Bookends

This is a wonderful place for anyone who collects books signed by the author. The staff is very professional and although some authors draw a substantial crowd the process of meeting authors and getting your books signed is pretty quick.

Giving this place a one star review is generous. Back in September, advertised a photo op/meet and greet with Sam Heughan to take place in December. It quickly sold out. Now with two weeks to go until the event, they cancelled it and moved it to a theater to "accommodate the many fans who were not able to attend" the original meet and greet. The original tickets were refunded and now "due to the size of the new venue" they can't offer a photo op. THEN they falsely claim that Sam's team is who requested the change in event, that he didn't want to do the original. Yet Sam posted on his Instagram "we've been asked to move the event to a larger venue." So someone is lying. It sounds like Bookends got a lot of interest in the event and decided they could make more of a profit by changing the event. And all the original ticket holders get the short end of the stick. Now for a 1300 capacity venue, they closed off the balcony due to poor ticket sales. Looks like less than 400 tickets were sold. Serves them all right.

Have been to 3 Celebrity book signings so far and the staff at BookEnds are wonderful! One time the publisher didn’t send enough books but Bookends made sure a signed copy was mailed to my home after the meet & greet. Events always run smoothe and its great to have your moment and photo with the celebrity! Only complaint is ya need more fans downstairs. It gets super hot waiting in line w everyone

Had a great time meeting Karrion Kross from wwe! Thank you bookends! Hope to see more wrestlers here soon!!

It’s one thing to have rules to follow, but it’s another thing to only apply it to them to one race! My husband and I were here for a book signing. I bought the book on amazon a month prior because no where was it stated that a book had to be purchased at a certain location (Booksend). In fact the website (Iversons page) where the signing is advertised gives 6 different links including Booksend where the book can be purchased from. My husband and I asked well can we purchase a book now? The staff stated that it was all sold out. After getting upset, I decided to wait it out to see if maybe there could be a chance. As I explain and show another associate where I purchased the book from, a white man walks up to the same associate and says hey I just bought 4 more copies can I get them signed as well. At that point I knew it had nothing to with rules. It had everything to do with the wrong reasons. Shame on this book store. It’s disgusting and you should treat people with a little more grace.

Went for the Charlie Sheen book signing, and was impressed with the staff and the way they executed the signing. There were probably about 300 people attending the event, but the line moved very quickly. Thanks to Charlie Sheen for arriving on time. Also, thanks for allowing the mugs in the photo (replicas of Two and a Half Men mugs). Squab!

Such a great local bookstore. It has a great selection of books especially for babies and kids, but also has cookbooks and NY Times Bestsellers. This is also the place to be for celebrity book signings, so many cool authors and events. I’m not sure how it is now but pre-Covid there were so packed and a little chaotic and unorganized, hope it’s gotten a little more structured but can’t beat meeting some of these authors in person. Key is to sign up for their newsletter, sign up early and get there early if you can!

I visited Bookends in Ridgewood yesterday with my kids so they can use their gift cards to pick out some books. After my five-year-old used his card, he politely asked if he could keep it to play with at home in his toy register. The man at the counter denied his request in a surprisingly rude manner, which was disappointing. It seemed like a harmless request, and the interaction left us with a negative impression and a crying toddler.

Bookends is a awesome store if you like meet and greets and great books I come from monmouth county just to go to Bookends

I can only speak to my own experiences at Bookends, which other than regular shopping includes two book signings. The first, many years ago, was for the Yankee pitcher Don Larsen who once pitched a perfect game in the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was a long wait, but sports figures are very popular so that isn't unexpected, and they ushered people along appropriately. I was initially disappointed that he would only sign the book, until I saw the crazy amount of items other people were carrying, and immediately understood this policy. People are crazy asking an older man to sign fifteen different things, and despite being told over and over that only the book would be signed, they tried it any way, so I see what the store is dealing with at these big signings. Don was gracious as was his wife, and it was a good experience. The second event was more recently taking my son to see William Hanson, the etiquette expert. This signing was a little more understated, which was great as Hanson gave a well received talk before signing, answered questions, and took pictures with fans of his work. Despite my only being there as the ride, Bookends permitted me to sit in and accompany my son, which they likely wouldn't be able to do with a large crowd. The store employees even helped take a picture with the author. I've bought books and a few signed pieces there over the years, and never ran into any issues, so it's all positive.

