Best Bookstore in Bushwick | Things To Do in NYC

Bushwick is known for graffiti and thrifting and all things artsy ! & of course a million hipster cafes (IYKYK).

Human Relations might be the best thing they have to offer! Especially if you are an avid reader. It is an amazing second hand bookstore. There is a wide range of books on so many different topics. There is a book for any book lover.

The staff is so cool and helpful. Huge shoutout to Cory! Such a beautiful soul. I’m sure he doesn’t even understand how much he made my day. (I was about to crash out BAD). But it was greatly appreciated.

Everything is super affordable! This is the perfect place for guilt free haul. Bookworms know what’s up. There’s even a rack outside with $1 book finds .

#thingstodo #lemon8challenge #localfinds #nyc #bookwormsoflemon8

Bushwick
2025/4/11 Edited to

... Read moreStepping into Human Relations in Bushwick felt like discovering a secret garden for book lovers. After hearing whispers about this second-hand treasure, I finally made my way there, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. While the original article touches on its charm, there's so much more to explore within its walls, especially if you're like me and love a good literary hunt. What truly sets Human Relations apart is the thrill of the find. You never know what literary treasure you'll unearth from their diverse range of second-hand books. On my last visit, I spent ages sifting through the shelves, imagining the stories these books held before they landed here. I’ve heard tales of people unearthing rare first editions and even classic collections. It's not a museum, but you might just stumble upon a vintage art book that feels like it belongs in one, or an old, well-loved copy of Shakespeare that offers a unique connection to the past. The atmosphere of discovery is palpable, making every visit a fresh adventure. For those of us constantly searching for new reads, the concept of a 'book haul' here is taken to a whole new level. Remember those titles like 'ANXIOUS,' 'THE BOOK OF WOE,' or 'DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION' I've seen others proudly carry out? That's the kind of high-quality, thought-provoking literature you can expect to find. The interior, with its meticulously organized yet overflowing bookshelves and inviting central display table, promises hours of joyful browsing. It’s a testament to the fact that pre-loved books often hold even more character. This isn't just a bookstore; it's a vital part of the Bushwick community, much like a neighborhood library but with the added bonus of ownership. If you're searching for a 'Bushwick library' experience, Human Relations offers a cozy alternative where you can connect with fellow readers and immerse yourself in the local artsy vibe. The street-side book rack, a true landmark, isn't just about the incredible $1 finds; it's a beacon that draws you into this literary haven. The graffiti and murals on the outside walls perfectly encapsulate Bushwick's artistic spirit, hinting at the creative energy you'll find inside. Beyond the amazing selection and prices, the staff truly makes a difference. They're incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to recommend a hidden gem or simply share a love for literature. It’s this genuine human connection that elevates the experience beyond a typical retail transaction. So, whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon in NYC, Human Relations is an absolute must-visit. Bring a tote bag, because I guarantee you won't leave empty-handed!

12 comments

Axton Gard's images
Axton Gard

Will definitely check this place out. Thanks!

Lisa |Travel | Food's images
Lisa |Travel | Food

This is so cute ! Thank you for sharing ❤️🥰

Related posts

A hand holds the book "OUT THERE SCREAMING An Anthology of New Black Horror Edited by JORDAN PEELE" in a Bushwick bookstore, with other books visible on shelves in the background.
The exterior of Hive Mind Books & Coffee Shop in Bushwick, featuring large windows with "BOOKS COFFEE TEA" signage, an outdoor umbrella, and tables on the sidewalk.
The interior of a cozy bookstore with white hexagonal floor tiles, packed bookshelves, stacked boxes, and a person seated at a table near the entrance, which shows an "EXIT" sign.
Queer Bookstore in Bushwick | Things To Do in NYC
Hive Mind Books & Coffee Shop By now yall know I love a bookstore and a coffee shop . But combined ? I’m OBSESSED. Hive Mind has such a cozy feel , I can spend all day there ! The staff is kind. There is such a wide selection of books. And perfectly curated queer literature. There is
Britttttttt✨

