Over the years, the bookstore has housed dogs, cats, rabbits and even a bearded dragon lizard. It’s known for its high-quality, eclectic collection of books, comforting ambiance, impressive literary events and variety of pets. On weekdays, however, Community Bookstore will still only be open for pickup and door-side sales.Ĭommunity Bookstore claims to be the oldest operating independent bookstore in Brooklyn (the oldest in all of New York city is Argosy Book Store in Manhattan). “It’s great to start selling the hidden gems again.”įor the time being, the store is fully open from 10 a.m.

“It’s wonderful to return to our primary functions, which are talking to people about books, having conversations about books and guiding people to books,” says Ezra Goldstein, who, since 2011, has co-owned the store with his business partner Stephanie Valdez. As of April 24, the beloved Seventh Avenue bookstore, which turns 50 this year, has finally reopened for weekend indoor browsing. She was desperate to go in, something she hasn’t done since the start of the pandemic.īut if she shows up this Saturday, she’ll be able to. Shaded by the store’s sun dyed, green awning, she leaned over the table blocking the entrance, squinted her eyes and mouthed the words printed on the covers of the books sitting on the closest shelf inside. Just a few Saturdays ago, a woman strolled up to Park Slope’s Community Bookstore, pushing one child in a stroller and keeping a close eye on the other.

M train patti smith barnes and noble