I ordered a signed book from Bookends and specifically requested it to be personalized. I even called ahead, and they confirmed it was possible--just to include the name in the comments. I placed the order and followed up via direct message to double-check, and they assured me it was all set. Unfortunately, the book arrived not personalized as requested. I emailed the store and received no response. I followed up again--still nothing. This has been the worst customer service I've ever experienced. Extremely disappointed.

An independent bookstore needs to go the extra mile to get and maintain good will. During Covid Bookends had a GoFundMe drive to save the store which our family donated to because I believe in the importance of the independent bookstore. But I get more consideration and accommodation from Barnes and Noble. The store manager does not possess kindness or flexibility. Don't go there.

Such a great local bookstore. It has a great selection of books especially for babies and kids, but also has cookbooks and NY Times Bestsellers. This is also the place to be for celebrity book signings, so many cool authors and events. I'm not sure how it is now but pre-Covid there were also packed and a little chaotic and unorganized, hope it's gotten a little more structured but can't beat meeting some of these authors in person. Key is to sign up for their newsletter, sign up early and get there early if you can!

I came to Ridgewood for the Post office, but passed by this bookstore and had to go in. The front window looked cozy. Turns out they get some pretty big names at their book signings. Katherine Schwarzenneger Pratt caught my eye with her kids book called "Good Night Sister". Customer service was friendly & helpful. I had asked how best to sign up for an event and was told how and that signings fill up online so best to book in advance. I wandered around for a bit and saw plenty of variety, new releases, gift options. Im planning to come back for a signing one day soon. Happy to have chanced upon Bookends!

Bought 2 pairs of girls red flannel pajama pants as a Christmas gift for daughters in December. Returned them in December as well asking for a size up, as they run small. Was told to check back in February. I did. Nothing. We are now 3 months past and one might think the manager would recognize that Christmas is long over and it's almost spring. Maybe he should chalk it up and do the right thing?? Still waiting for some courtesy.

Had to buy a birthday gift/book for a friend turning 70 years old and Bookends was the closest that sold the Peter Attila Longevity book. I went in and the middle aged guy behind the counter pointed to the area where the book was located, while on his cellphone. He rang me up and I asked him if the gift wrapped and he said no. However there was a roll of gift wrapping paper clearly visible behind the counter and ribbon i might add. Then i asked for those gift bags that most book stores carry and they did not. He was not pleasant and seemed put out by my purchase. From now on I will go to the new Barnes and Noble opening on rte 17!

WOW still in business and even after COVID as well. I for one totally thought that they would close up shop after COVID. They really gone downhill when the current/former owners took over former/founders. I mean at first it was still same, but as time went on it became apparent more and and more. By the this way is coming from someone whom hasn't been there in a past couple/few yrs because it's moved out of the area.

Excellent customer service! Hometown family friendly intimate atmosphere! Loved attending the meet and greet book signing!!

Last Monday, I had such a blast to meet getting a chance to meet Jackie Chan, in the flesh! The best way, I think, to make sure you get a book is to pre order online. I pre ordered, went to the counter, showed my receipt, got a wristband and was shown downstairs. They were kind and opened doors early because it was cold outside. I found the process to be orderly and lots of staff on site. Well oiled machine- all friendly!

Local bookstore in Ridgewood off of the main drag. Nice selection of books, and they had signings and events (I can speak to pre-COVID). There's metered street parking. Worth a visit and checking out!

It's really nice to see a local book store still in business! I love coming here for book signings! I've been to almost all of Mary Higgins Clark's book signings since 2006 (I missed 1 or 2). Celebrities come here for their book signings, as well. The lines get REALLY long for these, so make sure you get there at least 2-3 hours early!

