New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

An interior space surrounded on all sides by bookshelves. In the middle are two red chairs. In the background, a person wearing a black shirt stands in front of a bookshelf.

Independent bookstores that are better than the Strand

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on April 29 with some of our favorite local stores.

With the rise of Booktok, interest in reading is at an all-time high among young adults. Whether you’re an avid reader already or are looking to start a new habit, buying books...

An interior view of the Bluestocking bookstore. In the foreground are shelves of comic books. On the wall is a painting of Julia de Burgos in brown. On the wall is text that reads “Soy La vida, La Fuerza, La Mujer,” which translates in English to “I am Life, Force and Woman.”

Finding comfort and community at Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore

This queer, trans, and sex worker run bookstore moonlights as a cafe, free store and activist space.
Sunny Sequeira, Under The Arch Editor Nov 7, 2022

When I walked into Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore, a radical bookstore in the Lower East Side, a couple Saturdays ago, I didn’t expect to leave with two pairs of trousers...

Daunt Books is an independent bookstore in London known for its architecture and book selection. London has a wide range of independent bookstores for locals and visitors to explore. (Photo by Saige Gipson)

The joy of being a bookworm at NYU London

If you wish to get lost in the coziest bookstores, NYU London is the place to be.
Saige Gipson, Contributing Writer Oct 22, 2021

Like many, I used reading to survive the depths of quarantine. It was comforting to sit down with a new book to distract myself from the world’s problems. London’s many unique...

Help Local Bookstores During COVID-19

Help Local Bookstores During COVID-19

Independent bookstores were struggling even before the pandemic hit and are now being forced to question if they will ever open their doors again. Here’s how you can help.
Sam O'Donnell, Staff Writer May 6, 2020

Independent bookstores across the country offer many a safe haven. These local stores are especially important in New York City as they have a much needed quaint ambiance where...

Online gift cards, donations, live streams and more are still viable options during this time. The WSN Arts desk lists some ways you can still support independent artists from a safe social distance. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

How to Support New York’s Vibrant Independent Arts Scene

Even though New York is on pause, that doesn’t mean you still can’t support your favorite local bookstore or movie theater from home.

One week ago, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered New York City movie theaters to shut down as part of many initiatives to hopefully “flatten the curve.” Earlier in...

Short stories are quickly losing its popularity in our modern world. Despite their unpopularity, short stories have much to offer in the way of aesthetics, mental acrobatics and surprising endings. (Staff photo by Alexandra Chan)

The Understated Magic of Short Stories

Short stories are becoming obsolete in this digital age, but they provide an aesthetic that young people should return to.
Izzy Salas, Staff Writer Mar 11, 2020

Short stories, in theory, would fit right in with this age of short attention spans and quick consumption… but they aren’t. While they’re usually no more than 10 thousand...

Now in their 30th year, Mercer St. Books & Records carries new and used books, as well as LPs. Local bookstores like this one are small businesses that are often overlooked in the city. (Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

Support Your OG Bookstores

Buying from your local bookstores in the East Village is an experience that even Amazon’s money can’t buy.
Destine Manson, Staff Writer Feb 18, 2020

From James Baldwin to E. E. Cummings and many more, there was a time when literary icons roamed Bleecker and Broadway. Many of them sat in the East Village and pondered on the...

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe & Bar, an independent bookstore on Crosby St. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

New York’s Indie Bookstores Survive by Promoting Community, Providing Experience

As rent hikes and Amazon pose a continuous threat to the city’s independent bookstores, small business owners tune into community interests and re-define what a bookstore can be.
Julie Goldberg, Books and Theater Editor Sep 3, 2019

In his novel “American Gods,” Neil Gaiman writes, “What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore,...

Independent Bookstores Shouldn’t Have To Compete with Amazon to Survive

Independent Bookstores Shouldn’t Have To Compete with Amazon to Survive

Patrick Seaman, Staff Writer Feb 24, 2016
If the independent bookstore is to survive, people need to treat it as a destination, not just a stop on the road.
Community reacts: Shakespeare & Co. closes downtown location

Community reacts: Shakespeare & Co. closes downtown location

Rahul Krishnamoorthy, Deputy News Editor Sep 8, 2014
NYU students and local bookstores react to the closing of the NYU location of Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore.

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