certain topics, the likes of which I rarely find elsewhere. For topics related to certain subjects the publication date isn’t necessarily a guiding feature, so mathematics and certain physical sciences that have classic texts for reference they carry a more esoteric selection than more mainstream books stores. It’s fantastic what I’ve come across.

Dejan Lukic

One of the best bookstores in NYC. Good selection of sale books along the stairs from the ground floor up. Amazing selection of philosophy, art, architecture, literature... Large yet more manageable than the biggest stores in the city. I've been visiting since 2001 (when it was Labyrinth) and will continue to do so.

Jack Saunder

Really cool bookstore. Well sorted with an interesting variation of books. Friendly staff

Triston Lamb

Book Culture is a store you cant miss. Cool things and a lot of things to read.

Miles Clifford

A chill, yet sophisticated, college bookstore. MANY reduced price, yet highly sought -after choices They have what you should be reading!!

Michael Abawkaw

They have an amazing collection of classic books.

Angie Pflanz

Great selection, helpful staff, and nice present items as well.

Steve Blake

Great bookstore with a wide variety of books.

Edgardo Zelaya

I love this bookstore. The staff are super friendly and they have a great collection of books that I never expected to see. Great shop with good prices def worth coming here and supporting your local bookstore. Also you can order online and get it picked up to avoid shipping fees :)

Thomas Wee

This might be my favorite bookstore in the whole city

Cindy C

Book Culture is an amazing small local business, and I love that they have multiple locations. I won’t lie- the Long Island City location is my favorite. Anyway, this bookstore is super close to Columbia, so it’s easily accessible to students/ staff and urban dwellers aka straphangers... but just a bit out of the way for me. There’s a good variety of books, and I usually find what I’m looking for.

Steve Llano

The best bookstore in New York for academic and political books. I always find amazing work here that you can't easily find elsewhere. They also buy books from Columbia university students and it's a great way to see what books are being assigned there. The prices on used academic books are great and I have found so many hard to find titles there. Make sure to go if you like intellectual and academic titles.

Josh Me

A good look shop in an organized and comfortable way. Smart people work there, smart people order for them as well, good small press samplings, quality poetry section, all the usuals with lots of highly unusual. They have a membership thing, 5% back for every 100 bucks, not bad at all.

Erela Portugaly

They have a good collection of books, toys, accessories (such as backpacks) and small items. It's all "sophisticated" brands, You won't find Disney here or Mattel here. Which also means that it's not cheap - most things are a little pricier then Amazon. But than again, it's a local store that's a neighborhood feature, not a faceless conglomerate with unchecked power. There offer story time during weekends in various languages, mostly held by people from the neighborhood that wish to share their culture and find a community for their children. There's a kids' play room that's fantastic and is very popular especially over the winter, and it's absolutely OK to spend the afternoon reading books without making a purchase. The staff is knowledgeable and patient and most of the time seems unbothered. It is not, sadly, wheelchair accessible. There was also conflict with the employer about two years ago when employees organized into a Union. The neighborhood got on their hind legs and it seems to have resolved, but keep an eye for labor justice.

Miriah R (AnOkieAbroad)

Even though they didn’t have the book I wanted, the associates were nice and professional. It’s a beautiful space with something for everyone.

Very Oliver Raft

Prices are higher than I think is reasonable, even in the clearance sections. However, the employees were extremely knowledgeable and polite. I asked if the store carried the book "Grit," something I didn't consider well-known, and without consulting a computer or card catalog, they said yes, listed the author, and in what section it would likely be found. I purchased a book because I was feeling deprived of literature, but it was so hard to decide amidst all the fresh choices.

Chanelle Holland

I went there to sell about 20 or so books. When I entered I noticed the group of books on display on the front desk dedicated to Black History Month. I glanced other interesting books as I made my way to the 2nd floor to make my sale. My only disappointment during my first visit there was that I only made $6 cash (or $9 store credit if I chose) for 3 books & I would've had to lug all the rest of the books back with me if I didn't ask to leave them for recycling. Last but not least, as much as I absolutely loathe using public bathrooms, from time to time I must go so I appreciated that they had a clean bathroom.

Emily Gethen

This is the bookshop of my dreams. The wonderfully detailed staff recommendations around the shop elevate it to a point where I couldn’t even dream up a shop this perfect. Huge selection, so many genres AND a fantastic, massive, reasonable used books section. Capital T Treasure.

