266 W 39th Street, New York, NY
As one may have guessed from the name of the bookshop, this one focuses on all things concerning the dramatic arts, from plays and scripts to books examining the world of film, television, theater, acting, directing, writing music and writing for the stage, and much more. Not only is this the perfect bookshop to accompany NYC’s nearby theater district, but it’s the perfect place to hang out on a rainy afternoon, which is how I discovered the shop.
The Drama Book Shop was quite full when I entered on a rainy Tuesday, with people in every seat, a few sitting on the floor, and some leaning against walls, anywhere to stay dry and to read. Some had laptops out, perhaps working on their own dramatic works. The walls were covered in vintage stage and film posters, the shelves were offset with artifacts from movies and stage plays, and artistic sculptures “made” out of books spiraled overhead, twisting through the shop and “exploding” into the walls. Besides the artwork throughout, the shelves themselves or gorgeous: sturdy and strong with plush carpeting beneath the latter half of the shop. The store has a comfortable, almost library-like feel to it, a welcoming sort of calm offering respite from the busy streets outside.
The store has gifts and a coffee counter with a variety of beverages and pastries available. There are bathrooms (I can’t tell you how many shops do not offer this simple amenity) and plenty of places to sit and read, chat, work, etc. The books were lovely too, organized and pristine. The bulk of the rear of the shop were plays by order or playwright, but there were also staff picks, songbooks, libretti, items for kids, and more.
Closer to the front were books on stage design, dance, film directors, musical writing, TV writing, memoirs, biographies, and bestselling novels, essays, short stories, etc. Obviously the shop doesn’t cover all the subjects and categories and genres that a normal bookshop does, but if it’s even tangentially related to the theater, to film and television, and to writing or performing any of the above, then you can probably find it here. With friendly staff, good coffee, and a well-organized selection of books, it’s clear to see why this is a mainstay of the theater district.
Atmosphere — Both orderly and artistic, quiet and communal, a shop as full of books as it is full of art and artifacts, places to sit and read, work, chat, and drink coffee.
Quality — There books are pretty much all new and of high quality.
Quantity — There are a great deal of books, plays, and musical guides here; the shop has a robust selection available.
Diversity — It’s hard to say the shop is diverse in subject matter in the same way a Barnes & Noble or Strand is, but within the realm of “drama,” it is certainly diverse: the shop has plays, songbooks, biographies, memoirs, tell-alls, books on playwrighting, filmmaking, technical guidance, and a wide spectrum of other subjects within Drama.
Affordability — The books and plays were all very fairly priced for new books.
Amenities — There are plenty, from artifacts from film, TV, and the stage, to a café with drinks and pastries, chairs and tables, art, gifts, and more. Plus multiple bathrooms (you’d be surprised by how many bookshops don’t have one).
Location — Between Penn Station and Times Square, just off of 8th Ave. Pretty convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Customer Service — The staff all seemed present and helpful.
Overall — For those interested in film, the stage, playwrighting, acting, directing, or pop culture in almost any dramatic form, this is the shop for you. Beautifully organized and presented, the shop is a welcoming place to browse, read, and commune with other lovers of the stage and screen. From the book art on the walls to the books on the shelves, this store is excellently curated and worth the visit.
