Housing Works Bookstore Café is a unique destination in both retail and social entrepreneurship. A beautiful space in a historic downtown building with high ceilings and mahogany-paneled bookshelves, the bookstore opened its doors in 1998. Since then, everyone from SoHo shoppers to Housing Works’ clients to world-famous literati climb classic spiral staircases to browse for books, then curl up in comfy chairs with coffee and a homemade cookie. The best part? Every dollar from ever customer goes to support Housing Works’ mission to end homelessness and AIDS.
The bookstore opened in 1998 and soon attracted loyal fans including author Jonathan Lethem, who helped form a board of literary insiders to spread the word about this beautiful new bookstore with a mission. Ten years later, The Bookstore Café is an unparalleled hotspot for New York's literary community, hosting countless readings, panels, and parties for every major publisher, as well as magazines from Lucky to The New Yorker. It's also been featured in film and television projects including Margot at the Wedding, Enchanted, Sex and the City, and Law & Order.
In 2003, music journalist Alan Light brought the store its next endeavor—live music. He invited musician Ryan Adams to perform at the Café between gigs opening for the Rolling Stones at Madison Square Garden. Live from Home, a monthly benefit concert series bringing in celebrated and up-and-coming musicians, was born. In January 2008, Live from Home celebrated its fifth anniversary with an unforgettable performance by rock ’n’ roll legend John Mellencamp.
Recently, the Bookstore Café has expanded its offerings in several ways. Two satellite Café’s now operate at New York University, and the Open Air Book Sale takes over Crosby Street each fall (and spring, starting this June!) Additionally, the store’s internet sales division is always growing, sending books and music all over the world, and putting every penny towards fighting AIDS.
126 Crosby Street (one block east of Broadway between Houston and Prince)
W, R to Prince;
B, D, F, V to Broadway/Lafayette;
6 to Bleecker
General Information: (212) 334-3324
