Whether shopping for a last-minute holiday or birthday gift for the kids or looking for a local storytime, the neighborhood independent bookstore is a great bet for NYC families.
Only a small number of dedicated children's bookshops exist in NYC—Books of Wonder and Bank Street Bookstore, we're looking at you!—but there are a number of indie stores with impressive children's book sections. These unique lit havens often host children's activities, including read-alongs but also author events, writing workshops and other interactive happenings for burgeoning bookworms.
My kids have a particular weakness for books, possibly because it's the one thing I never deny them—as evidenced by the overflowing bookshelves at home. We love discovering new local shops and spending a lazy afternoon or cold or rainy one getting lost in the stacks, so I'm happy to share with you our 11 best bets for indie bookstores. What are you waiting for? Get reading!