Community Bookstore

I come here every time I'm on Park Slope. Great book selection and rotation, friendly staff. I have been to events, everything is cozy and smart about this place. It's now my favorite bookstore in the city.

An adorable bookstore! They had a surprisingly large selection and the atmosphere was so welcoming and homey. The staff was incredibly friendly and they have a free member program to get $10 off for every $200 spent! Definitely check it out and support local bookstores!

Aptly named and deeply beloved. Community Bookstore is more than a place to buy books. From the moment you walk in, it feels like your whole body exhales. The team is thoughtful, welcoming, and always ready with excellent recommendations. When I think about what it truly means to be in community, I think of places that make space for the vulnerable, that honor nuance, and that invite us all to grow, question, and belong. This place is it. Claire is incredibly knowledgeable. In general, I’ve never had a conversation with a team member here that I didn’t love. Thank you.

I did the independent bookstore crawl and Community blew them all out of the water. Really excellent curation - not just the same books at every store. But of course they have all the classics and trendy books stocked too. Really solid kids section too. Backyard patio is nice to chill in and start your new book! Also they have really cool events

The perfect local bookstore. The name “Community Bookstore” is very apt. Their selection is excellent (and they can order anything not in stock) and their recommendations always top notch.

Homy, nice staff and book selection: The bookshop has warm corlored walls and wood accent tha makes you feel good inside. At the end of the shop there is a chirdren corner with a window on the exterior. The staff is helpful and welcoming. A cat either sleeping by the front window or marching through the book adds to the atmosphere.

Lots of books and wide variety of genres! Super cozy! Will definitely be returning

Felt non-inclusive and consciously over-curated. Their book selection came off as trying to force people to reach certain conclusions rather than to provide a wide range of information and let people think for themselves.

I love this bookstore so much!! I've been going here since ai was a little kid and would love to go to the kids section of the store, look at the wide selection of books and just read there!! I still love this bookstore and they have some amazing books for people of all ages in all different genres!

Went here on a lark, was in the neighborhood to buy something else. As book stores always intrigue me I walked in. It's really nice to walk into a store and feel a general warmth emanating from it. Really felt at home just walking in. They have a good selection of of some interesting reads. I picked up a book for my son in law. But I'll be back for me real soon

I've visited this cute book shop a few times since moving back to Brooklyn. Unfortunately, I think I will be taking my business elsewhere due to rude employees. My first negative experience occurred when I had asked for a double paper bag for my purchases since I was carrying several large, thick books home a longer distance and I didn't want the bag to break. The girl behind the counter scoffed and rolled her eyes while she gave me the bags, muttering that she didn't think the bag would break. Customer Service 101. If a client buys multiple large books from you and asks for a double bag, give them the bags minus the attitude. During my second negative experience about a year later, I asked the guy behind the counter if he had a copy of the book "100 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think." He clicked around in his laptop for a minute, and then said, no, the store didn't have a copy, and it appeared to be out of print. I would have better luck finding a used copy. His nonchalance was what I found rude. I didn't believe him that the book was out of print. It's not that old and it's still fairly popular. I found a fresh copy on Amazon. It's a shame, because like other reviewers, I would like to buy my books at local stores and support small businesses, but the bad attitude is a major turn off.

Bookstore is okay. Selection is mediocre and leaves something to be desired. For a store of this size I would hope for a well curated selection of books with intriguing staff suggestions, but this store seemed to lack many of the personal touches that make independent bookstores special. Adding to this, the staff was generally unwelcoming. It's still a bookstore so I can't give 1 star, but might as well shop at the Barnes and Noble down the street. Provides the same experience with a much wider selection.

First things first when you move into a new neighborhood: raid the local bookstore. This has always been my mantra. And Community Bookstore had been on my hit list when I first spotted it while apartment hunting. It has a great selection of recent releases and contemporary fiction which is where I spend most of my time browsing. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can place orders for pick up and even get books delivered. They also have some pretty awesome author events that you can sign up for on the website (many are free!). I was pleasantly surprised to discover at checkout that they have a rewards program, so if you buy enough books you can get a 10% discount. After grabbing a stack of hardcover releases that I've been dying to get my hands on, an older man quipped, "Please are still buying books?" Yes. Yes, I am.

