Housing Works Used Book Cafe

I love Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love it. It is tucked away in a little cobblestone alley/street in New York, and has one of the best selections of used books I have ever seen. It's not as big as the Strand of course, but has a great selection.

They have fantastic dollar racks, where you can buy really good books for just $1. These aren't crappy books either! Most of them are current popular fiction, Oprah's Book Club selections, and more. The selection is constantly changing, so if you live or work nearby it is a good idea to stop in every couple of days.

The cafe is also nice, though I mostly spend my money there on books. They have a good selection of snacks and great coffee. This review is making me miss NY!

Posted 08/18/05 | Report Abuse

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What more could you ask for. The ultimate combo, boxes of cheap donated books, and I mean cheap. A nice coffee shop where you can grab a good cup of Joe and look through a stack of inexpensive paperbacks. There are a lot of great deals here and all the money goes to a good cause.

PROS: great deals
CONS: none

Posted 07/12/05 | Report Abuse

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Interested in catching a great deal on a book? Here at Housing Works Used Book Cafe you will find a decent selection of both used books and records. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing. They have live readings and music and if youre hungry, choose something from their menu of sandwiches and soups. This might not be the best book store out there, but it does benefit homeless New Yorkers who are living with HIV and AIDS.

Posted 07/02/05 | Report Abuse

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Housing Works is a high-ceilinged but cozy bookshop with a cafe in the back. they have reasonably priced copies of many of the titles on the times bestseller lists as well as the kinds of unique finds you can only get in used book stores. you can loiter here with a book in one of the chairs or at a cafe table. the staff is all volunteer and proceeds go to house and job-train people living with HIV and AIDS. so why in the world would you go to one of those jerkass big-box bookstores?

Posted 05/22/05 | Report Abuse

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This is my favorite local bookstore. All books are used and deals abound. I would not suggest going there for the coffee but this is just a great place to come and hang out at, the staff will never try to shoo you out or encourage you to buy anything. That having been said, every time I have gone there I have walked out with several books. Plus you are helping charity, how much better can it get?

Posted 05/11/05 | Report Abuse

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Around the corner from expensive Soho clothing boutiques, almost hidden, is the Housing Works used book store and cafe. Decent selection, and ridiculously cheap prices. They have stacks of 50 cent or $1.00 books that far outdoes anything that The Strand offers. They also have couches and a coffee bar, inviting you to spend an afternoon there. All books are donated, and all proceeds go to help homeless men and women with HIV/AIDS.

PROS: great selection, relaxed surroundings, coffee bar, non-profit
CONS:

Posted 05/05/05 | Report Abuse

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