Mike H.

I will freely acknowledge that the new and used book selection here is excellent. The problem is that during the first few weeks of a new school semester, the store forces some (but not all) of its customers to check their bags at the entrance. When you are a younger customer, and you notice that all of the older customers get to keep their bags while you do not, you don't feel particularly welcome or wanted here. This bookstore is the closest to my apartment, so I continue to shop at it, but it would get so much more of my business if I didn't feel like a second class shopper on some of my visits.

Yamel Romero de Cardoza

I found a good selection of spanish children's books. This is a really cool bookstore in New York, We should buy local and support business like these libraries so they don't disappear.

eric grunin

Best source in NYC for academic remainders, a large selection of NYRB paperbacks, and the upstairs is full of used academic and academic-adjacent texts.

Paige Kay

Independent book store with very friendly and helpful staff. They do not hesitate to help you locate books, or even to pinpoint down a book which matches a very vague idea of what you think you'd like, such as in my case. Located in a beautiful and calming area, this store is a favorite.

Elke Tomašič

What a great variety of feminist literature! I couldn't stop browsing. It took me ages to decide on which books I should buy. Great sales too. The staff could be more friendly but hey it's New York City.

ivan zatz

Two-floor bookstore with a great variety of books, particularly serving academics and students but also the general public. In rare instances when you cannot find what you want, the staff will help you place an order. A heaven for bibliophiles.

Charles J

Two thumbs up for independent book stores, those that survive. This store has a diverse selection of new books in subjects like politics, poetry, photography, urbanism and music. It also has used books and class books, apparently for Columbia students, which I have to assume is important in their survival. Besides helpful employees, they host and throw activities, from book groups to bagel brunches with live music, on a regular basis. If they have what you wane, help them survive by buying it here.

Chad Shores

This shop has a surprising selection of books, despite being a smaller independent seller. They also have a loyalty program ($10 in credit for every $100 spent I believe) but they don't correlate your purchases between this location and their broadway location. Apparently, they use different computer systems to they're unable to hold your information on both. I've gotten excellent service from their employees and I always feel welcome when I stop in. This is a great landmark in Morningside Heights.

Brett Kendrick

This is by far the best bookstore in the city. It has an excellent selection of books and magazines, and the the staff are very helpful. There's a huge selection of used books upstairs too, and all the books located in the stairwell are deeply discounted.

Roslyn Kufuor

This is a lovely, cosy, make yourself feel at home type book store. I visited for an event (yes they have enough space for one upstairs!) But I had a good look around and they have so many books, some well known ones on sale and even reduced. The staff were very friendly and answered my many questions I had as a newbie and a bit of a tourist to the area.

Kai Alexandre

Out hunting for a New York times Sunday edition. What kind of bookstore near Columbia doesn't sell periodicals. Staff was helpful storm is clean and socially distant so that counts for something.

Aron Eidelman

Excellent selection of 20th century philosophy and cultural theory. The staff are generally very helpful. I travel all the way from Brighton Beach just to raid this place once a month. They definitely have someone making sure that the Deleuze section stays freshly stocked. The one problem is that I've never seen the same faces working there. The only bookstore in NYC I can think of with a similar issue is Blue Stockings, which is entirely volunteer-driven. I'd like to know at least one employee after having been a customer for three years.

Laura Fredrickson

Great selection of books and friendly, helpful staff! Big section for school-required readings

Daniella Fodera

My favorite neighborhood bookstore!

Jin Yoshikawa

The best bookseller in these parts, not that there are many alternatives. Columbia bookstore is stale and staff, though well-intentioned, are unhelpful. Barnes and Nobles on 84th is much larger but doesn't have that personal, independent feel. Bank St should be your go-to for children's books. Book Culture has a great display on the first floor, amazing buyback policy, and is just small enough without lacking the necessary books. If you're a Columbia student, coming here is a no-brainer!

Mark Templeton

One of the best curated selections I have seen.

Charlotte Arboleda

WE LOVE TO COME TO BOOK CULTURE! They always have the book we need at at least one of their locations. The staff is helpful in locating books in the shop. It's nice to have local neighborhood book stores.

MaryLouise Patterson

It's a great bookstore with a wider diversity of international authors than other bookstores. They also carry textbooks. Very knowledgeable, pleasant and helpful staff.

skye a desertkhaat

Formerly Labyrinth, this location of Book Culture has a nicely curated array of thought provoking books. Doesn't hurt that Columbia University's close by- definitely ups their game vis-a-vis their selection of offerings!