Long live neighborhood bookstores like "Bookends"! The staff is great and when they have book signings, they manage the lines -- which pour out of the building and around the corner -- very professionally. Veer off of Rt 17 and on to Ridgewood Avenue to experience this quaint bookstore and the surrounding center of town. You'll be happy you did!

They oversell their book signing events leaving ticket holders outside for hours while they miss speeches. They rush people through like cattle. I have been to two events now and in both cases I have had more personal interactions with a cardboard cutout than with the authors. The staff is rude.

Wow! Was hear for a book signing they were hosting for us and I am glad to have gotten to know the fact that this place exists. Yes, it is a small independent book store and it comes with just about every feature you would imagine for a small family run business of the like. What surprised me, however, is how they seemed to have really cornered the business of signed books. Not in the area? Not a problem -- they will send something to you via a special order just as if you had been there in person. In the area? Even better -- get to meet the people you are a fan of in an small environment making that signed book that much more of a special item for your collection. As a bonus there is a sizable parking lot (metered parking) right in back of the store so getting there is not a problem.

I have been here many times over the years for book signings. Phil Jackson, Phil Simms, Ralph kiner, Pete rose, AJ Lee, Daniel Bryan, RA Dickey, always cool meeting stars. Other than that it is a cute local bookstore, though nowadays I buy my books on my Kindle lol.

First time at this place. What a great bookstore very well organized.would highly recommend it to everyone

I've attended a number of book signings at Bookends over the past few years and it's always been a chaotic and terrible experience. The staff is horribly rude and unorganized. You'd think a store that's been running events like this for years would have a system of keeping lines moving but they seem to be less and less efficient as time goes on. You spend hours either waiting in a cramped basement that smells like B.O., shoulder to shoulder with people or outside in a parking lot that has no real organized line being yelled at by a staff member who thinks he's the mayor of book signings. It's unfortunate that so many celebrities choose Bookends to sign at since it's so poorly managed. Books and Greetings in Northvale has a much better system and nicer staff. As for shopping for books, just go to Barnes and Noble for a bigger selection and lower prices.

Bookends Book store is a great book store that not only has great meet and greets from the Author of the books but there staff is friendly too

It's tough not to be a fan of this place considering the amount of celebrity book signings they host. At first glance, you would never think the rich and famous would choose this place, but for whatever reason, they do. I went here on a Tuesday for the Ray Lewis book signing. In his case, he kicked off the release of his new book at 12:00 at the Barnes and Noble on 54th Street in NYC then came to Bookends for a 6:00 signing. Of course he was late (by about 30 minutes), but I was just happy he decided to stop in Jersey at all before heading to his next stop in Maryland. Still, I only learned he was coming to Bookends because of information posted on his own site (RayLewis.com). Then, I went to Bookends' website where it said you had to buy at least two books to attend the event, at full list price of course. That ended up not being the case. You only had to buy one, but they said Ray would be willing to sign as many copies as I wanted, which ended up being the case. One dude, not dressed in a single bit of Ravens attire, put 10 copies down in front of Ray. That wasn't a typo. TEN copies. It was so obvious these books were headed straight to the highest bidder on eBay as soon as he left the event. Side note: if you're going to do what this "fan" did and the store rules don't change based on the celebrity, you can pre-order as many books as you want on Amazon for half the price and just buy one book at Bookends at full list price. Your Bookends receipt is your admission to the signing, but nobody is checking to see whether you bought every copy in your possession at Bookends. On an unrelated note, kudos to the staff for having someone on duty to just take pictures with your smartphone during the meet and greet. The employee ended up taking about 10 pictures, only one of which came out clear, but the one that did come out clear was perfect. Bottom line: The selection here is limited and the prices listed on the covers are what you pay, but if you're looking to meet some celebs, keep an eye on their web site. Also, don't be a fool like me and think you're being smart by staking out the joint at the Starbucks the next street over. I sat at this Starbucks for hours like a loser just to avoid the line. When 4:30 rolled around, then 5:00 and I still didn't see anyone waiting, I grew suspicious, packed up my stuff and walked over to the bookstore only to discover a line around the building about 50 people deep. Admittedly, I could have been the second person to meet Ray if not for the one lunatic who showed up sometime before I rolled into town at 1:30.