This Community Bookstore is quaint and charming with a relatively large selection of books considering the footprint. The children's section has a little piano and reading area-- reminds me a lot of the bookstores I used to frequent as a kid in the Midwest. I stood in line while several people in front of me made their purchases - each person was asked whether they would be interested in joining their loyalty program. When it was finally my turn to pay, the person at the front didn't ask me whether I would be interested to join... when I inquired if I could, there was hesitation and reluctance. I'm giving this store a 4/5 because I love to support local stores, but I didn't appreciate being judged by someone who doesn't know anything about me and assumed that I would not be interested in possibly ever reading again?? It was rude and kind of hurtful since general friendliness was part of the reason my husband and I moved to this neighborhood.

Great selection. Friendly people. I'll be back! Wonderful children's and young adult offerings.

This is a cozy little bookstore in Park Slope. Books are original price (I would rather buy on Amazon because it is usually cheaper). But I have bought a couple books from here too. The staff is super friendly and welcoming. There's also a cute cat that roams around. This place gives you all the warm feels, so if you're having a bad day- go here!

Fine little local bookstore in Park Slope is a tight space, a bit crowded but has a good selection of books and a really cute cat to greet you in front. I love stores that have a cat roaming around. Was able to find a couple books and the prices aren't so bad. The staff were nice as well. A great place to shop local and recommended.

I have to agree with some of the other reviewers, i.e. the self-styled pretentiousness-cat included, although he's cute-can be a bit off-putting. The same can be said of the narrow, confined aisles. In The Strand they're quaint, but this is not The Strand, as others have observed. If this were the only bookstore in the neighborhood, I suppose some of their faults could be forgiven, but I have a hard time seeing the appeal of this place unless you feel some sort of moral obligation to this store. The overheard conversation about veganism typifies this place.

I love this bookstore. Staff super helpful and nice. As a member, I get a discount after a few purchases which is a nice plus. Support local bookstores and avoid Amazon like the plague that it is!

I used to get all of my books here. People who work here are super nice, patient and helpful. It's a great place to spend a sunday afternoon.

I am doing my best to patronize local bookstores and avoid big online websites, but unfortunately this bookstore won't be getting any of my business. They have screwed up both orders I have placed with them in the last year. I was able to pick up the latest order SIX WEEKS after ordering it for a child's birthday, well after the actual birthday. And that was only after three emails and a call repeatedly asking about my order. The owner finally wrote back to my third email and just said that my previous emails went to spam and that I should call the bookstore to see if my books had arrived yet, six weeks after I placed the order. Couldn't even be bothered to check himself. Oy. Off to greenelight or books are magic for my next order, where they actually care.

Admittedly, I'd have to have a uniquely bad experience NOT to love a bookstore but there's LOTS to love about this one and its sister store farther south (which will get the same post). Both locales have well-curated and diverse selections that make great use of the small spaces, with options for all genres with perhaps a focus on quality nonfiction, literature and children's books. (The Terrace locale is tinier overall but will quickly exchange books with its sister or arrange delivery right to you.) They'll special-order virtually any title. I make extensive use of this service via their website, which makes it easy to search and order; paying in advance or choosing to pay at pickup. Their hours are long and convenient but even so it's often several weeks before I can pick up an order. They've help my books for longer than I would imagine anyone should and are always nice about it. Books are full price but that's offset by a generous frequent buyer program that discounts the next purchase enough to make it worth a repeat visit. Nice array of cards plus gift wrap option, and expert buying advice, so it's a great choice for a drop-by when on your way to a forgotten birthday and need a quick but thoughtful present.

