I’ve been going here frequently since I moved to the neighborhood. I went back today the first time since they relocated across the street, was looking for something specific, but the layout of the store has changed so I wanted to look around. I picked up a random book from the new fiction section, put my coffee down on the wooden counter next to me so I can browse quickly. Just as I opened the book, a middle aged woman with black cat-eye framed glasses strode towards me from the back of the store and asked monotonously : “Are you ready to check out?”. I soon recognized that the wooden counter is actually the cashier’s table, so I immediately picked up the coffee. This is within 2 minutes I’ve been in the store, so I said I was still looking. The woman then said irritably: “Can you not bend the book like that?” I was quite taken back, because I was simply holding it like anyone who would hold a small paperback book with one hand, thumb on the bottom and four fingers on the spine. But I apologized and replied: “Sorry but is there a place to put my coffee down, I don’t want to spill coffee around.” She then came at me, almost scolding, “I don’t want you to spill coffee around either, but THIS (the counter) is not a good place.” I’ve never had a issue coming here with a coffee, or holding a book with one hand. But if the store had a issue with that, they could have a table like many other stores do for people with coffee. I have nothing bad to say about the bookstore per se, but I’m pretty repelled by this experience with this particular staff, like some other reviewers have mentioned too. I hate Amazon, but at least it will save me from being scolded for violating the rules of prestigious independent local bookstores.

I walked in looking for a specific book. I didn't know the name of the author and the title escaped mind. I knew only that it had a lime green cover and was rather thin in page count. I asked one of the bookmongers to guide me to the shelf where this book might be. I needed a copy for a very important project I had recently started. The deadline being that same evening. I was desperate you see. The staff took turns helping me. We must have gone through all the books in the store when I noticed the sun setting. Piles of hardcovers and dusty old paperback were shorn from the shelves and polluted the large red Persian rug at the center of the establishment. Alas, nothing. Then, from out of the dark gate of the front door, the proprietor walked in. A figure whose head was shrouded in a dark heavy woolen hoodie, asked me what I was looking for. I drew a blank. I had completely forgotten why I was there. With one quick grand gesture the owner reached up to the top of a creaky bookshelf and produced a volume with a lime green cover engrained in splendid gold leaf and said "This is what you are looking for isn't it? The Unnameable Book."

5 stars but beware of one awful awful associate. Hate to give a small business a bad rating because of one person so will just put 5 stars since I have going to unnameable books for a while now and have gotten so many books from them. Unfortunately I will no longer be going back due to an extremely awful experience I had with one individual. She was extremely snappy, annoyed and aggressively made it obviously that she did not want anyone in there. It was my birthday the day prior and I wanted to show my out of town friend this neat little place I frequent but needless to say, the experience was awful. I will not go in to details since it’s irrelevant and I’m sure she was having the most awful day to behave like this- however, as a grown adult, she needs to be mindful how her actions and attitudes affect other people. As mentioned, overall the people there are usually friendly, helpful and overall extremely nice except for this one experience with this one particular middle aged individual.

So the bookstore seems like it has a wide selection of books, but I went there to sell some really great books because I am moving. The lady rifled through my books and selected six (including one hat bound signed by an author). When I said it was a signed book, she replied “I don’t care.” She offered me $10 for 6 books. Funniest thing she selected some of the most drab ones. (Anyway) I went out to find a different place to sell books on my phone, and when I came back to pick up my stuff 2 minutes later, there was another girl in line. She had 6 books selected with one hard bound, and got offered $40. I don’t know what kinda gold was in the next books. ‍♀️ (The other buyer happened to be white, just saying.)

A small independent book store in Brooklyn. It sells new and used books. I was impressed by how fair are their prices on used books. I spent a couple of hours one afternoon just looking through their bookshelves. They have a good selection of quality used books as well as new releases and the classics. The store is not far from the train station that is located right under Grand Army Plaza. The people who work there were knowledgeable and friendly. I would visit it more often if I lived closer. But the fact that it is not far from the Brooklyn Central Library, Botanical Garden and The Brooklyn Museum helps as those are places I visit often.