Funny thing is, this place COULD have and probably SHOULD have scored higher with me - but due to simple ineptness by one staff member turned what was supposed to be a fun signing into a hassle. First thing's first in all fairness - this place is pretty spacious and from what I saw, a good selection of books. It's a bookstore that I would love to have in my area and it's good that they are able to stay in business in a world that favors reading a screen over an actual book (not me, I can't stand Kindles and will keep reading paper over screens). I went for a signing recently and never being at this particular location before, I decided to call and get some details about certain things that weren't addressed on their website. A guy answered the phone, but I never got a name. First I wanted to know if I could reserve a book. I was told they DON'T do reserves there for signings - but yes, on the day of the signing, there were plenty of reserves behind the counter with myself even overhearing two people walk in saying that they did reserve a book. Ok, so that's one wrong. Being that you could only meet the author with the actual book, I wanted to make sure they would have the actual book in stock, but he said they carry "limited quantities" and it would be "first come first served". He indicated that "as long as I had a book, I would be good". So I asked if I was able to purchase a book elsewhere for the signing since I had zero guarantee that there would be a book there - he said yes. Made no sense to me since you'd think they'd have a decent stock of books at their own signing and purchasing the book at their own place would make the most sense, but this is what I was told. Well, upon getting there at a decent time AFTER spending money somewhere else, I was told you'd HAVE to buy a book there - and yes, there was a LOT on the table. So I had to buy a book from them and was looking forward to the hassle of now having to return my other book where I bought it from all due to the simple ineptness (or laziness) from a paid employee from this location. So that's now two wrong. My final question for this guy was about taking pictures - to which he said pictures with the author were permitted. I asked if my son can sit with the author and myself for a picture, to which he replied yes. I had no idea of the layout of this place, which is why I was asking this. It was important to me that like, say, a Barnes and Noble, that a signing was a certain way. (Yes, I mention B&N because I've been to signings there and that is the way they're supposed to be done). When I get there, the author was sitting on a high table and the only pictures permitted were the impersonal way - with having to lean slightly over the table and hope the angle isn't too bad. With my son, I had to hold him awkwardly and take the picture that way. At other places at other signings, I was always able to get next to the author - and before anyone assumes here, yes I know that not everyone wants fans next to them, but I have ALREADY MET this particular author before at a B&N signing and was able to sit next to him for a normal picture. Being that this was primarily for my son, I wasn't too pleased with this situation. So because of one inept, uninformed, lazy employee - this place gets 0-3 in simple questions. They advertize all the signings they've had and will be having, yet when asked this guy didn't apparently know one thing about it and made what was supposed to be a fun time, into a hassle. One more thing, if you're going to have people lined up waiting downstairs and it's a humid day, you might think to have more than one fan down there. It's a simple preparation from a place that should not be a big deal since they have so many other signings there. Bottom line, this place SHOULD get more stars from me, but since one employee didn't know anything, it gets one star. It's too bad too, because when I was in there, some of the other staff were friendly to me and again, this place was a decent size with a decent selection. If I lived near this place, I would shop there. But as it stands now, I will never return here again. It's too bad........

I went here for a Bruce Campbell book signing. The line was very organized that people can go meet him and still be able to shop. The parking lot is big. When I was done I was able to look around and buy some books for my kid. The people are nice and helpful. A must for any signing. If you cant make it. they offer online delivery.

Went to the Jesse Ventura book signing back in early September. I am a Jesse Ventura costumer and wanted to meet the governor for a while, but figured with his off the grid lifestyle, it wouldn't happen..Then Bookends announced that he would be having a book signing for his new book, and I was able to check meeting him while dressed as Jesse Ventura from back in the WWF days off my bucket list.. I've been to this store a few times now, and I've always been amazed at the level of celebrity authors they've gotten - President Clinton, Ace Frehley, Billy Idol to name a few... Thats enough of a reason to give them 5 stars, but they have also been really nice to local authors and their customers... I hope this great bookstore sticks around a long long while...

