When it comes to bookstores, I’m of the firm belief that more isn’t always better. I prefer curated and quality over mass selection, which is why McNally Jackson in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is one of my go-to’s when I need to pick up some new paperbacks.
I was impressed by the organization of the store. There are plenty of sections, and each one seems to have a cherry picked selection. And I don’t mean it just has the Bestsellers and that’s it — it actually has a wide variety of material, all of which seemed pretty amazing. The space itself is small without being cramped, a pretty impressive feat considering this is SoHo, and everything is usually awash in people.
While I haven’t been to any of the events, McNally Jackson prides itself on being an independent bookstore, and also seeks to be a heart of the literary culture of the city. There are plenty of things going on, and their staff is happy to help, so you definitely pick up on that community vibe as soon as you walk in. There’s also a cafe, which means I might settle down and never leave.
Also, something of interest for you young authors and technophiles alike, the store features a Print on Demand service, which allows you to bring in your own files and have your own book custom published right before your very eyes. The Espresso Book machine churns out affordable, professional quality paperbacks in minutes, and is also able to print out books from a library of public domain titles. Who says bookstores are boring?