While in New York, If you dont visit this book store, you miss something serious
With over 250 employees and 2.5 million used, new, and rare books, the Strand store contains some of the most diverse literary collections in the World.
You get too much to see .Any and every international author. Magazines ; New and old. Books;New and old. Sell your old books and magazines. You can literally spend the entire day here. The ambiance inside is super cool and welcoming . You also find a wonderful selection of stationery , souvenirs and gifts like Caps, Mugs, Bags and water Bottles etc.If you visit dollar one section, You are sure to get so many books of your choice .This dollar one section is also spread on L shaped footpath surrounding the store. I too spent almost one full day over here to buy three Books. To locate your favourite author, You need to make a search that almost exhausts you . On the footpath, You have a stand where books are sold for 48 cents.
There is a separate section with separate entrance that buys old books.
If you love rare books, go to the top floor and check out the selection there. And keep watch ; The man close to you with heavy perfume on his body could a celebrity . A hollywood Actor or somebody from the fashion industry.
Founded in 1927, Strand is perhaps the most frequented book store in the city, with more than 2.5 million new, used and rare books. The store says “18 MILES OF BOOKS”—cramming the shelves. Many new titles are sold well below list price. Classic novels, poetry, novels and non fiction, History, Art, children books and so many varieties.
Visit third floor for early editions and rare signed copies of books.
The carry bag provided by the store has names of so many world famous authors/ writers and poets printed on it. Something like a Souvenir to preserve.
The Strand Book Store has been featured in many Hollywood films ( Movies like Six Degrees of Separation, Julie and Julia and Remember Me ) and many TV serials.
Over here, some precious books are kept under safe locks. I am informed that they have first edition copy of Alice in wonderland for 15000 US dollars. First edition of a shakespeare drama for US Dollars 100000 .I was told by an employee that first Edition of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles Another Adventure Of Sherlock Holmes’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is in safe lock at this store and is is available for $4,500 . So are many first editions of some rare books available for sale.
It is a real privilege to join some Book reading or event at Strands . Interaction with authors, intellectuals and thinkers in the Event room over here could be enriching, rewarding and heartwarming, . This book store has hosted Senator Bernie Sanders, Author Salman Rushdie, David Sedaris, James Franco, Robert Caro and Marina Abramovic. You can ask questions, take photos, or simply take a back seat and enjoy the event . The latest event notice at Strands trand as under :
“ AUG
19, 2018
SUNDAY
JENNY KROIK + THE SKETCHY BOOK CLUB
2PM – 4PM
THE RENOWN ILLUSTRATOR IS HOSTING A LITERARY DRAW-IN.”
Should you visit strands with children, better go to the Children’s Corner on the second floor for Story Time. Here children can meet their favorite characters, hear new and old classic stories, and participate in arts and crafts and other fun activities.
Spread in many floors and a basement, this shop has survived in the not so rosy business of book selling post arrival of internet .
Book Kiosks have also been opened at various locations in Manhattan. And i saw a small outlet of this store in Times Square just opposite to’ Old Navy’ ready to wear Garment store. Although it is a fraction of the size of the Union Square Strand, yet it offers a wide selection of books for Tourists .A very small outlet but very much visible to thousands of tourists who keep strolling in this area.
Autar Mota is a blogger, Translator and writes in english, Urdu, Kashmiri & Hindi. His write-ups have appeared in many national magazines & journals
