Book Thug Nation

Profile

This used bookstore and event space was opened by three sidewalk booksellers who ditched the streets of the East Village for Williamsburg. Homemade plywood shelves, unfinished cement floors, and complimentary self-service coffee and tea contribute to a rugged-yet-friendly DIY aesthetic, and a tiny record player in the corner spins tunes from among the LPs available for sale. Literary fiction makes up most of the selection, in addition to sections for biography, philosophy, chess, film criticism, and local writers. And in true street-seller fashion, prices are penciled on the right-hand corner of each title’s front page. — Thayer McClanahan

The store hosts literary-minded events, including readings, lecture series, and film screenings.