Britttttttt✨

10 likes

An exterior view of a thrift store named "ANDY VHYWAR" in Bushwick, featuring a large sign and a crosswalk in the foreground. Pink text overlay reads "The Best Thrift Store Bushwick."
The brick exterior of "Urban Jungle" vintage clothing store in Bushwick, adorned with stickers and graffiti, and a hanging sign. Pink text overlay reads "Urban Jungle."
The glass entrance door of "28 Scott Vintage" in Bushwick, with the store's name vertically displayed on the door. Pink text overlay reads "28 Scott Vintage."
Thrifting in NYC | 📍Bushwick
Bushwick is the neighborhood in New York City , Especially when it comes to thrifting. Bushwick has so many thrift / vintage shops. There is definitely something for everyone ! Here’s a few of my favorites ⬇️ Urban Jungle 28 Scott Vintage What Mary Kept These are all walking
Britttttttt✨

Britttttttt✨

841 likes

People rollerskating at Xanadu Roller Arts, an indoor retro roller rink in NYC, under neon lights. The image highlights indoor activities for hot or rainy days.
A person's legs wearing vibrant purple and green roller skates with orange wheels, standing on a patterned carpet. The text indicates rollerskating at Xanadu, priced $18-30.
An indoor mini-golf course featuring a decorative clock tower obstacle, artificial grass, and lush greenery. The image lists mini-golf options: Shipwrecked, Swingers, and Puttery, with hole counts and prices.
3 SUPER FUN things to do indoors in NYC
If it’s too hot outside or a rainy day during your New York trip, check out these fun options for things to do in the city! Rollerskate at Xanadu Roller Arts This new indoor retro roller rink in Bushwick is one of the most FUN fun things to do indoors on a hot or rainy day! They hav
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

927 likes

An inviting interior view of Housing Works Bookstore & Cafe, featuring multiple levels, bookshelves, string lights, and patrons, with the text "MUST VISIT BOOKSTORES IN NYC PART 07".
A multi-level view inside Housing Works Bookstore, showcasing bookshelves, a central display table, and a clothing section upstairs, highlighted by string lights, with text about it being a thrift store.
A close-up of decorative red and gold ornaments hanging in front of shelves filled with various home goods, illustrating the store's diverse inventory, with text about finding "a little bit of everything."
When NYC Bookstore Meets Café & Thrift Store ☕📚
I’m a sucker for a bookstore with a little café area - and last week, I found the perfect spot. Not only does it have a café and bar, but it’s also a thrift store where I found some really good and affordable finds! I’ve made it my mission to visit more bookstores in the city, and Housing Works
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

401 likes

The cover image features a woman in a hat and patterned dress reading a newspaper, sitting outdoors in front of a shop window. The title reads "NYC LIKE A LOCAL 50 UNIQUE NYC SOLO DATE IDEAS THE MOST UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES."
This image lists 15 unique solo date ideas in NYC, including taking a cake-making class, DIY phone case, cuddling cats, spa day, puppy yoga, and creating personalized scents, set against a blurry background of purple and pink lights.
This image presents 15 more solo date ideas for NYC, such as learning a new hobby, meditation classes, visiting a flower shop, immersive art exhibits, color analysis, and gallery hopping, with a blurry cityscape in the background.
DIFFERENT SOLO DATE IDEAS IF YOU’RE IN NYC!
✨ If you're looking for a new hobby, friends, or just something to pass the time, then I have 50 of the MOST COOL and ONE-OF-A-KIND suggestions for you to do in New York . 👉🏼 And the best part? These are all activities that you can do alone, by yourself, and just you (but they would also ma
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

