BookCourt

It’s not perfect, but it’s special. Too all the primadonas and whiners: There is a massive entity that sells books down the street, they have singlehandedly killed independents all over America. Have an iPhone or other cell device, use it. If you have to use bathrooms, return your periodicals, pick lint from your belly, pass your counterfeit $ 100 dollar bills, or did not like the smile from the clerk, or he did not bend over backwards to accommodate your every wish… or any other assorted non-​book related business, don’t use this forum to crap on a bookstore. There plenty of corporate interests doing that already. I assure you, there are plenty of other public places where you can do that including the public library.

It’s a beautiful bookstore, but I had a disappointing return experience. I purchased a periodical and realized afterwards that it was an old issue – not the current one. I tried to exchange and the cashier was friendly but her manager said she couldn’t make the switch. It was no one’s fault, but I do wish they had been more clear about their return policy – maybe a sign by the periodicals rather than a note at the bottom of the receipt after you purchase something.
I had already purchased the older issue when it first came out four months earlier. So I told the cashier to keep it and resell it because I didn’t want the magazine to go to waste.
I love supporting small business, but I do think that a chain bookstore probably would have been more flexible and made the exchange especially because I ended up just giving them back the magazine to resell. Unfortunately, I probably won’t return. It ended up being a very expensive mistake. I still want to support small bookstores – but maybe one with a slightly more flexible exchange policy.

I have to add my voice to the very few bad reviews, and it’s the same story about the bathroom. I’ve been a fairly regular customer since the place opened. Always preferred to go local rather than B&N. Last week I ordered Moss Hart’s «Act One» as a treat to myself. It arrived a day later. I got a polite call saying it was in. I was in the Heights on Sunday evening, and a fairly severe call of nature needed a fairly urgent response. «Great,» I thought to myself, «I’ll kill two birds with one stone. First, #1; then #2, pick up my book. I can do both at Bookcourt.» I had no idea the bathroom had been locked up, and in spite of the store being empty, and my obvious unhappy-​dance. I was told, by the owner, who I have known by sight for decades, told me, in mid dance, that «I know who you are» and to go next door to Starbucks.
So, I went, on his advice, to the corporate entity next door, where they politely allowed use of the facilities and did not expect me to buy anything. At this point, furious and a little humiliated, I returned to pick up my book. Without even saying anything myself, I was told –same owner — that they have «no legal obligation to provide services.» At that point I realized I had no legal obligation to buy books, so I suggest they keep the book, perhaps storing it in the former restroom.
I’m not one to bitch, but this was a blatant reminder that a community store depends on community support, and a good business owner understand that. This one doesn’t. When he pushed me out of the door to Starbucks, he pushed me into the front door of Barnes and Noble. They have good service, a decent discount arrangement … Oh, and a bathroom you don’t have to plead to use.
As far as I’m concerned, RIP Bookcourt.

Classic indie bookshop. Love this place when I walk by alone, love it with the wife, love it with the kids. Hard to walk out empty handed, because their selection and display is always changing — but I have to sometimes (walk out without a new book) since I am there so dang often.
Truth told — BookCourt’s proximity is one of the reasons we adore our neighborhood, and moved to it! ALL of our book money, if not spent at used stores, is spent here. A neighborhood treasure.