I came here for the Paul Stanley book signing and the entire event was unbelievable. The staff could not have been friendlier and Paul was a true class act. What an amazing experience

Great job hosting Geddy Lee book signing on December 18 2018. The Geddy Lee Big Base Book was released on the same day . The staff and event are a well run machine. Small book store that could is clearly the case . Well over 1000 people attended and the police and staff looked like they had done this before . They had a selected few other books of previous authors they hosted . The books were all autographed. Parking is a hassle with coin meter's on everyblock. I hope to attend a future book signing here in the future . Well done Book Ends

Great place for celebrity book signings. I've been there dozens of times over the past ten years.. I see a lot of mixed reviews here, and I can understand the complaints. Honestly, I see different atmospheres depending on the side of the crowd. We all want a photo with the celeb and a minute to chat quick. Smaller signings are always the best. There won't be much of a line to wait on, you're more likely to see a Q&A session, and unless the celeb is really opposed to it you're going to get a photo with them. Bigger signings where there are hundreds of people wrapped around the building are more likely to be rushed. Think about it, you'll be waiting on that line all night if every person gets the time they want with the celeb. Posed photos are way less likely with big signings, but I've seen it happen a few times. When Anna Kendrick visited in 2016, she was able to move her huge line by presigning the books and using that time to pose for photos with everybody (she hugged everybody too). Personally I'd rather have a posed photo than a personalized autograph. Or if they're not doing posed photos, you can have a friend take your photo or just make friends with the person in line behind you. Remember much of the time the celeb chooses whether or not they'll pose for photos. Katey Sagal was not posing with fans, and it was silly because there are only a hundred or so people there. Bookends has no control of that. And if you ask their Facebook page beforehand, they'll usually be able to tell you whether they're doing posed photos and/or signing extra memorabilia. I go to cons in the area, and believe me book signings are one of the least expensive ways to meet celebrities. You're just paying for the book, whereas if you go to a con, you're probably paying more than that for both an autograph and a posed photo. Last year for around $30 at Bookends, Bruce Campbell signed my book and my DVD and posed with me for a photo. If you meet him at a con, you'll pay over $100 guaranteed. If I have a complaint about Bookends, it's their policy that every person who goes there must buy their own book. So if my fiancee wants to join me for a signing, that means we have to buy two books. This is a newer rule, and I used to bring my ex all the time for just on book. This makes us less likely to go to a signing; we'll only go if we're both super into the celebrity. Otherwise I end up going solo which I'd rather not do if my fiancee is only casually familiar with the star.

Fire trap? Death trap? Took my son to a book signing there and did not feel very safe, hundreds of people packed in a little hot basement, don't know how that could even be legal?? Now they did have a sprinkler system but I still can't imagine the township allowing this. The building is very very old as well. Also they advertised a photo opp and that was false. Also the area is a parking ticket nightmare. Do yourself a favor and don't risk your life for signed book just wait for a real book store signing. Oh and never hang up on me again bookends that was not very nice.

Fantastic and friendly staff greeted us for a celebrity book signing (Chris Jericho). Everything went smoothly, as the store regularly hosts these events. Prices were comparable to other book stores (if you're looking for "cheap", shop online.) I will return next month to bring my son for another WWE signing! NOTE: this has nothing to do with the book store, but the township must use these signings as a fundraiser because there was no parking other than an "employee lot" for some facility. Despite having parking meters (which I fed) every vehicle had a $30 parking ticket. The staff might advise not to park there in the instructions for the signing.

Thumbs up!!! These people know how to market books and peak interest. Love it.

I went to the Bruce Campbell book signing last night and had a blast! It was well-organized, fast, and they used my phone and took about 40 pictures of him and I. The owner gave me quarters for the meter when I asked, even though I wasn't making another purchase. He seemed nice about it. Their bathroom is a private one-person toilet kind of deal, so go before you stand in line! It was well air-conditioned and cool, the basement line was roped well, and the employees were all very friendly! Small selection because it's a tiny little place, but they have some good stuff (including autographed books and comics for sale behind the registers, in a glass case). All in all I had a great experience!

