Open Door Bookstore

The one time my son and I were able to go to the Friday story time, we were warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate. The storyteller could tell my son was feeling very shy and gave him the space he needed to feel comfortable.
Customer service has always been great and the items they stock are well curated. While I think this is a really nice bookstore, its gift store is even better. Many of the items are from local artists or companies that pay fair wages. The children’s toys are good quality and so sweet.
I was thinking about only giving four stars because they aren’t open as late as I’d like, but decided on five because they do extend their hours during the winter holiday season, which is really when I do most of my book and gift shopping.

This is one of my favorite bookstores and a staple in downtown Schenectady. As a little girl I used to play in their window, the atmosphere there has always been cozy and welcoming.
Christmas season keeps places like this alive so think about picking something up from them!

The Open Door Bookstore is exactly what you want from a local independent bookstore.
The shelves in this intimate shop are filled with a surprisingly eclectic array of books. Browsing is such a joy that you will usually end up with an armful of books you weren’t expecting to find, and most of which you have never even heard. The friendly staff offers personalized recommendations far superior to the typical chain store and its online brethren.
Not only is this little store a treat for booklovers. It’s also packed with gifts; stationery, artisan gifts of every variety, and a wonderful hand-​picked selection of children’s toys complete the scene.
And, what better place for such a bookstore as Jay Street, in the heart of downtown Schenectady? After you’ve made your purchases, head down a few doors to Ambition Coffee House to grab a sandwich and start paging through your new books!

Love the local businesses in Schenectady! I am never disappointed. I always find something different to buy either a co-​worker or everyone on my Christmas list! Only one downfall is I end up keeping something and having to go shopping again! I did hear it is for sale and please don’t leave us! I have been shopping here for years and want to continue!

Really excellent indy bookstore at the corner of the Jay Street walk, a nice location and a nice small store. The gift shop didn’t send me much, but the bookstore side is full of what I’d call a lazy-​Sunday-​reading selection — nice trade paperback fiction, the bestsellers if you want them, a truly decent children’s collection (although not the equal of the Little House, better in many ways than the larger section at Barnes and Noble), a good if small local interest section, and the requisite comfy chairs and soothing music (soft but not too soft jazz on our recent visit). The children’s area has a small but nicely selected toy section, featuring some Melissa and Doug, Ravensburger, etc., and because perhaps of the adjoining gift store there were some fun stocking-​stuffer type gifts like one used to find at Borders before it got too big, then too bankrupt, to care about unique little items. The staff selections and selected reviews are usefully attached around the shelves.
I do accept one pays full price for an indy bookstore these days, it’s the price of admission, so it’s not the price that’s keeping me from giving it a fifth star but just a lack of the extra-​level of selection or having a truly unique section, something that would bump it up to world-​class. But it’s best-​in-​class so far in our explorations of area book stores, and it’s a nice complement to the other indy bookstores. The closeness of the location means we’ll be back frequently.

Independent bookstores are my weakness! I love to check out the gifts every time I am visiting Schenectady. It’s like walking through a treasure chest! I find the most unique items. Check out the mention on

Keep our local businesses alive, support Jay Street businesses! Open door rocks! Cards, gifts, music AND books!

I have one word for this place — ADORABLE!

Support your local neighborhood bookstores! And this from me who is really excited about receiving a Kindle for Christmas… But seriously, Open Door is great. It’s been around since I was little (I used to beg my mom to take me there!), and it’s still a place I go visit just about every time I go «home» to Schenectady.
The staff are all book-​lovers, of course, so if you’re having a hard time finding something, they will help you find it or order it for you. For the past few years, Open Door has offered a frequent buyer’s card. After you fill up all the squares on the card, you get 25% off your next purchase (I think…) for up to $ 75.
I especially love the discount books section. It’s very browsable, and I’ve found some great books at surprising prices. Like $ 6 for a book that would normally be $ 25. On my latest visit, I didn’t mean to buy anything, and I still came away with a couple books!
Their gift shop has some beautiful jewelry and great gift items for many different price ranges. They have many unusual/​unique toys for kids and infants, too.
As an aside, there will be a day where you can purchase e-​books from Open Door and other independent booksellers, so watch out for that.

Fabulous bookstore and gift gallery, with a committed and knowledgeable staff. The local section is beyond compare, and the discount books are phenomenal.
The staff is very kind and knowledgeable, and, most important, literate. You won’t find that any many of the chain bookstore (I worked at one, most worked for the paycheck, not the love of books).
The store hosts a variety of book signings and events for kids, making the Open Door a truly community-​based bookstore, which everyone should patronize.

Long before the revival of downtown Schenectady started, this place was source of unusual wonders. It was one of my favorite places to go throughout my childhood and remains great to visit. I’ve moved to a big city, but among all of the quirky bookstores of Chicago I haven’t found its equal. And that’s saying something.

I love this book store and it always has nifty little finds that always make you smile :) The store is a half book store connected with a gift shop that has tons of things like pottery, jewelery, purses, tea items, etc.
The only downside is the staff doesn’t really greet people when they walk in and none of them really ask you if you need any help and just stick to themselves mainly.

The neighborhood bookstore I grew up going to. I am all for supporting independent bookstores whenever possible– and you should be, too!
The Open Door is a bookstore and a gift store located in the heart of downtown Schenec on Jay Street. The book half is small but has a lot crammed in– see particularly the local section– I could spend hours browsing it! They will special-​order anything for you that they don’t have, which is great.
In the back is a wonderful kids/​toy section– some of the stuff is so cool that I bought it long after I was a kid.
And the gift section has beautiful things– specifically the jewelry section– they’re always getting new stuff, for all tastes and price ranges.
If you’re looking for a good, new read, or for a gift for someone– or for yourself– you will not come away disappointed if you visit the Open Door.