20 Best Children’s Bookstores in and Near New York City

Best Children’s Bookstores in and Near New York City (Families Will Love These)

There are endless places for kids to go for adventure in NYC, and one of our favorite types of experiences is the kind that transports us to another world through reading. Luckily, there’s no shortage of bookstores, many of which have options for the whole family.

There are countless benefits to encouraging your kids to read, so a trip to the bookstore is a great choice for a family day out. Not a bookworm? Don’t worry, they also have activity books, games, and more, so there are options for even the pickiest of kids.

Below you will find an overview of the best bookstores New York has to offer!

Psst..check out the best children’s museums in New York City (that kids will love)

Books are Magic

225 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

112 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Books are Magic is located in Cobble Hill and is a great base for book lovers of all levels. In 2017, New York Times Bestselling author Emma Straub and her husband opened their own bookstore.

They believe books are magical and that literature is the best way to create ’empathy, transportation and transformation’.

Designed as an inclusive space for all, Books are Magic has designed its space to help children grow into lifelong readers. Expect a wide variety of books on the shelves and perhaps even your little ones discover something new!

With its relaxing reading corners and reading events, this is the perfect place to spend your day.

Albertine

972 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10075

Located in the historic Payne Whitney Mansion, the Albertine Bookshop is truly unique. But here’s the catch: they only sell English and French books! With over 14,000 titles, the store has built up a wide variety, from classics to contemporary pieces.

The store itself is part of the French government’s efforts to promote intellectual exchange between France and America. The store is based on the belief that literature can enhance understanding of human relationships.

Even if you’re not much of a reader, the beautiful painted ceiling is worth seeing in itself!

Books of Wonder

42 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

Founded in 1980, Books of Wonder is one of New York City’s premier children’s bookstores and a hotspot for beginning readers. As the largest children’s bookstore in the city, their wide selection of both new and used books won’t disappoint.

With a selection like theirs, kids can easily explore different genres and find topics that appeal to them. Between the endless stacks of books and the frequent events the store offers, it’s easy to make a day of it with a visit to this store.

Every Thing Goes Book Café and Neighborhood Stage

208 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301

Don’t let its small size fool you: this little bookstore is home to all sorts of goods. Everything from used books, organic espresso and chocolate, local art, and even a garden patio can be found here! With all of these great options, this is an exciting location to visit with your entire family.

And to top it all off, they host live performances on both their indoor and outdoor patios. So, grab a drink to sip on and enjoy a day of reading.

They are closed for the summer, but be sure to stop by when they reopen on September 6th!

Greenlight Bookstore

686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Greenlight Bookstore was founded in October 2009 as an independent bookstore in Brooklyn.

Their book selection is great for all ages and skill levels, so everyone in the family can enjoy it. Be sure to check out Greenlight’s kids programs. They have virtual storytimes, book discussion groups for young readers, and a video interview series they do with lots of authors!

The Lit. Bar

131 Alexander Avenue, The Bronx

The Lit. Bar is an independent family bookstore in the Bronx. Their The venue is the perfect mix of literature and community, with a carefully curated selection of booksgift items, and a varied programme for all ages. Families can enjoy a book together, participate in various family-friendly events and have interesting conversations about their favorite books.

Posman Books

75 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Posman Books was founded by book lovers, for book lovers. Their store is filled with all kinds of books for children and adults. They even have a New York-centric one!

Their store is designed for the ultimate shopping experience, where customers can browse and browse their carefully curated collection of books, toys, stationery and more. Keep an eye out for book signings and other in-store events!

Powerhouse

Address: 28 Adams St. Brooklyn, NY 11201

Park track: 1111 8th Av. Brooklyn, NY 11215

Industrial City: 220 36th St., Building #2 (Food Hall), Brooklyn, NY 11232

Powerhouse has done a great job transforming a book space into so much more. Here at Powerhouse, you can experience the joy of literature through their excellent selection of all kinds of books.

Various events for families are organised at three locations, including a book club for teens and pre-teens!

Be sure to check out the mini art gallery and community spaces. Powerhouse not only brings out the best in books, but also offers visitors community, creativity and imagination.

McNally Jackson Books

76 N 4th St Unit G, Brooklyn, NY 11249

134 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012

445 Albee Square, Brooklyn, NY 11201

4 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038

This independent bookstore has one of the best selections of books in the city, including beloved books that forbidden in many schools. From the latest bestsellers to those hard to find books, the four locations in the city all have a unique atmosphere.