This is one of my most favorite corners in NYC! There is a fantastic bakery and an old-fashioned vintage book store! The latter is called Unnameable Books. They collect various books, both old and new ones. You can find some old-school collections there. The ambience in the store is so bookish! Books are scattered around the whole big room. They turn on very nice classical or any other intelligent music that made me stay there for a long time. I love the atmosphere of academics and enigma, and adventure that the owner managed to create there. If you are a bookworm you will definitely love Unnameable Books! I would love even to work there.

The middle aged lady was SO RUDE. The book collection was absolutely amazing here and my friend and I found so many great coffee books for awesome prices. However, instead of checking out, we ended up leaving because the lady was so unimaginably mean to us for sitting in a fold up chair that was out in the open. Don’t leave a chair in the area and expect people not to sit in it at a book store, talk about lack of common sense on her part. She definitely ruined the experience and I’ll never be back here again. Would have been 5 stars if it weren’t for her negative attitude.

One of the best used bookstores in New York, and in a great new spot attracting more readers than ever. Titles cater to politically and socially mindful, with great strengths in fiction, history, philosophy, and academic disciplines. Carts outside have some gems priced to go. Most of the stuff is quite reasonably priced, too. A solid selection of new books as well. I’m a super happy long-time patron because there’s always something new there, some title I’ve never heard of - definitely go for a browse before or after hitting up Ample Hills or Soda Bar across the street!

Lots of used books at affordable prices. Book quality is pretty good for a set of used items. Left with a boatload of classics for my end-of-summer reading. Some gems I brought home include "Poppies and Wheat" by L.M.Alcott, "Hesper" by H. Garland, and "The Book of Bugs" by H. Sutherland. Staff were so friendly. One of the clerks spent 30 minutes tracking "Poppies and Wheat" for me. This is a hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but unpretentious and a great source of used books. Ask for Mrs. Bourdillon (I think that's her name?), for help tracking rare books.

Most arrogant and out of touch bookstore staff I’ve ever encountered. Not only disinterested in certain types of literature (which is their right, of course,) but uneducated about it and highly condescending toward culture in under-represented regions of the U.S. I wouldn’t buy toilet paper from that store, much less anything that resembles a book after my brief but brain-atrophying experience there today

I'm a big bookworm, and Unameable Books is one of my favorite used bookstores, ever! For a store on the smaller size, it's super clean and organized and I've found myself spending over an hour here just browsing. The staff is friendly, patient, and very helpful, which is a big plus. During the warm months, they have events and readings in the backyard, and in the basement in the winter.

One of the best used bookstores in Brooklyn; especially great if you’re looking for used books from small presses; the depth of their selection is amazing. In addition to the books I bring home with me, I always leave with a list of 3 or 4 new books to look up. And then of course I find out those books are really interesting and I have to come back for them, and the cycle continues ;)

As a poet, traveler, and intellectual, I find myself constantly on the search for certain hard-to-find editions and translations. Unnameable Books is a revelation. It's one of the most expansive and high quality selection of used books I've ever found throughout my life. They were even open to shipping my books to my home city for me. Blessings to you all!

A wonderful new-and-used bookstore with a top-rate curated selection and quite a large selection as well! Most shelves are clearly labelled NEW or USED X. I'm more of a non-fiction person myself, and found their science, exercise, history, and especially philosophy sections to be top-notch. Prices are reasonable. A must-stop for any book lover.

Love this place. Small space (though they're moving into a bigger one) packed to the walls with books, with literature and poetry and books on design/art and philosophy/theory especially well represented. They have smaller sections on other topics too. Was one of the first places I visited after lockdown once it was safe. Well worth a visit.

I've been in here a few times now, and it's great to have a bookstore close to my home. I enjoy the selection of this place for browsing purposes - I can manage walking around the whole store and seeing what's there, as opposed to Myopic where if you don't know what you want... good luck. The staff is always friendly.

A pure joy to have such an exquisite book shop in the Prospect Heights neighborhood. The selection is excellent, a book browser’s paradise. I can’t express my thanks enough to the owners of this bookstore keeping the tradition of antiquarian and used books alive and thriving. Do visit. All COVID-19 measures in place.

This is a cute little book store, with a large poetry selection. Limited in other genres, but that’s not my issue. It is unethical to sell ARCs (advance reader copies). These are given by publishers before the book’s pub date. Also, not once in the dozens of times I’ve been there has anyone on staff said hello to me.

