BookCourt, the family-owned bookstore at 163 Court Street in Cobble Hill, is bucking the trend of smaller, locally owned booksellers being forced out of business by megastores like Barnes & Noble and Borders. The owners have announced that it will expand into adjacent space they now own, which will double the area of the store. Space for all categories of books will be expanded and new sections added. Non-fiction books will be moved from the basement to the street level, and the lower level will be used for remaindered, or bargain, titles. There will be a "dedicated events space for readings and performances" and, to top things off, a "small cafe & bar with an accompanying outdoor garden."
Addendum: Bklyn Native says:
I was a kid 25 years ago when BookCourt opened, and it's kept its indy vibe all these years. I know the owner's son (and St. Bernard). I wish them continued luck and success. Thanks for helping Brooklyn maintain its identity against the onslaught and the ChuckECheeseization of our fair borough.
And thank you, BN, for a vital addition to our vocabulary.
Wonderful!
Ahhh… This sounds amazing! Can’t wait.
So great to see a funky mom & pop more than holding their own against the generic and homogenizing corporate interests that work hard to turn Brooklyn into Dubuque (apologies to those from Iowa).
I was a kid 25 years ago when BookCourt opened, and it’s kept its indy vibe all these years. I know the owner’s son (and St. Bernard). I wish them continued luck and success. Thanks for helping Brooklyn maintain its identity against the onslaught and the ChuckECheeseization of our fair borough.
I love this store, and, as the son of a bookseller, fully appreciate the uphill battle that a small venue of this kind faces in todays marketplace. These owner have clearly demonstrated an understanding of the one thing that is essential to survival…they listened to the neighborhood and kept their finger on its pulse!
yay!
me likey booky.