12th Street Books: Best Closed Used Bookstore in Manhattan

Rumors continue to swirl that this little basement bookstore is threatening to close or relocate, but it all seems to be baseless twittering. And if it ever does disappear, we will almost give up trying to find quality used books in the city. While others cater to rare-book tastes or overpriced selections—complete with misanthropic proprietors—this short-aisled shop continues to stock hard-to-find titles without the perplexing penchant of charging almost-brand-new prices.
Organization is just right: alphabetical by sections but still disorganized enough to make you feel like you’re discovering some lost jewels. You won’t get rich on trying to re-sell your books (don’t even try, just head over to the nearby Strand for that). The selection of lit, architecture, art and criticism is so fine that you won’t mind the little inconveniences.