Book Lover’s Guide to the Best Bookstores in and Around Jersey City
Hello fellow book lover! If you’ve come across our article, you must be the newest addition to our JC community or plan on becoming one. Either way, we’re happy you’re looking for the best bookstores in and around Jersey City, and we promise to help you find them.
Bookstores mean many different things to different people. However, we can all agree that they’ve always been places where people gather and share a passion for reading. Some of us love getting lost in different stories, while others seek new knowledge. No matter the case, bookshops are what will give us just that. So, let’s dive in and see where you can find the best sanctuaries in JC as a bibliophile.
The ultimate list of the best bookstores
There are numerous things to do in JC in the fall. We sometimes long for action and exploration, so options are good. However, sometimes the perfect Friday afternoon sounds like finding a spot where the best novels are and bringing them home to enjoy with a cup of tea.
As we live in a busy world surrounded by technology, all we can long for sometimes is just peace, quiet, and holding an actual, paperbound book in our hands. So, to help you get there, we’ve compiled a list of the best bookstores in Jersey City for you to check out.
But you might buy so many new books that you’ll need to think of where you’ll be storing them. That’s not bad; luckily, there’s a solution for everything. You can research how to store your book collection and keep prized possessions safe, aka your old and new book collection.
So, without further ado, let’s see where the stores with the best books in JC are.
WORD
The famous WORD bookstore specialties lie in literature, poetry, and philosophy. Among their assortment, you can also find some of the following topics:
- fiction
- essays
- political science
- history
- drama
- theology and Eastern religion
- art
They are also an official member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association in Canada.
If you missed the notification on their website, here’s a reminder. They’ve recently relocated to a new address in Jersey City: 29 McWilliams Place in Hamilton Park.
Little City Books
The next on our list is Little City Books, famous for its top-notch curation of books from all genres.
They had two stores opened in the city, one uptown and the other one downtown. Unfortunately, however, they recently needed to close the uptown store at 1401 Adams Street due to the business in the one downtown.
Luckily, you will still be able to get the best book selection at their original location at the 1st Street shop. Little City Books is an independent, community-centered business, which gives it a unique charm, and people love shopping there.
Book Club Bar
The next place on our list added a little spice to the ambient. The Book Club Bar is exactly what its name suggests. You can read your favorite novels while tasting fantastic wine, beer, or coffee here.
The Book Club Bar is also an independent business that reflects its 197 East 3rd Street neighborhood. The bar has that comfy living room look and outstanding book inventory, which is perfect if you’re looking for the best bookstores in Jersey City. They also offer locally roasted coffee and New York state craft beers.
Symposia Bookstore
The bookstore with the most beautiful customer reviews is undoubtedly Symposia. It’s considered to be the hidden gem on 510 Washington street.
The amazing fact about the Symposia bookstore is that they’re a public, non-profit corporation that exists for charitable and educational purposes. Therefore, if you’re a person who cares about education in JC, this is the place to check out. This fantastic store’s primary goals are to improve the sense of community through learning, reading, and arts.
Argosy Book Store
The Argosy Book Store is a family-owned store currently run by the third generation located at 116 East 59th Street. They have the right to boast about their enormous stock of antiquarian and out-of-print books, held in a large warehouse in Brooklyn and a 6-story building in Manhattan. Their specialties lie in the following:
- Modern first editions
- Americana
- The history of science and medicine
- Art
- Autographs
- Unique maps and prints, along with thousands of books from all the other fields
They are founders of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association in America and proud members of other famous associations.
Clever Monsters
Now, perhaps the most interesting one on our list, if you have children, is the Clever Monsters bookstore. This bookshop specializes in books for children of all ages, including board books, picture books, and chapter books. Their collection also includes books in Spanish, Russian and English.
The Clever Monsters bookshop in 1780 Sheepshead Bay Road also includes numerous toys, games, and supplies for fun arts & crafts we all need with the kiddos. This is a must-visit spot for you and your kids if you wish to share your love for books.
The Little Boho Bookshop
The Little Boho Bookshop is a cozy little getaway place that welcomes readers of all ages, especially children, adolescents, and young adults.
This is another bookshop that cares for its community and pays attention to its needs. Consequently, they have enriched their collection with the most current best sellers.
This bookstore is found on 164a Broadway and offers a welcoming atmosphere for all the big and little readers. The good news is that if you end up craving something sweet, the Bake’n’Brew cafe is just next door!
Digital Delights:
Exploring the World of eBooks in Jersey City
Joining the brick-and-mortar bookstores, a rising star is Jersey City’s very own “eBook Corner,” an online platform that caters to the digital reading community. It’s an excellent place to explore if you’re a fan of contemporary literature or if you’re seeking obscure, out-of-print titles. This digital haven embraces the concept of an eco-friendly reading culture and addresses the needs of those with limited storage space. It’s an ideal solution for people who love reading on the go or are transitioning towards a minimalist lifestyle.
Additionally, don’t forget to check out the “Jersey City Public Library‘s” extensive eBook collection. With your library card, you can access thousands of digital books, magazines, and audiobooks for free, perfect for readers on a budget.
While nothing can replicate the experience of strolling through the aisles of a bookstore and randomly stumbling upon a hidden gem, on the other hand, the digital world offers its unique charm and benefits. Just as bookstores are sanctuaries for traditional bibliophiles, these digital platforms offer havens for tech-savvy readers. So whether you’re a fan of paper, pixels, or both, Jersey City has a place for you.
And voila! Our thorough research shows that these were the best bookstores in Jersey City. You might also want to check out a great local coffee shop and ensure you bring your newest literary catch to complete the mood.
Author Bio: Angie Sims
Angie Sims worked in the travel industry for 6 years and now works in the relocation industry. For the last 3 years, she has been specializing in helping people with their domestic and international relocation. She is also a full-time mom and a part-time blog writer. From her own experiences, she writes about traveling and moving with children on her blog.
Updated September 30, 2023
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