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…Because it’s full of indie book shops and record stores

One of the best parts of New York is that the city is big enough to support local stores and industries the have faltered in less-dense parts of United States. For example, American bookstores and record stores have closed in droves, sending readers and collectors to buy online, depriving them of the tactile pleasures of browsing and shopping in person. But in New York, both independent book and record stores are thriving, offering aficionados from all over the world a chance to see and feel items before buying, which is half of the fun. And if that’s not a reason to love New York, we don’t know what is. With that in mind, we bring you a short list of our favorite local book and record sellers.

McNally Jackson Independent Booksellers and Cafe

McNally Jackson by Yvonne Brooks

It’s hard to believe that McNally Jackson’s only been open since 2004. By now, it’s such a staple of downtown New York that it seems like it’s always been there, serving New Yorkers with its well-curated selection of novels, nonfiction, art books, and graphic novels. McNally Jackson also has its own cafe, which it stocks daily with fresh bagels and pastries from top spots like Murray’s and Balthazar. This combo’s proven so successful, McNally Jackson recently opened a second shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, creating yet another reason to love New York.

McNally Jackson’s Graphic Novels Section by Yvonne Brooks
 McNally Jackson’s Magazines and Cafe by Yvonne Brooks

HiFi Records

 HiFi Records

HiFi Records opened in Astoria, Queens, in 2015 and remains the only brick-and-mortar music shop in the area. Founded and run by passionate music lover Javi Velazquez and his wife, HiFi Records stocks new releases and used vinyl, including everything from classic jazz to contemporary indie rock, and everything in-between. Uniquely, HiFi records also sells high-end audio equipment and turntables from top brands like Audio-Technica and U-Turn Audio. With all that, plus a knowledgeable staff and a commitment to promoting local musicians, HiFi Records is more than just a shop, offering a meeting space for like minded folk to meet up, talk, and enjoy their shared passions for music.

The Metal Section at HiFi Records
Psych Rock at HiFi Records

The Strand

Outside The Strand by R. Berenholtz

This is it. The Strand, one of the biggest independent bookstores in the country. Open since 1927, with over 2.5 million works in stock, The Strand’s motto states that it has “18 miles of books,” which is easy to believe if you’ve ever been there. The Strand’s got everything from new releases to used books, fine art books to rare, old tomes. Combine that with a knowledgeable, friendly staff and a great location just south of Union Square, and you’ve got yourself one of the best bookstores ever. And a great reason to love New York.

Times Square Kiosk with Collie by Colleen Callery
Books by the Foot on the Strand’s Third Floor

Second Hand Records

Second Hand Records by Grace Jeon 

Tucked away where Bushwick meets Bed Stuy, Second Hand Records is everything a local record store should be, offering the best in funk, soul, disco, house, techno, rock, jazz, and hip hop in both new and used formats. Under the watchful eye of owner Federico Rojas-Lavado, the shop also buys records, and is the perfect place for any music lover to while away an afternoon flipping through the bins.

The Drum and Bass Section at Second Hand Records by Grace Jeon 
House and Techno 12 Inches at Second Hand Records by Grace Jeon 

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