Quirky independent bookstore in the heart of PS. I love all the little drawings that inform you that you need reading glasses or to yes clean up after yourself in the restroom. The seating is limited but the selection of books are adequate for your fiction needs at least. I also like the community book swap where you leave a book and get one for a $1. What a great idea! The back of the store offers a small children's section, a deserted kitchen, some baked bars sitting out on a plate, and a homey atmosphere for chillin'. There IS a cat in this store so beware to the cat allergic.

I've been lucky to have lived a couple blocks away from the Community Bookstore for almost three years. The book selection is on-point and the titles are curated well. I love peeking at the up front sections where they have best sellers and staff favorites. The physical space is small, but it definitely adds to the charm. It gives the impression that books are haphazardly placed everywhere, however, they have a pretty robust system in place to locate every title. I've never had trouble finding a book and, in dire situations, the staff was quick to help. Business model-wise, they also have a buyer's club, where you get 10 bucks off after every ten books purchased! Given their community focus, the store hosts numerous book talks. I'm actually shocked at their frequency and they seem to be well-attended. All in all, a fantastic Park Slope institution.

Wow wow wow! I love this place. Great selection of kids' picture books with new ones carefully displayed to catch your eye. I found two that I went in to buy, plus a whole bunch of others that I will definitely go back for. (I am a teacher. This is a dangerous discovery.) The staff here was wonderfully helpful and told me when the book I was looking for was coming out in paperback to help me save some money, but when it wasn't coming out for another six months, I decided to splurge on the giant and expensive hardcover. I'm only $20 away from getting $10 my order though! I love the cat that lives here. And the lizardy thing. Both are reasons that I will return. In addition to great book smell.

I visited The Community Bookstore on 9/29/15 for the first and last time. I won't ever return to this place. EVER. Why? Let's see.. - TERRIBLE customer service. -------------------------------------------------------------------- + i searched their website for contemporary monologues for women since i wasn't able to make it over to The Drama Book Shop, thinking this would save me a trip to the city. + website says they have books in stock. Kewl! + get to the bookstore - 2 males and 1 female are crowding around the register. + no greeting or acknowledgement until i said "hello", and that seemed to annoy them. + i go up to the guy at the computer/register and ask for him to point me in the direction of monologues for women. All 3 stare at me like an alien, as if i asked for some crazy banned book or something. Female says something to other male and they both start giggling.. okay. + guy at the register immediately says "we don't have anything".. me: but i checked your website before coming here and saw that you did?? guy: uUGHh *loud sigh* hold on.. proceeds to bang on the keyboard. yeah. we don't have anything in stock. me: okay, thank you! -------------------------------------------------------------- I wandered further into the bookstore after this bizarre encounter, but left within 2 mins. I found the staff to be rude, pretentious, condescending, and all around shitty attitudes. Don't bother coming here. They're not helpful and act as if answering a simple question is too much of a task/beneath them.

I have this thing for loving to walk around a neighborhood and just stumble into a store. I also enjoy reading about history. I was able to pick up some great history books about NYC. The store is all about small business and being in the community. The staff is very welcoming and quick to help. It's not the biggest store but hey who cares, right? that personal touch is felt here.

What a wonderful bookstore. The attendants are helpful and engaging...of course the bookstore cat is super cute, if a little snippy, as one expects from a cat. What this store lacks in stock they make up for in willingness to order you stock. Indeed, within a few days of requesting a book, it is time to go pick up said book. If you support independent bookstores, this is a wonderful place to browse and ultimately spend a few hard-earned dollars.

Ridiculously cute bookstore that fits right into the community. Proof nr 1: there was a Korean TV show filming in the kids' section when I was there (because this is what bookstore should look like!). Proof nr 2: Check out their great website, where - among other things - they let the community know that they can deliver your books to your front door: "If you live within walking distance of the store, please remember that we deliver for free! We might even consider delivering out of our walking range if it isn't an unreasonable distance, like Yonkers. Or France." Proof nr 3: Quite of the few customers were regulars, as witnessed by the guy at register recognizing them. I told myself I'd only buy one book, but ended up buying two. Thank goodness I did, as I'm a fast reader and almost finished both on the bus ride back to DC.

