You’ve probably walked right past it. If you’re rushing toward the 79th Street subway station or focused on getting into Zabar’s, it’s easy to miss the dark green awning at 2246 Broadway. But Westsider Rare and Used Books is more than just a storefront. Honestly, it’s a miracle of physics and economics that it still exists in 2026.
Inside, the air smells like vanilla and decaying glue. It’s that specific scent of old paper that makes book people lose their minds. The aisles are so narrow you have to turn sideways if someone else is browsing. It’s cramped. It’s chaotic. And it is arguably the soul of the Upper West Side.
The Time the Neighborhood Saved the Stacks
Back in early 2019, things looked grim. Dorian Thornley, the owner, announced the shop was closing. The rent was too high. The foot traffic wasn't enough. He basically said that unless $50,000 fell from the sky, the "Going Out of Business" signs were staying up.
Then something weird happened.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
A local guy named Bobby Panza started a GoFundMe. He didn't even know Dorian that well. He just didn't want the shop to die. In four days, the community raised over $50,000. People didn't just want a bookstore; they wanted this bookstore. They wanted the floor-to-ceiling stacks and the rolling ladders that feel slightly precarious when you’re looking for a first edition of Ulysses.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It isn't just about the rare stuff, though they have plenty of that. You might find a signed Stephen King or a 19th-century poetry collection, but you’ll also find:
- A dollar bin outside that actually has good books.
- A massive fiction section that reaches the ceiling.
- Obscure plays and sheet music you won't find at a Barnes & Noble.
- Used LPs and CDs (mostly over at their sister shop, Westsider Records, on 72nd Street).
Navigating the Stacks (Literally)
If you visit, be prepared to climb. The shop uses every square inch of vertical space. There’s a staircase right in the middle, but the walls are lined with books so high you need the ladders. It’s a bit of a "browse at your own risk" situation, but that’s the charm.
🔗 Read more: Why the Blue Jordan 13 Retro Still Dominates the Streets
The shop specializes in modern first editions, art, and New York City history. But honestly? The best way to experience Westsider Rare and Used Books is to go in without a plan. You might be looking for a cookbook and walk out with a 1950s pulp sci-fi novel with a crumbling spine.
A Few Insider Tips
Don’t be afraid to move things. The shelves are often two layers deep. If you see a book you like, there’s probably another one hiding behind it. Also, check the stairs. Sometimes the "overflow" on the steps contains the most interesting recent arrivals.
Dorian and the staff know their inventory. It looks like a mess, but it’s an organized one. If you're looking for something specific—like a first-print Philip K. Dick or an old New York City map—just ask. They probably know exactly which corner it’s tucked into.
💡 You might also like: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
The Reality of Running a Used Bookstore Today
Let’s be real: running a shop like this in Manhattan is a nightmare. Rents haven't gotten any cheaper since the 2019 rescue. Westsider survives because it’s an anomaly. It doesn't follow the "clean, minimalist" aesthetic of modern retail. It’s a holdout from an era when the Upper West Side was the literary capital of the world.
The shop has been around in some form since 1971. It started as Barqu Bookstore, then Gryphon Books, before Dorian and his former partner took over in 2002. It’s survived the rise of Amazon, the Kindle, and a global pandemic.
Actionable Next Steps for Book Hunters
If you want to support the shop or find something truly unique, here is how to do it right:
- Visit in Person: The website is functional, but it doesn't capture the "treasure hunt" vibe. Go to 2246 Broadway (between 80th and 81st).
- Bring Trade-Ins: They do buy and trade, but call ahead first. They’re picky because, frankly, they’re out of room.
- Check the Records: If you’re a vinyl head, head over to Westsider Records at 233 West 72nd Street. It’s owned by the same folks and has that same "organized chaos" energy.
- Follow the Local News: The West Side Rag and other local blogs are where the shop’s community lives. If there’s ever another "save the shop" moment, that’s where you’ll hear it first.
Westsider Rare and Used Books isn't just a place to buy things. It's a reminder that New York still has a few dusty, quiet corners left if you know where to look.