I was really disappointed with how they handled this "signing" with Stassi on 4/16/2019. I waited in line at 2:30 so my girlfriend could be one of the first people in line when she got off of work. I was number 2 in line behind another really nice young girl who was getting the book signed for her mom in Florida. When Stassi got there we were shuffled through so fast that I don't think the girl in front of me got to say anything and I think my girlfriend maybe got the word "hi" out to Stassi. Then their employee took two awkward photos of my girlfriend with Stassi who was behind a desk. My girlfriend is blinking in both photos and she can't even use them :( Then we went upstairs and got our signed book. All it had in there was the her name signed in it. We came home and saw photos of other people standing with Stassi and hugging her and were really bummed. It seems like theyjust sold a bunch of books to a "signing" but all they did was sell a photo with Stassi and shoveled as many people through as quick as you could. I guess eventually she came back from behind the desk and started posing with people, but we didn't get that chance. When I think of a signing I think of getting to say hi to the author and having a quick interaction with them as they sign your book. This was nothing like that at all. My girlfriend would never say anything, but I know she was bummed.

Came here tonight for a Jesse Ventura book signing. The event started at 7pm but we arrived a few minutes late. I purchased 2 of his books and was then instructed to head downstairs for his presentation Q&A. Was very entertained by his view points as well as the crowds. After the Q&A portion we all lined up for the signing and pic op. The line could have been better organized but it did move fast. Staff was on hand to take pictures with your cameras and they took multiple shots. Did not feel rushed at all. The governor was extremely friendly and took the time to pose and make small talk with me and the wife. Definitely had a great experience. Would definitely come back for an author or personality of interest. Ample parking a short distance away.

I wish I could rant and rave about the wonderfulness of this bookstore. But I can't. Why you ask? Because I've been to better, a whole lot better. I used to live in Montclair, and their Book Shop, as well as the one in Upper Montclair are a million times better than this. This place seems like a way for the owners to get their jollies by getting celebrities- D list no less- to come in and readers to pay way too much money for crappy books. There is no personality to this store. They redid it, I like it less. If you want a better, homespun, more welcoming store, go to Shaw's in Westwood. This store did not have a poetry section ,the fiction and drama sections were tiny, and the kids section looked like a toy store. It's a joke. You'll have better luck somewhere else.

I was reading some of the reviews here and I'm not sure the people who gave it a bad review went to the same place. I called a few days ago in regards to a signing that was happening today, they assured me that there was no end time to any of their signings but they recommended that I arrive at least an hour before the event began. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it today, so I called and made sure that I didn't need to reserve a book. The staff was nothing but helpful, and told me that I can just purchase the book when I arrive and I will be able to get it signed. Because I work in Manhattan, being there by 6 was going to be difficult so I ended up arriving by 6:30. I was greeted by a pleasant man who showed me where the book was so I could go to purchase, and to go downstairs for the event. It was very well organized, one of the workers took pictures for everyone on their phones - they only asked that your phone was ready for photos when you stepped up to the author. That isn't a difficult request, it's the least you could do. They also asked if I wanted my book personalized, and wrote my name on a post it so the author could easily sign it and personalize it for me with a message when I got up to the head of the line. Not only was I not rushed, but the person taking the pictures with my phone took pictures of me talking to the author AND several different posed shots. Everyone was very courteous and didn't make my first book signing an unpleasant experience. I look forward to attending another event at this bookstore.