Trekked over here yesterday specifically for the Elvis Costello book signing event, ended
up being well worth all the hassles of driving in from L.I., heavy BQE traffic, and parking.
Well, there was a bit of a line stretching down the block from around 5:30−7 p.m. when
the line started moving a bit after 7. Met some quite nice folks on line, talking Elvis, music,
whatever, so that was a plus, considering this is NYC we’re talking about. BookCourt itself
I thought I’d been to before, but I guess this was my first visit, it’s a fine enough small indie
bookstore, not a replacement for larger stores like The Strand, or even The Book Revue
out on L.I. (the last of its kind out here), I still prefer a few of the stores I’ve run into in
Williamsburg or Greenpoint (although it had a better selection, mainly, than WORD),
but BookCourt’s an attractive, clean, well-​curated shop, the staff seemed friendly and
helpful enough, and the signing event seemed to be handled quite professionally,
in a civilized and orderly fashion. I had some time to browse before getting on the signing
line, they even had a special Dover Books rack at the front of the shop, which was welcome,
since most shops I’ve been to don’t, and don’t stock nearly enough of their titles.
Their poetry and fiction sections seemed better than other genres, and the graphic
novel section looked quite comprehensive.
The only thing we could have well done without was two uniformed cops kind of harassing and intimidating an apparent/​alleged employee earlier on before the shop closed at 6 for the signing. Not professional. If you have to have words, do it outside or elsewhere, if you’re going to arrest someone, than just do it. This is a bookstore, not The Tombs or Law and Order episodes, fellas. Although that’s what it seemed like. It didn’t make for a comfortable
shopping experience, expecting possible violence to break out any second. I just ignored
it and kept shopping. Otherwise there was quite a street-​buzz going till 8 p.m. or beyond, on the street, with people stopping asking who is appearing here tonight, oh it’s Elvis Costello, etc. Some younger folks had seemingly no idea who this was! Ah we must teach the younger generation about punk and days when rock and roll was still somewhat dangerous, and figures like Costello and the Attractions could still do things like piss off Lorne Michaels on SNL and get banned for years!
There wasn’t much interaction time, and I had zero idea what to ask Elvis, so I just told him my unexciting tale of sitting at home, sick as a dog with a hearty cold or flu during college days circa 1987 as SPIKE came out, him being on WLIR FM radio playing and interviewing for 2 hrs. or so, and how this helped me get through a pretty wretched day. Also we both commiserated the loss of that once-​vital modern rock radio station, but alas, it’s long been off the air by now (since 2002 or so). WLIR might very well have been the first place I’d even heard Costello’s music in any real way, in fact I’m fairly certain that’s the case, growing up on L.I. as I did.
All I can say is it was a dream come true for me to meet one of my all-​time musical
heroes, Elvis Costello, and get his new autobiography signed as well. This was truly
something else. Many thanks to everyone at BookCourt for making this event happen.
I don’t even know what else to say, I so moved by the whole thing. Someone was hoping
to snap me a photo with Elvis, but I think they banned photography, so I guess this
didn’t happen, alas. It’s ok, I was happy with meeting the man and getting this wonderful
book signed. Good enough for me. Also enjoyed hanging out awhile post-​signing and
meeting some interesting folks outside the shop, including one gent who I won’t name
but does the art direction and illustration or design for a certain «revived» weird/​fantasy fiction
brand-​recognized magazine/​pulp going back to the 30s, and we had a fascinating
conversation. I think he was friends with Mr. Costello but don’t quote me on that.
This is the thing with such events, the event itself is great enough, and then you never
know who you might run into, otherwise.
All of this just made it all the more worthwhile. I exited stage left around 9 p.m. or so, as was Mr. Costello with some friends or entourage around the same time, I noticed, in a very low-​key manner (!), his signature impressive hat doffed, but I gave our hero his space, and repaired to get some dinner, much-​needed by then, signed book in hand, and luckily Cobble Hill is rife with great eats of all sorts, and all other creature comforts. Amazingly I found metered parking
for the evening 3 blocks south of the shop, so no worries there. I enjoyed BookCourt
but for me, meeting the gracious and affable Elvis Costello was the main event tonight, quite obviously.

Solid selection of books, surprisingly clean and larger than it seems from the outside, kid-​friendly (in case you have those). I’ve spent many hours browsing here and always felt comfortable. The staff is not on top of you, but will help you if you ask for it.

Not bad in terms of their book selection. Their travel section is rather small and mainly just consists of Lonely Planet guides. That and they do not have wifi. But their selection of fiction and non fiction novels are good and prices aren’t anything crazy. This is a nice neighborhood book store that I do enjoy coming to. Just wish they would get some wifi.

BookCourt is one of my happy places. I mean, bookstores in general are my happy places but this one gets extra points for being local, in the neighborhood, and having a small but extremely well-​chosen selection of books. The workers are readers themselves and will give book suggestions if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. If you prefer not to talk to them, they have a shelf of staff-​recommended books with personalized notes on why they recommend this book. The space is open, airy, and very comfortable.
I love seeing parents bringing in their young kids to book-​browse. It’s heartwarming to see a new generation discover the joys of reading.
I’ve been many a time and just kept circling the shelves over and over again and no one thought that was weird.

When you walk pass it, you will think it is a little bookstore.
Step in and you will realize how big and much it offer.
Spacious, clean, and with a great atmosphere. There’s nothing to dislike about this place. Except maybe the lack of help you receive.

When you find a place, return to it twice in one hour, and know you could spend more hours and your remaining paycheck being in the moment of books. Losing yourself in a way that only the arts can make you do in this age of overuse of smart phones and computers. That’s when you know you’ve found an excellent place to be, like Book Court.