The children’s book rooms and corners encourage children to explore and get lost in a story. Their free story times are second to none – we once went to a book reading where a beautiful papier-mâché figure looked like it had jumped straight out of one of their children’s books.

Royal collectibles

96-01 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills NY 11375

Located in the birthplace of superhero Spiderman, Royal Collectables is the perfect stop for comic book and novelty lovers. Here you will find an abundance of comic books and can enjoy stories about you and your child’s favorite superheroes and comic book characters.

Buy hardcovers and paperbacks from Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, Vertigo, Dark Horse. They also buy and swap vintage comics, so come in and swap your old stuff. While you’re there, check out their back room, which has a great selection of statues and comic memorabilia.

Zus’ Uptown Bookstore

1942 Amsterdamlaan New York, NY 10032

This Sisters Uptown Bookstore offers community warmth and stories written by talented African American authors and other great authors who are masters of the spoken word. This gem of a bookstore also has a cafe, events, and books for children with many black protagonists.

Beach Bookstore

828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Many parents already know Strand Bookstore, but now is a great opportunity to let your kids experience it too! Strand Bookstore opened in 1927 and is the only remaining bookstore on “Book Row,” once a group of 48 bookstores on Fourth Avenue.

Since then, Strand has remained one of New York’s most beloved bookstores, offering every type of book you can think of (and a very impressive selection for children, too!).

It is said that if the 2.5 million books in the store were spread out across the floor, it would equal 18 miles of new, used and rare books.

Children’s Bookstores in Westchester County

Arcade Books

9 Theodore Fremd Ave., Rye. N.Y

This independent bookstore sells fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults, and also hosts events to celebrate reading and history with the child (or grandchild) in your life.

Teachers can complete the online course requirements form to ensure their books are in stock when the school year begins.

Little Joe’s Coffee and Books

25 Katonah Ave., Katonah

No matter what stage of reading your book is at, Little Joe’s helpful staff can recommend the perfect read for you, from board books and bedtime books to young adult fiction.

The shop is currently owned by Pete and Gretchen Menzies, who are obsessed with children’s books, gourmet food and local produce. All the books, drinks and food in the shop are hand-picked.

Scattered books

29 King Street, Chappaqua

In this store you will find a selection of books for children and teenagers, as well as toys and games from Peaceable Kingdom, Innovative Kids and Lego.

Womrath Bookstore

76 Pondfieldweg, Bronxville

This family-owned store has all the toys and activities your little ones need to keep them entertained, and the knowledgeable owners are happy to suggest new favorites or order them.

Great for buyers who have “heard” of a book but can’t remember what it’s called. The owners will be happy to look it up for you.

The village bookstore

10 Washington Ave, Pleasantville

The Village Bookstore in downtown Pleasantville is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 10,000 books, cards, magazines and gifts. They hold regular events featuring local authors and supporting their new releases. All family-friendly events are designed to make sure kids have fun!

The reading room

19 Edgemontweg, Katonah

The Reading Room is a bookstore-coffeehouse in Katonah where families can come in, grab a treat, and walk out with a book that’s perfect for them. It’s a great one place for families looking for a place to go on the weekend; with freshly baked treats in store and a daily choice of toasts, wraps, soups, salads and coffee, it’s a must-visit and perfect for any book lover.

Books that pretend

15 Maple Avenue, Armonk

Make Believe Books is a cozy, warm, family-friendly bookstore in Armonk. It is a local gem. This independent bookstore has something for every reader, regardless of age. Book lovers will find everything here, from bestsellers to signed books, new releases, children’s bestsellers and even vinyl record.

Books in abundance

67 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge

Located in Pound Ridge, Booksy Galore is a popular spot for bibliophiles Where families can newwithoutold books, vintage books, vinyl and even vintage typewriters.

Children’s Bookstores in Rockland County

Pickwick books

8 S. Broadway, Nyack

This bookstore opened in 1945 and has been a local favorite ever since. It has a large selection of books by local authors and the largest children’s section in the area.

Children’s Bookstores on Long Island

Black cat books

54 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island

Book collectors will love this shop. Named after the owner’s cat, the shop specializes in second-hand and rare books, vintage collectibles, and signed first editions.

Grab a Golden Book or a Dr. Seuss classic, then browse the selection of children’s collectible books online.

BookHampton

41 Main Street, East Hampton

This well-organized store has a wide selection of books to entertain avid readers. Any book you can’t find in the store, you can order here.