Community Bookstore is sneaky, and I'll tell you why... Me to awesome dog that wanders the bookstore: Oh, hi, dog! (Dog immediately rolls over and indicates that I should rub his belly. I, of course, oblige.) Me: OK, I love this dog and based solely on this, I'll buy whatever books you think I should buy. (Employees secretly high-five each other) Hey, whatever works.

Here's the thing. I love this bookstore. Great selection, if they don't have something they will order for you, local business, blah blah blah. But sometimes I feel like the service is super lacking. There are times when I go in and feel like the staff act like they are the only ones who care about books and reading them in their original format. Sorry if I don't come off as cool as you, but how about treating me like a fellow book lover and, hey, at the end of the day, paying customer and offer me a little respect?

There is something nice about a community bookstore versus megastores like Barnes and Noble. This is a cute little place with amiable staff persons. But excuse me if I don't agree with my fellow reviewers about how wonderful having a dog there is to trip over. The problem is selection--there is a very limited one, so most likely you won't find what you're looking for.

Love this shop. The store is small, cramped, somewhat disheveled and always fabulous! The staff are eager to help you when you have a question and leave you be when you just want to look around and browse or take a seat and read for awhile. They're happy to order a book for you if they don't have it in stock, although for a smallish store they have a great selection. Bonus points for Todd, the adorable pooch who scurries around your feet. They have readings and events for kids and are involved in the community. This store gets my book money every time over Barnes and Noble down the street.

It's been a while since I've seen a great bookstore. They had such large range of selection, I could stay here all day long. The workers there are super helpful and sweet. Went in looking to buy one novel and walked out with 4.. will be back soon!

Nice local independent bookstore with a quiet garden in back and a cafe of sorts. In case it wasn't clear, aside from the shelf by the door, it seems to sell only new books.

This is a nice little spot, and I have always found a book or two that I need to read. It can be a bit ... aloof (?), but whatever. It's a bookstore; I don't need warm handshakes and salsa dancing. It's clean and organized and has a wide selection for a place so small. I've never tried the cafe in the back, but it looks like all the personality may settle back there, like bosco in milk. Any shop that keeps a complete set of FLETCH novels on hand is alright by me!

This store is adorable. If I had and made more money I would probably buy a book from here every day. *cries* But I probably spent it all on new shoes and beer. *cries* But seriously, there are great ideas for book gifts here. They even have a Shakespearean version of Star Wars. I want that. The science fiction section, which is about 80% of what I read at times, waves dork flag proudly, is a bit sparse. But there are more unique books geared towards humor, some more private editions that may not be widely released and cater towards local and independent authors and publishers. A better selection of children's books I feel that are not totally generic that you will find in Barnes and Noble. I love small book stores because you will notice more diamonds in the rough instead of National Bestsellers. Only thing is that its still pricey as far as books go.

Community is the epitome of what makes an independent bookstore truly great, and I say this as someone who truly loves books and bookstores. First off, it's not an empty name, they actually strive to be a community spot and encourage people to sit and linger on their couches in the back. (As everyone knows, couches are a must.) They have a mystery swap -- leave a mystery book, get a mystery book for $1. They have a nice shelf of small and independent press books, especially the New York Review of Books. Mostly, they stock new fiction and literature, which is ok by me. Great kids section, a little heavy on the fantasy (way cool), which is in the back by the aforementioned couches, which the store's cat may be lazing on. There's also a kitchen! And a pet dragon! (Really!) Best of all, an adorable garden with a tiny pond, all the better to read by and savor your book. This is a comfy place to grab the latest best seller or something a little more obscure, and relax.

The people who work there seem pretty friendly, but cramped aisles and lack of display space make for uninspiring browsing. I'm a bookstore dawdler, and the place is almost too small for me to not feel unscritinized. As for the books themselves: good selection for the size, and they can usually locate anything recent or even minutely well-known. Mostly new books, with one shelf of used books and a stack for barter. Still, you've gotta give some love to the only bookstore on the north stretch of Seventh Ave! And the cafe in back seems like a great place to sit and watch that awesome two-foot-long iguana.