This is a wonderful independent bookseller. My daughter and I often come here after shopping at trader joe’s across the street; there’s nothing like an actual, well-​stocked bookstore with a knowledgable staff to get a kid excited about reading.

Very close to the Community Book Store, BookCourt is another great option in the area, with a tad less charm IMO.

Lots of books, dog friendly, fun readings, good staff picks, and a 30% store best seller shelf? Yes please. I went in the other day to
get out of the rain and spent 30 minutes reading on their couch and no one bothered me.
Ask for suggestions if you need a new book. Everyone I’ve talked to there has pretty great and diverse taste. There’s a reason this place has survived for so long.

As an Educator, I’m a huge fan and supporter of independent bookstores. They allow reading to be such a personal and unique experience as the focus is truly about books. BookCourt has a great selection of various genres, especially for adults. As for the children’s section, there is large selection of books, so don’t let the size of space fool you!
BookCourt also hosts many Author events. The schedule can be found on their website (
) or in the store. The staff is very knowledgeable and are always willing to go out of their way to assist you.
BookCourt is a very homey and cozy independent bookstore with a comfy couch and seating for reading. Similar to chain bookstores, they offer 30% off best sellers, which is great. You can also join a bookclub at BookCourt. Their website is easy to navigate, so check out what events are coming up, books they are recommending, blogs posts, and to even put in an online order. You can sign up for their email newsletter too.

My shelves are buckling under the weight of books that I have bought at Book Court that are bestsellers and 30%. Sure when a new book is released on Tuesday you want to be the first to get it but if you wait until Sunday you can get it for a little less at Book Court and support small businesses! I know B+N is going to completely go down as a chain in the next while. I can feel it.

They used to have a bathroom that patrons could use, now they just have a bad attitude when you ask to use a bathroom. When you’re shopping with a toddler, a bathroom for a diaper change is helpful to say the least. I guess they want you to browse and then spend money, but if you or your child has to pee… tough luck loser. Guess what? I’m never spending another dime here. I’ll proudly take my money to Amazon or a big chain store, if it means my bladder won’t explode.
By the way, Greenlight Books in Fort Greene is a wonderful bookstore that is pro-​urination. They have a bathroom that you can use while you shop. Take a stroll over there instead.

Instant favorite.
Stumbled upon BookCourt after taking archery lessons in the seemingly barren landscape of Boerum Hill. These kinds of quiet, spacious bookstores just don’t seem to exist in Manhattan anymore. So we make the trek to Brooklyn, where a tree grows, where the world is ours for the reading… oh, how I digress.
In simple terms, BookCourt is awesome. The shopkeepers are genuinely friendly folks who will happily help you find something or point you to their favorites. In the center of the room is the world’s most comfortable couch, where you can curl up into a ball and escape to another world for hours uninterrupted. Should you want company, there is plenty of space for two. Books and cuddle buddies, all the best things in life!
Honestly, the only thing missing here is a café serving Stumptown. But then you’d be distracted by the coffee press, or suffer convulsions from having uncontrollable urges to purchase multiple scones. It would complete the utopic microcosm that is BookCourt, where all needs and wants are simultaneously met, but then put you at serious risk for diabeetus. Tradeoffs…
As an aside, PEOPLE, BUY BOOKS WHEN YOU VISIT BOOKSTORES! THEY WILL WILT MISERABLY AND PERISH IN SHORT TIME IF YOU KINDLE OR AMAZON OR WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU KIDS DO THESE DAYS.
Ok, I’ll stop shouting now.
/​Out.

Great neighborhood bookstore with a generous selection and the nicest owners. Lovely.

BookCourt is a wonderful place. It’s a deceivingly large shop that takes up two store fronts. They have a great selection of most books. I LOVE their carefully curated New York/​Brooklyn section. They also have a very comprehensive food and drink collection as well. If you have little ones, don’t fret — their children’s book section is also very good (and hip!).
I’ve also been here for a book reading, and it’s a lovely venue for that. A very intimate space but they also draw some big names.
The only section that could use some work is the graphic novels. But everything else is top notch.
And this is coming from a guy who rarely reads books!

My sister and I stopped in here to grab two books we both have been wanting to read. We ended up getting a few other items as well. :)
This place has such a great collection of books from modern bestsellers to the classics and it is set up so you can find everything easily. If you can’t the guys who run the place are super friendly and will help you get anything you need!
The space is big, bright, warm and welcoming. The bus stops right outside and as close as it is to Atlantic Ave… it’s not super crowded but you still get that neighborhood feel.