Definitely a more curated, selective used book shop. That's a good thing - it's not quite as overwhelming as most used book stores. I've spent an hour skimming the shelves, easily, when I wasn't even looking for one book in particular. It has that cozy, worn in, welcoming vibe that is my favorite with book stores.

Apparently none of my books were able to be purchased because they were considered "self help" books. Upon asking the cashier more about this, including the fact that I had seen a self help book on their own counter, which contradicted why they didn't buy my books, she refused to discuss it any further with me.

Unnameable was wonderful before they moved location but the new one really took me by surprise. They have a wonderful collection of used art books a bit more notable than your average McNally Jackson. Rustic but polished, definitely a gem in prospect heights. Like another person noted: funny categorization

Liked this quaint book shop, had some older books and a rare book section which my librarian sister loved. Great to visit but small in size. Although doesn’t look that small in pictures maybe just cuz they have books all over and sometimes on the floor as hey organize or put away things. Fun to visit!

Man I love this place. They almost always have the book I need and they're so helpful and pleasant when helping me find it. Someone who loves literature clearly runs this place: the selection of books is a fantastic mixture of hidden gems, the cutting edge literature of today, and warm fuzzy classics.

This place is a hidden gem of Brooklyn! A wonderful assortment of books, new and used, and the garden in the back where they have live events is adorable! Seriously, pop in if you’re in their neighborhood and check out the stacks and racks, you’re bound to find a book or two you’ll want to take home!

In my short NYC vacation I tryed found some books about Brooklyn history. It was impossible on Manhattan, cause big bookstores had many tourgides about Manhattan. In this store I bought 4 books about Brooklyn, include one fiction book. And I impressed by name of this place.

Unparalleled selection of books. You get the sense the shelves are stocked with what is good and not just what is trendy. They also host a series of community events (that stream online now) and support/ sell the work of some of the best new and established living authors.

nasty lady working, playing loud punk music. how am i supposed to choose a book when the music is so loud i can’t understand what i’m reading? awful, awful interblending sensory experience for anyone on the autism spectrum. and the lady working was super nasty!! good lord

Great little book store. Good selection of both new and used titles. What is really nice here is that the store itself is very well curated, including the used section, so they pack a lot into a pretty small space. Staff seem friendly, and the used prices are very fair.

A cool used bookstore with lots of selection. Stocked to the ceiling. Don't expect to find the latest NYT bestsellers all in stock, but definitely expect to find so many interesting selections that you'll have to be picky. Sell your old books for store credit!

Their prices are great and they pay fairly for used books. If you have good condition, relatively contemporary books you want to sell, try them before other used stores. You can get a better return for less here. Call ahead! Buyers don’t work every shift.

This is my favorite book shop in the neighborhood, They're always willing to help you out in a search and have good opinions/are well informed. The selection is always rotating so it's Nice to have a place to keep coming back to in find new gems.

Beautiful classic bookstore. Smells so strongly of old books, it's great! Full stacked with older classics, hidden gems, but also has newer reads. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's just a but hard to find anything. Adventures welcome.

I asked the clerk, just to make sure, whether they buy books as opposed to just selling them. The clerk giggled and pointed me to a shelf a few feet away. Then she went back behind the counter and made offensive remarks within my earshot

Pretty broad selection with reasonable prices. Used books are in good condition. You'll be leaving with more books then you intended to buy. The staff who assisted me were very helpful, especially a certain Penelope. Highly recommended.

Excellent used and new books, lots of niche offerings, chill folk music playing. Found some incredible graphic novels here and the kind of serendipitous finds you only get at a well-curated local used bookstore. Don't miss Unnameable.

Hoped there would be philosophy. Hopes confirmed. Didn't actually have the authors I wanted, but still 5-star selection of new and used philosophy, art, music, queer lit, and so on. Peaceful place, nice staff. Can't wait to return.

Best used bookstore in Brooklyn. Lovably chaotic with newly arrived books stacked waist-high, with selections of very weird and hard to find literature. And how many bookstores can say they have an entire room dedicated to poetry?

One can get lost in here even though it's small. Yes, it will get crowded at times but Brooklynites love books. I'm guessing it's independent but I'm not sure. Near the C train Clinton stop. Lot's of places nearby to sit and read.