There's a great wooded nook in the back, with tables and a little water feature. So charming

I wish I liked this place more! This is the kind of bookstore I love to support - small, independent, nice people. I wish it was a little bit bigger (maybe make the children's section in the back a bit smaller?). I wish there were stuffed chairs to curl up in and read, and more used and discount books. This is not a 'browsing' type place, where you go to discover odd out of print stuff. Almost all the books are new, and I've never been able to just walk in and find what I'm looking for - the selection is so small, you should really call ahead to make sure they have it before you go. They can always order it for you . . . but if you're going to do that, why not go on Amazon and get a discount? Like I said, this is a nice place, and I'm really glad it's around - it's a beautiful little store. Just not to my taste, I guess . . . .

Great alternative to that giant Barnes and Noble that is just within walking distance on 7th. The store is cute and tiny with all the book categories of a typical store. They have a cafe in the back with coffee,tea and snacks...oh yeah and also a live iguana in a tank. Oh and like the other reviews have stated you also have a dog walking around the store just chilling. Its a nice place and before you check out the mega chains, try them out and support a local business.

Full disclosure: I was only in this bookstore for 15 minutes. My friend had to buy a book here for class and she played with the store cat for 10 of those minutes while I pretended to read Maya Angelou's newest book, "His Day is Done". This store seems to have all the books you were looking for and the ones you didn't know would be great until they suggested it with a cute cat doodle note. I like the look of this bookstore and it seems like everyone was comfortable just walking around, asking questions etc. The staff seemed beyond friendly and ready to help, awesome shop!

This is one of the only Mom & Pop alternatives to Barnes & Noble in Park Slope. I normally borrow books from friends or libraries, but I popped in the other day willing to treat myself to a fun read (I'm halfway through Atlas Shrugged and really REALLY need a break!) Its a perfect size for a bookstore, they have all of the classics and popular newer titles, with small, but curated sections like Travel and Philosophy. The selection is extensive enough to find what you are looking for, but small enough to browse randomly without being overwhelmed. The staff was friendly but unobtrusive, and the other patrons were quietly, politely browsing like myself. There is also a shop-cat that lay stretched across the aisle in front of Cormac McCarthy, but thats ok by me. And, no, it doesn't smell like cat, just paper and ink. The prices are comparable to any other book retailer, it would be nice if they had some used books, but that's not their schtick. I left with some short stories by Letham and a mental note to continue supporting The Community Bookstore.

I stopped by this bookstore (I almost missed it entirely...glad it caught my eye) to browse and see what they had to offer. I left with three books that I am really happy I bought. I love that they have a frequent buyer card and the atmosphere is friendly, the place is cozy and I felt welcomed by the staff and the Bookstore Cat, Tiny. The one downside is that I didn't browse more and take in all the quirky bits about this shop. I highly recommend this bookstore! Support the local businesses that make Brooklyn so great!

I love to try and support local businesses and especially local bookstores. This place is cute and has a great place to hang out in back with a cup of coffee or to listen to a book reading. They seem to be very supportive of other people and groups from the neighborhood, so it's refreshing to see the support from all sides. Price-wise, it's so hard to compete with Barnes and Noble right up the street. I have a difficult time justifying buying a book from Community Book Store, when I can go to a BN or Borders and use my coupons to get 20, 30 or 40% off just about anything I buy. For local authors or regional books about the area though, I really do try and go to Community. They're super nice and knowledgeable, and definitely deserve the respect and patronage of the surrounding community!

I've grown to appreciate this bookstore. It's a nice set up, I come in on weekdays when it's not crowded.

Local bookstores seem to be a rarity these days, especially ones as wonderful as this! Sure they have all the new bestsellers, but why bother with those when you can peruse their collection of small press and independent releases? Furthermore their staff are quite knowledgeable, and were able to find for me books that I had not seen in many a year. Indeed, many a diamond can be found in this rough! I would highly recommend you pay this store a visit, and perhaps you can pick up a few of my novels when you do!

