36-19 30th Street Astoria, Queens, NY 11106
I lived in Astoria, Queens around the time the Astoria Bookshop opened in its original location not far from the Broadway stop (then the N/Q) but it’s been a while since I wandered my old neighborhood and I’ve been curious about how the new location suits the store. It’s now around the corner from the 36th Street stop on the same line (now the N/W), standing halfway down a same tree-lined street. I was happy to discover it’s still a robust (and slightly larger) shop as ever.
On entering the shop one sees a framed sign reading “We welcome ALL races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientations, genders” etc., in a proud declaration of a safe space. Some may mock the idea of “safe spaces” these days, but in a world full of book banners and bullies, statements like these are as much in defiance of the world’s awfulness as they are embracing and welcoming human individuality and uniqueness, and I for one was happy to see it. Nearby were additional signs for events, meetings, readings, and book clubs, indicating a shop interested and active in kits reading community.
But on to the shelves themselves, vibrant and full of splashy covers and bestsellers, new releases in fiction and all the topical and important issues of our time—gender studies, pop culture memoirs, political examinations, Hispanic voices, and so on. Whole displays of LGBTQ+ books coming from every angle and background, self-help books exploring all manner of modern issues, and of course walls of fiction with loads of staff recommendations and notes throughout the shop. And like any good NYC bookshop worth its salt there was a New York shelf with fascinating titles particular to Queens, exploring unknown histories, famous figures, neighborhood backgrounds, notable biographies, maps and myths, and loads more.
And yes, you’ll find children’s books, poetry, gardening, art, fantasy, romance, gifts and cards, bookmarks and hats, the works. There’s a lot going on in this shop and I’m delighted that Astoria has a bookstore of this caliber. No good neighborhood is complete without one, and this one is worth the effort to visit, no matter where you’re from!
Atmosphere — Had the quintessential neighborhood bookshop feel: low-key and relaxed but full of great books and gifts, a few folks browsing but otherwise very chill on a weekday afternoon. Pointedly welcoming, and proudly so.
Quality — The books were new and curated well.
Quantity — Plenty of shelves and displays but not jam packed and without some space to explore. A nice balance.
Diversity — This shop hits most of the usual categories, with plenty of fiction, topical bestsellers, regional fare, and children’s books.
Affordability — The books were all very fairly priced.
Amenities — Nothing too out of the ordinary, though there are plenty of shops and eateries within a short walk of the shop.
Location — A block or two from the 36th Street station on the NW line in Astoria Queens, halfway down a quiet block.
Customer Service — The folks there were working at the main desk and chatting, and we quick to help when I was ready to check out.
Overall — I’m glad Astoria has this shop, even if it’s on a quiet side street away from some of the busier blocks in the neighborhood. With the excellent new selections, the proudly welcoming signage, and the relaxed browsing atmosphere, it’s a fine shop to keep Astoria readers from having to travel too far for great new reads and the chance to connect with other booklovers.