Ari Jiang

Very friendly stuff and cute local book store. They have treats for dogs too! You can sell your used books there.

Jennifer Caine Leila

Lovely selection of books, a dedicated childrens' area (although I still felt like my kids may have been a little too high energy - they're 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 so there's no way to avoid their intrinsic oscillation - theirs were happy squeals, at least), the idea of being able to sit and write a handwritten card (they have a desk and note paper available in case you'd like to jot someone a note - AWESOME!) is really great, and they carry our favorite brand of stuffed animal ("Jellycat"), and they have an elevator, which makes them stroller-friendly. Great experience!

Mike Ryan

A fantastic independent bookstore. The downstairs is new releases. Be sure to go upstairs for a sometimes more complete selection of older/used books and for discount books.

Gadi Aleksandrowicz

Found books we couldn't find either at the Strand or at Barnes & Noble. Very good service, nice atmosphere and a great collection of books. Our best stumble-upon in New York.

Hale McSharry

Really amazing selection of books, plus surprisingly low prices on even new selections. I’ll definitely make a point of buying my books here.

Zia Al-Khalil Ott

Great bookstore in Morningside Heights with an impressive selection (be sure to go upstairs), really good prices, and a helpful and friendly staff. I don't go here as often as I would like, but I'm always sure to stop by when I'm in the neighborhood!

Jane Meng

Still my favorite book stores in the city. I can find all the new fiction I could need and find out about awesome indie writers at the same time. I highly suggest checking out their card collection!

Ajrichar Liera Silla

I wasn't there to purchase books I was there to recycle books. I did not want to contribute to the growing garbage issue in the United States or the Western hemisphere in general. But from what I saw the use every space available for any new books and they had Discount Books outside their store around $5.

Gail Jay

Best independent bookstore in New York. Don’t miss the second floor!

Joe Guerrero

A nice little independent bookstore on the UWS. The staff picks of the month are usually worth taking a look at. They also have a nice kids section if you're looking for educational gifts.

Yoko Tamada

I love this book store! Awesome vibes, great book selection, and overall lovely environment! Would totally recommend!

Kido Kouassi

Wonderful experience, just like a library but you get to keep the book for ever. Buying used books have never felt so good.

Matthew Cushman

One of the last great bookstores in NYC. I walked in with a vague idea of what I topics I was interested and walked out with an armload of amazing books that I would never have otherwise found. The real deal. No fluff.

Anndy b

A dying breed of its own. We don't want to make it history. A diamond in the rough. The prices are fantastic. You can find a good read and explore other authors.

Frank Mansfield

Great book store real friendly and knowledgeable staff. They have a wide selection of books and multiple locations.

Samuel Howard

One of NYC's indispensable book stores. New books, a curated selection of used books, and remainders. The best selection of Western academic philosophy books in NYC.

Lauren Stripling Brodie

Great selection of trade and academic titles. I always walk out with something interesting!

Mason Fiascone

Just an ok bookstore, nothing incredibly special. While supporting local books is neat, there wasn't anything particularly local about the book selection.

Alex Tolkin

Lovely bookstore. Great selection, excellent for browsing, and the large selection upstairs is a great place to hunt for deals on used books.

Galen Oettel

Gift came in complimentary wrapping paper along with book marks!

Anindita Brahma

Cosy bookstore with a good collection and super helpful staff.

Tamar Bains

My favorite independent bookstore in New York.

Bill Tiemann

This is a nice little book store in New York City. Just happened to drop in there while in the city. I Highly recommend Book Culture.

Daniel Hirsch

Traditional brick and mortar bookstore. Pleasant helpful staff. New and used books. Worth supporting!

Tyson Allen

Great selection of independent publishers and titles I might have never seen if I hadn't gone here

Ben Deal

Classic overpriced books but nice staff and they have pretty much everything you need. I haven't tried selling back to them though.

Cora Gi

Fantastic selection of new books and used, academic books. Really great prices as well.

Theo Panton

My new favorite bookstore in town. An old school feel with all the modern looks of a barnes and noble

Michael dimen

Friendly, old-fashioned bookstore, with great selection and good organization. A fun place to shop.

Teri Coley Adams

I stopped in for "just a minute" to buy one book and an hour and a half later I exited with four books and a newly aquired Book Culture tote. Courteous, helpful, and knowledgable staff.