Book Ends is a great place to come to meet some of your favorite celebrities, sports stars, politicans, and authors. I have been to 3 book signings at Book Ends: Jodi Picoult, Jorge Posada (Yankees), and Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue). The store recently moved across the street. It is not a big store, but it has two floors. It is bright, clean, and well organized. You can also purchase signed books from previous book signings for no extra charge - which is awesome! Be prepared if you are attending a signing - you may have to wait a long time, longer than you expect. For Jodi Picoult, we waited about 2 hours, for Jorge Posada, about an hour and a half (this was at 1 PM on a weekday), and for Nikki Sixx, 5 1/2 hours. Make sure your parking is paid, bring water, etc. BUT - I do have to say it was worth it each time! Most of the time the celebrities will personalize your book for you, something I appreciate. Also a good thing to keep in mind is in order to have your book signed at Book Ends by a celebrity, you must purchase the book there. It is a policy that is reasonable and makes sense. So hang onto your Bookends receipt (sometimes they check). I have heard people, usually ones who have already bought the book in advance, complain about this. To me however, it is a policy that benefits their business and why wouldn't they have it? One complaint I have is that many times one of the men who works there will not let you take a photo with the celebrity. I understand this holds up the line and makes everything takes longer, but it is a bit disheartening when all you want is a photo with your favorite celebrity.

4.25 to be exact. Do you know a celebrity who is releasing a book soon? You better check out Bookends and see if they are doing a signing there! Bookends is a very small bookstore that has a basic selection of books and other products such as lego sets, etc. However, what makes Bookends popular and well-known is the fact that they have different celebrities that come on almost a weekly basis that do book signings and give you the opportunity to meet them. The main catch to be apart of the book signing is that you have to buy the book there, which makes sense. Many of the book signings I have attended have more than enough books for people to buy. Depending on the celebrity there, you may be able to have an extra item signed, but this all depends on the demand and length of the line. If they will have a ton of people at the signing where the line is outside and around the building, then it is less likely you will be able to have something extra signed. I also have to mention is that with the amount of people at some signings, the opportunity of posed pictures is very limited. Many signings mention that you cannot have a "posed" picture, but be smart about this. In all honesty, the celebrity signing only is there for a certain amount of time, so Bookends wants to try and move things along fast to make sure everyone has a chance to get a book signed and meet the celebrity. So I suggest making a plan beforehand. Are you with people? Have that person ready with your camera and snap a picture at the right angle that you want right when you get up there! Maybe nicely say to the celebrity "Hey, look up for a quick second, please!" Usually these people will. The staff will only get annoyed about pictures that you take if you are not getting them shot as you are talking to talk to the celebrity. Also, are you there by yourself? Talk to the people in line with you, I'm sure the person before or after is willing to take your picture with the celebrity! Maybe they are by themselves too, so help them out as well! Of course, do not spend all your time trying to get a good pose, have them sign the book and be on your way... make sure you TALK to them! You're a fan! Don't waste this opportunity! Make a plan, stick with it, and this is how lines here will go by very fast! I had the opportunity to meet a couple WWE wrestlers here and each time the Bookends staff was great and people in line were very nice. Like I mentioned before, this place is very small, as the downstairs has the signings and you will fill downstairs pretty fast, then upstairs, then outside. Every time I have been to a signing, the staff has kept the line very organized and I have to say make sure you bundle up if it's cold, or wear comfortable clothing during the summer, as the downstairs can get stuffy with a lot of people contained in a small area. Also, will you be late for the signing? Maybe an hour or a little more than that? Still try to come by! I've been to signings late and with the awesome staff moving along the line, you still should be able to get your book signed and meet your favorite celebrity! So make sure you check out that schedule, and do not miss your favorite celebrity coming into Bookends! FYI, you cannot make it to a signing? Give Bookends a call, as they are great with getting you a signed copy, and even having the celebrity personalize it!

Like books? Like autographed books? You've come to the right place as soon as you step into Bookends, as good a local bookstore as you'll find in the New York mentropolitan area. Bookends is what bookstores were before Borders, Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble supersized most smaller book retailers out of business. The selection is more than respectable, offering traditional favorites and recent bestsellers, along with an excellent age-appropriate section for children and young adults. The reference section is a real strength, with a core of essentials and a wide selection of current titles. You can tell that the staff knows its customers by the relevance of the store's offerings - this is not a place where books are supposed to wait around. What sets Bookends apart, though, is its huge selection of autographed books. Featured are political figures, athletes, actors...in short, authors from nearly every walk of life. You'll only find a larger selection in New York City. Overall, it's a clean, friendly place with a helpful staff and a lot of things that remind visitors of how much fun, and how useful, a bookstore can be.

