Housing Works Used Book Cafe

I think you have to bear in mind that this is just the book outlet of a multi-location thrift shop. It's not a high-end publishing emporium. Since things are donated, condition is not always optimum--and I've passed on things I wanted because of the condtion--but you can always find a few cheap paperbacks to read on the subway. I've never gotten any attitude from staff, but goddess knows, everyone has their good and bad days. more

I love this place's space more than its selection. It's really lovely, with a second floor balcony of books, a small cafe and comfortable spaces betweeen aisles and shelving. I never find much great stuff here, but when I'm in the area, it's a nice place to browse and take a break. more

I frequently pop into Housing Works on my way up to the Broadway-Lafayette stop when browsing Soho for a decent cup of coffee and a good book. There are serious bargains to be found here. On a recent trip, I picked up 6 nearly new plays for under $30 (each had probably only been read once and they were big publishing house glossy cover editions, not the flimsy cover rehearsal editions). The cafe is staffed by volunteers, so be patient. You can't really go wrong with a coffee or a cafe au lait. The double chocolate brownie is DELICIOUS. Clean bathrooms. Large selection. Cheap carts. Events on many nights of each month. A book lovers heaven. And to top it all off, all proceeds go to a worthy cause. more

First of all they made me check my STROLLER. Umm, so I had no choice but to carry a 29 pound squirming toddler and I am quite OBVIOUSLY pregnant. Needless to say the visit was off to a bad start. They also made me check my purse. I wasn't thrilled with that AT ALL. I had to take my credit cards and anything that was important with me while holding my ornery child. Not to mention the person in charge of checking the bags didn't look very trustworthy. I felt about as safe as a virgin in a brothel! The books were shabby. I know it's used but I didn't expect it to look chewed on and so abused. I know it's a good cause but I ended up leaving frustrated and not buying anything. My arms were aching from carrying my son. To top it off the sandwich that I bought had wilted slimy lettuce on it! I was SO grossed out! Never again! And the prices were NOT that great either!!! more

I think it's a great idea to donate the profits of this store to charitable causes but I do think they need a better platform to deliver on this. First and foremost, the store is hidden in Soho. You kind of have to get lost to find it. So, there obviously isn't good marketing (or word of mouth or both). Second, some of the people that work there obviously aren't happy with what they do because the attitude dished out is downright toxic at times. Yes, they have coffee and sandwiches but I don't think it's worth it to make the trip. I also don't like the fact that they make you check in your bag/purse regardless of the size. Unreal. more

The Used Book Cafe is totally dependent on the donations of people looking to help charity as it is a thrift shop. Stacks of paperbacks for fifty cents or a dollar. Pick a bunch up and then take a seat at the cafe and order a cup of joe a piece of cake and start reading. Not only are the deals great but the money goes to charity. more

The selection is totally dependent on what has been recently donated. That being said I've gotten some great deals here over the years by just being lucky. The idea that you're getting a book you want and helping a worthwhile charity at the same time makes this shop different shopping experience wise. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the neighborhood. They have lots of other neat donated items and I've gotten some great CDs here also. more

Around the corner from expensive Soho clothing boutiques, almost hidden, is the Housing Works used book store and cafe. Decent selection, and ridiculously cheap prices. They have stacks of 50 cent or $1.00 books that far outdoes anything that The Strand discount stacks offer. They also have couches and a coffee bar, inviting you to spend an afternoon there. Workers are friendly, and all books are donated, and all proceeds go to help homeless men and women with HIV/AIDS. more