68 likes

A rainy street scene in New York City, viewed from under an umbrella, featuring a wet crosswalk, traffic lights, and lush green trees.
The exterior of "7 Spring" cafe and backgammon bar, featuring a green awning, outdoor seating with two chairs and a table, and a glass entrance revealing framed pictures inside.
The interior of the "Tin Building" food hall and marketplace, showcasing shelves stocked with diverse packaged goods and illuminated by numerous large, spherical white ceiling lights.
Things to Do on a Rainy Day in NYC
7 Spring St : café and backgammon bar Tin Building by Jean-Georges : food hall and marketplace by Jean-Georges The Django : Paris inspired jazz club and cocktail bar Xanadu Roller Arts : roller skating rink with themed nights and pop up concerts Bibliotheque : bookstore, caf
Lex in the City

Lex in the City

138 likes

An interior view of a bookstore aisle with tall wooden shelves packed with books, featuring the title "MUST VISIT BOOKSTORES IN NYC PART 06".
The brick exterior and glass entrance of McNally Jackson Books at 134 Prince Street, with "OPEN DAILY 10AM-9PM" visible and an overlay stating it makes you feel like a main character.
A warm, inviting interior view of McNally Jackson Books, showcasing well-organized bookshelves filled with a diverse selection of books, emphasizing the pleasant atmosphere.
Unique Bookstores in NYC pt. 06 - McNally Soho 📚
Some bookstores feel old-school, others like a scene straight out of a movie - and McNally Jackson Books SoHo is definitely one of them. The space is bright, beautifully designed, and feels more like a literary sanctuary than just a shop. They have a perfect mix of curated indie picks, classi
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

70 likes

The exterior of Codex bookstore on Bleecker Street, featuring a white sign with "CODEX" above a small entrance. The facade is covered in vibrant street art and stickers, with an outdoor book display rack, highlighting it as a hidden gem.
An interior view of Codex bookstore, looking out through a window at a brick wall with "BAD BRAINS" graffiti and a colorful mural. Bookshelves filled with books frame the view, creating a cozy atmosphere.
A narrow, cozy aisle inside Codex bookstore, flanked by tall wooden bookshelves filled with a dense collection of books. A single light fixture illuminates the space, emphasizing its intimate and curated feel.
NYC Bookstore Gems pt. 04 – Codex
If you’re into bookstores that feel like a secret, here’s one more you need to check out. Tucked behind a small door and surrounded by cool art, Codex feels more like a private book room than your average bookstore. They offer a curated mix of used and new books, and the whole place has an inv
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

60 likes

Romance bookstore in NY
If you’re a book lover you have probably seen The Ripped Bodice on social media before, and there’s good reason. They have the cutest store full of romance books and sub-genres, bookmarks, stickers, merch and much more! 💕 The store is located in Park slope, Brooklyn and is in a easy walkable a
Emma Ash

Emma Ash

339 likes

The Best Place in Brooklyn | Bushwick
My favorite thing to do on the weekend is check out Bushwick Market ! There are always amazing finds. I especially look forward to flipping through all of the vinyls . But there is something for everyone. From books and furniture to waist beads and skincare , Bushwick Market has it all .
Britttttttt✨

Britttttttt✨

384 likes

How I thrift for books in NYC and today’s finds
Here are my finds from just one thrift store on the upper east side! I also got The Stationary Shop a few days ago from the same store. The key to book thrifting is to dig and take your time! Also don’t be afraid of classics, banned books, and non fiction since they are the most common finds. Las
Zoe Juliana

Zoe Juliana

30 likes

Exterior view of the 'What Mary Kept' thrift store in Bushwick, NYC, featuring clothes racks outside, a mannequin in the window, and colorful graffiti on the storefront.
Interior view of the 'What Mary Kept' thrift store, showcasing racks of clothing, shelves filled with various items, and a mannequin, all on a black and white checkered floor.
Close-up inside 'What Mary Kept' thrift store, displaying a variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, small decorative plates, and a red handbag, highlighting the store's trinket selection.
Thrift in Bushwick | Things To Do NYC
What Mary Kept is the cutest thrift store I have seen. There are amazing finds. Lots of clothes, records, and even decor. And if you are a trinket girl like me , they have those too ! Located in the heart of Bushwick . It is a quick walk from the L train at Dekalb or the M train at Knicker
Britttttttt✨