An excellent bookstore that offers a lot of meet & greets with the authors. They've hosted a good amount of celebrities there from musicians, to athletes, authors, comedians, as well as tv celebs. Check out their website for the full list. Just be aware during the summer they don't have AC inside and a large crowd can make it very warm downstairs. Crowds move fast, but plan to bring a bottled drink just in case.

This place is great. I've been there twice for book signings, Jesse Ventura and Richard Muti. Ironically both former US Navy guys as I am. It's a small store as book stores go but they have a very interesting collection. This is a fantastic place for holiday shopping as they have such a wide range of small gifts and various genres that you can find something that almost anyone would really like. Ample metered parking in all directions right in the center of town.

I have stopped in a few times over the years and found the owner or manager indifferent. What I do not get is why would people pay full price for current fiction when they can get probably 30 to 40 off at Barnes or Amazon? I agree with shop local however faced with indifference and full price. I think not.

I love this bookstore. The staff is so incredibly nice. I love coming there for the book signings they have because they are organized and move quickly depending on who is signing. I love supporting a local book shop vs a big chain bc I know they take pride in their business.

What a RIP off. Wait in line for hours for a book signing and then get pushed through without having even one minute to talk to the author. A complete waste. NEVER give this store your time or money for a book and event. A total scam.

If you like autographed books, this is the place to come. I went for the JWoww book signing (okay, yes, I'm a Jersey Shore fan. There. I said it) The line was down the block and FREEZING COLD AND WINDY OUTSIDE. For a company that focuses so much on book signings, I would have thought they would have had a couple of butane outdoor heaters or something. Not all the way down the entire line, but maybe near the front so you have a goal to work towards...other than seeing the famous JWoww boobs. By the way, JWoww is hotter in real life. It's a cute store in a cute neighborhood, but it's nothing shman-tastick. I think I'll go back for a book signing in the summer, when my toes and fingers don't go completely numb. Or maybe next time I'll come prepared.

Not my first time in here, but went in today to buy a birthday gift for a 9 year old boy. They are great for children's gifts because they also sell Lego sets at 20% off. One of the women at the counter helped me find some fiction sports books for kids and I was out of there in no time! She offered to wrap them for me but I had a time crunch so I declined. They had a really interesting array of books on organizing and feng shui in the front and I really like this store vs. a big chain like B&N because these books are selected by someone who cares and usually the selection is diverse and interesting. They may not have every single book known to man but that's not the point of this store, that's what Amazon is for! They offer a lot of book signings here and I will def. keep an eye out for someone I like. If you miss the signing, they often sell signed copies afterwards.

If you going to a book signing. Go to books and greetings in Northvale, New Jersey. where you are treated nicely.

It's crazy that a small town like Ridgewood gets so many big named authors to come through. I was excited when Regis Philbin signed my copy of his autobiography. He was sooo friendly just like I always hoped. And Mario Lopez visited one time, too. Yum! :) We need to support local business now more than ever. Go to Bookends!

I have nothing but positive things to say about this bookstore. They get great, relevant people to sign books and the lines are never that long to wait on. Since I was traveling about 45 minutes to go for a Danielle Fishel book signing, I did not know if I would end up waiting hours and hours to see her, so I called ahead of time and they graciously told me that I would not have to wait much time to see her (which they were correct!) What is also nice about this place is that you can talk to the author for a couple of minutes and someone will take a picture of you after you get the book signed (depending on the author). Generally though, I've never had any issues with this. The bookstore is quaint and is not like any NYC bookstore...It is more suburban. I highly recommend!

The staff at this store is mean and indifferent. They couldn't care less about customer service. Once authors figure out the myth that this store is somehow connected to the best seller list, they will stop coming. In the meantime, save time and money and order through Amazon.