Brownstone Books Closes Its Doors
A tipster sent along the news that Bed Stuy’s Brownstone Books has closed. “They are a few storefronts down from Bread Stuy on Lewis, which was in danger of closing because of unpaid back taxes, but then a party kept the doors open,” she tells us. “The book store had a lot of community events…
A tipster sent along the news that Bed Stuy’s Brownstone Books has closed. “They are a few storefronts down from Bread Stuy on Lewis, which was in danger of closing because of unpaid back taxes, but then a party kept the doors open,” she tells us. “The book store had a lot of community events over the years, and every time I went to visit in the past year or two, the shelves were not full, which could mean they had limited funds to stock inventory.” The bookstore, at 409 Lewis Ave., has been in the neighborhood for ten years. Sad indeed. GMAP
Running a bookstore can’t easily be profitable. The cynical part of me wonders if there might be some kind of business model in collecting some kind of commission from real estate brokers when one opens that kind of business, since it sort of instantly makes a neighborhood seem more desirable. Has anyone ever done that? Has anyone ever tried?
Sucks to lose a community gathering space too, especially a children-friendly one.
Yeah, I’m tired of having to shop outside my neighborhood too. I hear you!
(Though I will add I have had to do this everywhere I live in Brooklyn and Queens. Sigh.)
We have a very tasty produce store nearby but no organic or grassfed meat nor any true whole wheat bread.
Something with wider appeal that a holiday store. A place that fills a general need for the neighborhood. My first priority would be some kind of high quality food offering. I live right near Lewis avenue and walk down it every day. In my opinion, we need more food options. I’m tired of having to shop outside my neighborhood.
Macon Man, what kind would you like?
One of those pretty antique stores further up would be nice, and maybe they could sell magazines and organic chickens, LOL.
Yes, a real loss to the neighborhood to be sure. It was one of the great things about that area. Sadly, though, I didn’t get over there that often — Bed Stuy is so huge and I don’t get to Lewis on weekend mornings — only in the evenings to go to Sara’s or Peaches, usually. But when I did go I would buy a magazine or two or a book.
I hope all is well financially with Crystal and wish her the best with her house renovation.
A real loss for the neighborhood. Maybe the owner will reconsider someday. If not, I hope someone else will open another bookstore.
Crystal, who owned the store was great and I love her. That being said, the bookstore never had enough general interest books. It did appear to have great children’s story hours, etc. I read a lot, but there was never anything there for me to buy. Also, the Macon Street Library is just down the street.
On the Bed-Stuy House Tour I received a flyer advertising a new store to go into this location. It was a holiday bric-a-brac store. I’m not sure if it will be a pop up store or a permanent resident. It said it would be opening November 15th. I personally would rather a different type of store, but that’s just me.
sorry to hear, great people, they will be missed
It is a great spot, and I’m hoping for the best in that location, too. Brownstone Books was great. They held readings and children’s hours, and had a wide variety of titles and subjects, and were a wonderful asset to the community.
I understand that the owner was ready to do other things, including finishing the renovation of her house, which is nearby, and has been on hold for some time. I wish her and her family the best, and success in whatever’s next.
I do hope someone, somewhere, if not here, opens another quality book store in the community, Bed Stuy and Crown Heights. I realize it’s a hard business to be in, but it’s such an important resource for a growing community. Reading is one of those things that should be encouraged throughout life.