Britttttttt✨

35 likes

Unique Things to do in NYC: Retro Roller Rink
Looking for cool things to do in Brooklyn on an NYC trip or if you live here? Head to Xanadu Roller Arts in Bushwick for the coolest roller rink in NYC! The entire space is designed to feel like you’re in a retro roller rink paired with good music (and DJ sets), themed nights, open skat
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

65 likes

A clothing rack filled with colorful garments and shoes on a white brick wall, illustrating the best vintage and second-hand shopping in NYC.
A clothing rack with various patterned shirts inside Awoke Vintage, a store originally from Perth, Australia, focusing on men's and women's denim.
A model wearing a floral, backless dress in Dana Foley, a store in the Lower East Side selling new and vintage timeless and whimsical designs.
THE BEST STORES FOR THRIFTING AND UNIQUE FINDS 🛍️👗👠
Awoke Originally based out of Perth, Australia selling men and women’s clothing with a huge focus on denim 1 location in Williamsburg and 2 locations in Greenpoint $$ Dana Foley Selling both new and vintage timeless and whimsical designs Lower East Side $$ 28 Scott Vintage Curat
Lex in the City

Lex in the City

55 likes

An aerial view of the New York City skyline with tall buildings under a blue sky. The text 'bookstores I recommend visiting in NEW YORK' is overlaid on the image, with 'NEW YORK' in colorful, cut-out letters.
A person in a bright yellow dress stands in front of a black wall with a pink and white mural that reads 'BOOKS ARE MAGIC'. The text overlay identifies this as 'Books Are Magic' bookstore.
A hand with red nail polish holds a copy of 'The Book of Cold Cases' by Simone St. James inside a bookstore filled with shelves of books. The text identifies this as 'The Mysterious Bookshop'.
let’s go book shopping: NYC edition 🗽📚🍎🛍️
I was recently in New York City for a books-filled weekend, and I visited SIX different bookshops! Here are the six I visited, and recommend. 📍 Books Are Magic 📍 Housing Works 📍 Cafe Con Libros 📍 Strand Book Store 📍 The Mysterious Bookshop 📍 The Ripped Bodice I didn't buy as many boo
hannah 📖

hannah 📖

65 likes

A pink multi-story building with a storefront on a snowy street, featuring the title "5 cute small towns to visit FROM NYC". A person walks by.
A brick building covered in vibrant green and red ivy, with a ground-floor shop and people sitting outside. The scene is under a clear blue sky.
Two people stand on a rocky overlook, embracing and gazing at a wide river or lake surrounded by mountains, framed by green trees, representing a scenic hike in Cold Spring.
cute towns to visit from NYC without a car!
These are my favorite towns in New York to visit outside of NYC by train! Beacon I love the downtown of Beacon! I love Main Street, check out the shops. Little King is a favorite! Also grab a drink from Matcha Thomas! distance: 1.5 hours by train Cold Spring This is one of the ea
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

84 likes

A person paints a large canvas with blue and brown colors, surrounded by art supplies. Text overlay reads "NYC LIKE A LOCAL 10 COZY RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES IN NYC THAT AREN'T JUST MUSEUMS" and "lemon8 TRAVEL NYC EXPERIENCES @yourcitygal".
A list of five cozy NYC rainy day activities: Art class at Happy Medium Café, Have a spa day, Get Cozy in a Bookstore, Grab a jazz performance, and Explore the New York Public Library. The background shows yellow flowers.
A list of five cozy NYC rainy day activities: Catch a movie and dinner at Alamo Drafthouse, Grab friends and go to an escape room, Relax at a bathhouse, Have fun at the Splatter Room, and Visit the Morgan Library and Museum. The background shows books.
STOP Doing BORING Things on Gloomy Days in NYC ❄️⛈️
If you checked the weather for New York , then you know that the next few days are going to be cold and snowy (yay)! That for me is the perfect opportunity to focus on more cozy activities around the city (and keep myself warm and dry!). ⛈️ When I was an athlete (many years ago), I used to hate
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