This place is an old Brooklyn institution. Been around since 1971. Great selection, great staff.

I used to be a huge fan of this store, so I can't remember those days without a heartache when I frequented here where still had all the facilities including the functional and cute cafe section with the nice garden and the pond with goldfishes. Now the store is more than half deserted, and apparently the owner no longer seems to be around, let alone attending the premise. They don't even have latest titles that any store is supposed to carry. Reluctantly I began going to Barns and Noble nearby, and I want you to imagine the shame that I could not help feeling--with this store in the area, I never thought I would go through this shaming. Now I believe I am not the only one to regard this store and its decline with resentment over the last decade. The only wish that I have now is the owner's attention and morale miraculously back to this site in order to resurrect. Or some aspiring person will take the store over and surge the new blood so that we wouldn't lose this once wonderful community forever.

They didn't have the particular book I was looking for in stock but the helpful staff ordered it and will email me when it's in. Happy to support small business.

This bookstore is 41 years old and I've gone there occasionally since 1978. It's small, which is obviously limiting - but they have a good selection of graphic comics books and a really good selection of illustrated children's books (the latter is located in what was formerly the café), among other things. There's a pretty patio in the back, for when the weather cooperates. The people who work there are helpful & pleasant, and they also leave you alone if you're just browsing. Lastly; I'm not a big fan of cats, but I like the one at this store.

I love this book store! There are so many reasons, but in an effort to keep your attention I will start by listing a few. #1 They are completely local and support small presses and independent authors #2 They had an educators night that gave me great ideas for my classroom and introduced me to new texts #3 They have a cat #4 The owner (or one of the owners... I think there are two) is very patient and incredibly helpful with suggesting good titles. If I went into Barnes & Noble and asked an employee for suggestions, I'm worried I might end up going home with a work by Dan Brown or Helen Fielding. #5 Everyone who works here is super kind & knowledgeable

These guys are awesome and Ezra always has great recommendations. Not only do they have great things in stock to explore, they will also order anything special order with no extra cost (or shipping). Buying all my books here and supporting local! AND they have a fantastic kids book selection and kids reading area. Fantastic!!

Great bookstore, with a cute bookstore cat. I'm very lucky to have a place like this so close. The selection is good considering the size, and I've never experienced bad service there. Will definitely keep going back- it's also a great local spot to bring out of town guests.

I am a jerk. Why? When Community Bookstore was really struggling awhile back and on the verge of extinction I was the jerk still buying stuff from Amazon. I also take many books out of the library. I am atoning for my jerkdom. They will happily order books for you and they arrive in pretty short order so put that amazon 1 click buy button down and scoot over to the store or pick up the phone and call them!

Is Christmas stress really excuse to be rude? As many readers may know, January 24th is National Readathon Day, which is, among other things, a national fundraiser to raise money for people struggling with illiteracy. Many people are working even over the holiday season to organize teams in order to raise money or to find existing teams that they can join. I get that National Readathon Day falls just after the holiday season. I certainly didn't pick the day. All I wanted to know was whether the Community Bookstore was going to have a team or not (yes or no question) because I am trying to figure how best to donate and participate. When I called to ask my yes or no question ("I apologize for asking just before the holiday, but will you have a team for National Readathon Day?"), the man who answered the phone said, in the nastiest tone of voice: "You must be kidding me. We have a line out the door." In basically the same amount of time, someone could have said: "Yes, we will, and thank you for wanting to be involved, but right now we have a line out the door so can we give you more information after Christmas?" However, it was the "You must be kidding me" that really rubbed me the wrong way. Even a response like, "Thanks for calling, but I really can't address questions about National Readathon Day until after the holidays" would have been a perfectly pleasant response. So, in answer to this rude man's question, no, sir, no. I care about literacy and fundraisers that support it. No, I was not "kidding" you. I will not, however, be supporting your bookstore on National Readathon Day (or, frankly, probably ever again).