What Strand Book Store Is

Strand Book Store is an independent bookstore located in New York City that has been operating since 1927. It occupies a full city block on Broadway in Manhattan and carries millions of new, used, and rare books across nearly every subject. Unlike a chain bookstore, Strand is a single physical location — there is no online ordering or shipping through their own website, though you can visit in person or call to ask about specific titles.

The store is organized by subject area across three floors, with sections for fiction, history, biography, art, science, cooking, and dozens of other categories. Staff members work throughout the store and can help you locate books or answer questions about what they have in stock. The store also maintains a rare books section on the third floor for collectors and serious readers looking for older or out-of-print editions.

Key Takeaways

  • Strand is a physical bookstore in Manhattan with three floors of new, used, and rare books — you must visit in person or call to check on titles.
  • Books are organized by subject, and staff can help you find what you are looking for or suggest titles in a category you are interested in.
  • The store carries used books at lower prices than new copies, and rare books at higher prices depending on condition and age.
  • Strand accepts cash and card payments, and you can return or exchange books within a set timeframe if they are in resalable condition.

How to Find Books at Strand

When you enter Strand, the main floor is divided into sections by subject. Fiction is typically near the front, with literary fiction, mystery, science fiction, and other genres separated into their own areas. Non-fiction subjects — history, biography, art, cooking, travel, business — each have their own shelves. The organization is similar to a library, so if you know the general subject of the book you want, you can browse that section directly.

If you are looking for a specific title and cannot find it, ask a staff member. They can check whether the book is in stock, and if it is not, they may be able to tell you when it last came through the store or suggest a similar title. Strand does not take special orders, so if a book is not currently in the store, you would need to check back another time or try another bookstore.

The third floor holds the rare books section, which is organized differently and requires more careful browsing. Books here are older, out of print, or in limited supply, and prices reflect that. If you are interested in rare or collectible books, staff on that floor can discuss condition, edition, and pricing with you.

New, Used, and Rare Books — What the Prices Mean

Strand carries three types of books at different price points. New books are current editions sold at or near the publisher's cover price. Used books are previous copies that Strand has acquired — these are priced lower than new, usually 20 to 50 percent off depending on condition and demand. A used book in good condition with a clean spine and unmarked pages costs less than one with wear, highlighting, or dog-eared corners.

Books are marked with a colored sticker or label that indicates the price and condition. Staff can explain the condition rating if you are unsure what a particular mark means. Rare books on the third floor are priced individually based on age, scarcity, edition, and condition — these can range from moderately expensive to very high prices for first editions or signed copies.

All books are sold as-is unless otherwise noted. If you buy a used book and later find it has damage you did not notice, you can return it within a reasonable timeframe if it is still in resalable condition — meaning you have not written in it, damaged it further, or made it unsellable.

Payment and Return Policies

Strand accepts cash and major credit cards at the registers on each floor. There is no membership fee or loyalty program — you pay the marked price at checkout. Receipts are printed and show the title, price, and date of purchase.

If you want to return or exchange a book, bring it back with your receipt within a set number of days (typically 14 days, though you should confirm the current policy when you visit or call). The book must be in resalable condition — unread or only lightly read, with no markings, damage, or water stains. Used books that show obvious wear or have been read heavily may not be returnable. Staff at the register will inspect the book and let you know whether it meets the return standard.

Exchanges work the same way: you can trade a book you bought for another book of equal or greater value. If the new book costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, Strand does not typically refund the difference — you would receive store credit or choose a more expensive book instead.

Visiting Strand in Person

Strand is located at 828 Broadway at 12th Street in Manhattan. The store is open seven days a week, though hours vary by season and day of the week — you should check their posted hours or call ahead before visiting, especially on holidays or during special events.

The store can be crowded, particularly on weekends and during the holiday season. If you are looking for a specific book and want to avoid a long visit, calling ahead is a good idea. You can reach the store by phone and ask whether a particular title is in stock. Staff will not hold books over the phone unless you are a regular customer or the book is rare, but knowing whether it is there before you travel saves time.

Parking in the area is limited and street parking is metered. Public transportation — the subway — is the most practical way to reach the store if you are coming from elsewhere in the city. The store itself has no parking lot.

What Strand Does Not Offer

Strand does not have an online store where you can order books for delivery. You cannot browse their inventory on a website or place a hold on a book to pick up later. The store is physical-only, which means you must visit in person to buy books. This is different from large chain bookstores or online retailers that ship nationwide.

Strand also does not take special orders or search for out-of-stock books on your behalf. If a title is not in the store when you visit, you would need to check back another time. Some customers visit regularly and ask staff to keep an eye out for a particular book, but this is informal and not may provide.

Why People Shop at Strand

Readers visit Strand for several reasons. The used book selection is large and prices are lower than buying new, which appeals to people on a budget or those who read frequently. The rare books section attracts collectors and people looking for older editions or signed copies. The sheer size of the inventory — millions of books across three floors — means you can often find titles that smaller bookstores do not carry.

Strand is also a destination in itself. The store has been a New York landmark for nearly a century, and many people visit for the experience of browsing a large independent bookstore rather than for a specific purchase. The staff are knowledgeable about books and can make recommendations if you describe what you are interested in reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a book online and pick it up at the store?

No. Strand does not have an online ordering system. You must visit the store in person to purchase books. If you want to know whether a specific title is in stock before you visit, you can call the store and ask a staff member to check for you.

Do you buy used books from customers?

Yes, Strand buys used books from the public. You can bring books to the store and speak with a buyer about selling them. The amount you receive depends on the title, condition, and current demand. Not all books are purchased — older, damaged, or low-demand titles may be declined.

What is the difference between a used book and a rare book at Strand?

Used books are recent or moderately older copies in good reading condition, priced lower than new. Rare books are older editions, out-of-print titles, signed copies, or books in limited supply, priced individually based on scarcity and condition. Rare books are on the third floor and typically cost significantly more.

Can I return a book if I change my mind about buying it?

Yes, if the book is in resalable condition and you have your receipt, you can return it within about 14 days. The book must be unread or only lightly read, with no markings, damage, or wear. Ask at the register about the exact return window and condition requirements.

Is there a membership or discount program?

Strand does not have a formal membership program or loyalty discount. You pay the marked price for each book. Prices on used books are already discounted compared to new, and the store occasionally runs sales or promotions — ask staff about current deals when you visit.