A bit expensive for used books- I saw several books with yellowed pages for $20 or $12. However it seems like a good place to sell books - dropped off 4 for $22.50 in store credit (a good amount compared to other bookstores!)

Well-chosen selection of new and used, with some real finds. Bigger than it looks from outside; I easily spent over an hour here. Used books are in excellent condition at very fair prices. Worth making a special trip.

This was a great bookstore with a good selection of new and used. The used prices were so cheap that I left New York with my backpack stuffed! Highly recommend if you are looking for a great, cheap read.

I had twelve books already picked out from the "Cheap Book" carts outside even before I stepped foot in the store. What a wonderful store it was too. Needless to say, I didn't stop at twelve.

I love this place so much! I was able to find some amazing psychology books and all for a good price. They have a great selection and something for everybody. I will definitely be returning.

Great to be able to buy used books for a lower price and support an independent bookstore. Love to get ice cream at Blue Marble and then books here when I'm in the neighborhood. Perfect day.

Decent prices but it's hard to browse the books with people constantly jostling you and having to move out of the way. Maybe only come here if you know what you want and need to get it fast.

Excellent collection of gently used books in the heart of Brooklyn. Great for browsing or getting professional help with a specific need. Go and loose yourself for an hour to find yourself!

Wonderful bookstore, very well curated selection and such friendly staff! The man at checkout exchanged one of my books with a used version to lower my cost. Will definitely come back!

A charming bookstore with lots of books, particularly backlist and smaller press books - and an easy place to spend an afternoon in. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the city.

Typical local bookstore with eclectic choices, knowledgeable staff, and a really pleasant atmosphere. It's part library, part knowledge center. Much, much better than going online.

They have been so nice taking a lot of boxes of books I had inherited. They sorted through it all and took more than I thought. Local bookstores are such an important institution.

Friendly neighborhood shop with a great selection of new and used books including graphic novels and large format art books. Close to great bakery, ice cream and food options

I can't say I'd consider this in the top half of bookstores I have patronized. The selection, pricing, and staff were nothing special. But it is neat and organized.

This store has a decent selection of books but I just simply don’t feel welcome. In a city with a bunch of bookstores why choose a place with disinterested staff.

What a fun place to shop! In the 20 minutes I was there, I found a half dozen books that were so unique and delightful. I could get lost here for hours any day...

Amazing book store!! Wide selection of used and new books. They do a really good job or sorting them and are quick with orders. Will definitely come back.

Fantastic bookstore with some grumpy employees but they have a great selection of new and used books. Always worth a visit if you ignore the staff.

If you are on a budget but love books this place is definitely a go to spot!!! Loved it so much the cashier that was there was really nice too!! :)

A perfect small independent bookstore! Definitely the best in Brooklyn and up there with the Strand, despite its size. Definitely worth a visit

Probably the best bookstore I've ever been to. Has a great selection of used and unused philosophy books as well as fiction.

Cool shop. Funny categorization, but full of the sort of books a pro community type person like myself would be into!

Wow! I loved this place. The staff was really helpful. It allows two people at a time inside in this covid situation.

Cute, quaint new and used bookstore in Brooklyn. Helpful staff. Highly recommend a visit if you’re in the Big Apple!

I love this little bookstore! A great selection of used books. Will definitely be back the next time I'm in NYC.

Cool niche bookstop with large selection. Staff was nice and honestly the bookstore music playlist was amazing.

I only stayed for a little while, but it didn't take me long to find two books to buy. I'll definitely go back!

The selection is small but high quality. Prices are a little higher than other used book stores I've been too.

Very cute bookstore with new and used books and a cozy backyard. Great selection of poetry books.

Really great selection of used books with very reasonable prices! Will definitely be back.

really amazing selection, particularly on critical theory and art books :)! thanks xx

A great go to for both vintage and new books. Really intimate and friendly space.

A favorite spot, friendly staff and great collection of new and used books.

Great book nook with classic & modern reads; awesome outdoor reading area.

Love this spot. Small and cozy but with a unique selection of books.

Ended up buying 4 books while waiting on someone lol. Nice store.

if you don't like and enjoy a good book store ... that's on you.

Wide selection of used books with great variety and prices.

It has a lot of old books. Not what I was looking for

Great selection. Fun 5 dollar book cart.

lovely collection of books. great staff.

so many great reads for good values!