J.S. Gibson

Great selection and great staff. The perfect independent book store.

Samantha Blalock

Great shop, wide selection, staff is helpful!

Kandace Clifton

Bought four books because I have no self control. First bookstore visited in NY and I loved it!!

Jenna Xu

Really great book store, friendly staff, and free bagels if you're lucky!

Travis Little

Really nice and well-stocked book store. Good Jewish interests selections.

Rodrigo Gerardo

2 floor bookshop with a great selection. Staff was very helpful in finding items and recommending reads.

Sandy Campbell

A most wonderful bookstore! Beautiful gift items, cards, books, everything. Like old New York

T Falah

Great local book story plenty of selection .very helpful staff who always have great recommendations !!

Silas Grossberndt

A nice place with a wide range of books and eclectic additional items, a cheaper option for textbooks provided you are not majoring in a mathematical or scientific field

Sanjar Shermat

I visit this bookstore every time I come to NYC. Great collection, adresses my mind precisely.

Emilio Zaratiegui

Great independent bookstore. Wide selection of books and lots of staff recommendations.

Ava Brown

Great selection of hard to find books, reasonable prices, and nice owner!

Ryan Balderas

I'm going to put this as five stars for the moment. I didn't find the textbook I was looking for, however, everyone was more than helpful and the selection seemed wonderful.

Beckett Farkas

They have books. Also, they have so many novelty items for sale that you can barely get to the cashier.

David Kach

Good selection, knowledgeable assistance, genuine warmth.

Niamh Parsley

I prefer the Columbus location as this one is more geared towards the Columbia crowd. Still a great store though.

Mike Grady

Love this place. Great selection of new titles downstairs, then a treasure trove of older stuff upstairs.

Richard Strother

Unusual bookshop near Columbia campus Many good used buys. A rare find

Paul Funkhouser

Great selection, excellent staff and staff picks!

Ed Jennings

Thoughtful intelligent and helpful staff. They can and do... make you smarter!

LG Cox

Great , cozy , well stocked bookstore. With informative interesrting. author talks events

R. B. Bernstein

Best bookstore in New York City. A must visit regularly.

b on

amazing and calm and all that good stuff, the staff are so friendly and helped me find what i was looking for. thanks again (:

Louise Kim

Amazing store, lots of great choices. Close to Columbia, Barnard, and a lot of other great locations!

Ovidiu Bisoc

All sorts of books even just for looking around, it's great

Yajaira Griffiths

PROS: used books & textbooks available. CONS: Pretentious place. Overpriced books. Not worth the trip. I'll probably not return.

Robert Nason

A big bookstore filled with almost anything you could possibly want, and a knowledgeable staff to help you find it.

Chris

Always friendly and they have an awesome selection

Nathan Sparks

Homey, earthy, and friendly. Prices are usually good and if you do pay more, it's worth it for the cultural experience.

Charles Jan

A nice bookstore with many new and old books at good price.

Nathanael Jones

Great book store. Not much in the way of fiction.

Daniel Cuneo

Lots of books, nice selection. Super cool.

Rémi Chéno

A great pleasure to find this bookshop. I could spend here a few hours!

Malcom Lewis

Not a bad place. Cool little shop to explore.

Charles Zorn

The gem! A favorite back to the Labyrinth days. Like a little Strand. Clearly academic and intellectual.

James Ross

Great selection of books and good prices.

Corey Cherrington

Good bookstore, but it could have more options.

Nicolas Cabrera Aranda

Just love this place, great vibe, usually some good discounts and lots of eastern religion options

Albert Min

Great place to peruse the shelves. Expectedly, a selection popular with the college crowd.

Utsav D. Dave

Full on bookstore vibes that I love.

Alas De Ángel

Love academics? You might faint here. Just be warned.

Heejoo Kim

Great book and culture venue! It is worth enough to be there

Michaela Mentasti

Great selection, not crowded

Antony Lopez

Very friendly staff. Dedicated kids section. Clean and organized

richard de leon

Attentative personnel,I love going to a specialty place and see the employees that know their trade .

Felicia Waldman

Good collection of books at great prices

Sarah Doudna

Great bookstore!

David Kach

Thoughtful selection, wise service.

Tom Sparks

I rarely give 5* Book Culture deserves more than 5.

Vijaya Raghavan

Good collection of books. Well organized. Billing to be faster

Jane Levine

Wonderful neighborhood (and Columbia U) bookstore.