26 likes

The exterior of Mercer Street Books, featuring a green sign with 'BOOKS' and 'MERCER ST. BOOKS - 206 MERCER'. A window display shows books and a cart, with text 'MUST VISIT BOOKSTORES IN NYC PART 08'.
A close-up of the bookstore's window, showcasing a red neon 'BOOKS' sign and a cart filled with books outside. The image conveys an old-school vibe.
The interior of Mercer Street Books, showing a long aisle lined with tall wooden bookshelves packed with books. A person is seated on a stool at the far end.
A Bookstore That Feels Like a NYC 90s Movie Scene
I was walking around NoHo & Greenwich Village when I spotted this small window with a little cart out front and a red sign that simply said "Books" - and I immediately knew this was an old-school New York gem. I walked into Mercer Street Books and felt like I had time-traveled
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

173 likes

Interior of Sweet Pickle Books, featuring green baskets filled with items, a sheep statue, and shelves stocked with books and jars of pickles. A box labeled 'FRAGILE GLASS' is on the floor.
A close-up of a wooden bookshelf at Sweet Pickle Books, showcasing a large jar of 'Sweet Pickle Books Dilled Pickles' next to various books. The jar label is clearly visible.
The quirky interior of Sweet Pickle Books, with a disco ball, a 'NEW YORK'S BEST PICKLE BOOKSTORE' t-shirt, shelves of pickle jars, green baskets, and a sheep statue amidst books.
A NYC Bookstore that Sells Pickles?🥒📚
Sweet Pickle Books is officially one of the quirkiest (and coolest) bookstores I’ve ever been to. Tucked in the Lower East Side , this spot is part bookstore, part pickle shop - and yep, you can actually buy jars of delicious pickles with your reads. It’s giving vintage vibes, secondhand gem
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

125 likes

Affordable Things to do in Bushwick Brooklyn
Check out the most FUN affordable things to do in Bushwick , Brooklyn! One of the coolest neighborhoods to visit in New York on your NYC trip! The Bushwick Collective A HUGE open-air art gallery in the neighborhood of Bushwick featuring murals and street art from famous artists from al
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

139 likes

my favorite bookstores in nyc
a little guide to my 5 favorite bookstores in NYC! number 2 is my personal fav because their cocktail menu is inspired by famous books and literary figures! #lemon8partner #nycbookstore #nycbookstorecafe 1. Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc. 2. Book Club Bar - also a cafe by day,
sadgirlnic_

sadgirlnic_

35 likes

Nyc bookstore review!
I went inside McNally Jackson Books SoHo the other day for the first time and was impressed by the amount of books they had to offer for an independent bookstore and the curation. I love supporting independent bookstores and they also have a sister stationery shop, called Goods For the Study. Th
Diana B

Diana B

38 likes

A brick wall in Brooklyn covered with multiple layers of black and white graffiti tags and bubble letters, with text overlays "Things to do in Brooklyn" and "The Bushwick Collective".
A vibrant street art mural in Bushwick depicting an older woman with sunglasses on her head, set against a colorful background, with text overlays "Graffiti & Street Art" and "ABUELITA TROUTMAN ST".
A colorful street art mural featuring concentric rainbow-colored hearts on a brick wall, with text overlays "Annual Block Party" and "MAY 29-31", promoting an event in Bushwick.
Things To Do In Brooklyn , NYC 🍎 | Bushwick
Anyone can tell you that NYC is known for their Graffiti and Street Art. If you are trying to dabble in the artsy fartsy look no further than Bushwick . There is an outdoor art gallery right on Troutman Street ! The Bushwick Collective is just walking distance from the J,M,Z, and L Train. I
Britttttttt✨

Britttttttt✨

36 likes

See more