Anna Ovaska

Two floors of new and used books. A good selection of philosophy.

Ebony Branch

The people there are so kind and patient. Also the events are fun!

fathun karib

Always visit Book Culture when I am in NYC

sean lee

Great bookstore with a wide selection.

Victoria Valle Lara

Small and Good selection of books!

Victor Novikov

Great selection of new and used books

Bud Parr

Great curation of books and pleasant environment for browsing

Aldo Jerezano

From the movie "Premium Rush" (sight to the end of the street you can see the Church)

Eva Dunsky

Great used section on the second floor

Med Bacha

A great selection of children's books

rainy1 blue1

From what I am reading from your post wow nice kids books

Meng Yang

A good bookstore with various philosophical books

What Ya Reading!

Ordered a book and will visit next time in NYC!!!

Andrew Dickos

The best independent bookstore on the UWS.

Luis Ortiz

Can be pricey unless you dig, staff can be a bit cold

Serdar M. Degirmencioglu

Good books. Food for thought...

Andrew E

best selection of any bookstore

Britt Fremstad

Great local bookstore!

EMEL OZGOZEN

Love it

Morgan Sandquist (morgannels)

Great radical bookstore.

T J S

Friendly, great selection

shaunna gray

Love this bookstore!!!

Brian

Outstanding local bookstore.

Karin Krueger

The intellectual bookstore. Wonderful.

Jared Kleinkopf

Great service, assistance, and hospitality.

John Kinzey

Lots of obscure books

nik Noronha

Absolutely love this place.

Peyton Alie

one of the best places 💕 …

Ant Man

Nice

Andres Rivas Pardo

Nice bookstore.

Colin Jones

obviously

Amy o'brien

Good spot!

Theresa Wyatt

Wonderful!

Josh Kight

Love this bookstore. Save small businesses!

D B

(Translation) Located in a quiet and pleasant area, it's a bookstore like you don't see anymore: books, books, books... Upon entering, you are not struck by the smell of coffee that stinks in most bookstores around the world! No bent "readers" on their computers or iPads either. On the ground floor, all the usual shelves, new releases, older books, all very tidy and well signposted. The staff is friendly and available to help you. You have to go upstairs to discover the hidden riches of this bookstore: many specialized works, books in foreign languages and ancient languages, etc... On the stairs do not miss the opportunities. (Original) Située dans un quartier calme et agréable, c'est une librairie comme on n'en voit plus : des livres, des livres, des livres... En entrant, on n'est pas saisi par les odeurs de café qui empestent la majorité des librairies un peu partout dans monde ! Pas de "lecteurs" courbés sur leurs ordinateurs ou iPad non plus. Au rez-de-chaussée, tous les rayons habituels, les nouveautés, les livres plus anciens, le tout très bien rangé et bien signalé. Le personnel est aimable et disponible pour vous renseigner. Il faut monter à l'étage pour découvrir les richesses cachées de cette librairie : nombreux ouvrages spécialisés, livres en langues étrangères et en langues anciennes etc... Sur l'escalier ne pas manquer les occasions.

Aki

(Translation) cute bookstore. There are many greeting cards on the side of the entrance, and a tote bag in the center. There were various goods on the second floor. There is an elevator, so strollers are OK. (Original) 可愛い本屋さん。入り口脇にはたくさんのグリーティングカード、中央にはトートバックも。2階には色んなグッズもありました。エレベーターがあるのでストローラーOK。

María Beatriz Delpech

(Translation) It is sooo complete and beautiful!!! The entire philosophy corridor is a luxury, although I have to admit that they didn't have just what I was looking for, perhaps it was too specific. But it's a great place! (Original) Es muuuuy completa y hermosa!!! El pasillo entero de filosofía es un lujo aunque tengo que reconocer que justo lo que buscaba no lo tenían, quizá era demasiado específico. Pero es un gran lugar !

Sebastián Franchini

(Translation) It is weno! (Original) Es weno!

Canela Pontelli

(Translation) A very warm bookstore, it has a great variety. Very attentive customer service. (Original) Una librería muy cálida, cuenta con gran variedad. Muy atenta la atención a los clientes.

Leticia García

(Translation) interesting site. A large bookstore with new and second-hand books. (Original) Sitio interesante. Una librería grande con libros nuevos y de segunda mano.

Y. Z. Li

יוסף אביב כהן

Andrew Jennings

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