Housing Works Bookstore

Welcome to Housing Works Bookstore, a unique combination of bookstore, event space, cafe, and social enterprise located in the heart of Soho at 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012.

Stepping into Housing Works Bookstore is like entering a literary wonderland. The stunning interior, featuring gorgeous woodwork, giant columns, and curved staircases, exudes charm and character. As you explore the shelves stacked with a mix of new and old books, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of literature.

What sets Housing Works Bookstore apart is not just its selection of books but its mission. The bookstore operates on donations, with all profits going towards important causes like ending homelessness and supporting HIV/AIDS research. By browsing and purchasing books here, you're not just expanding your reading collection but also contributing to meaningful social initiatives.

Customers rave about the helpful and knowledgeable staff, the cozy cafe section where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while perusing books, and the beautiful ambiance created by the lights and shelves stretching up to the ceiling.

Whether you're a long-time New York resident or a visitor drawn in by its reputation as a filming location for Taylor Swift, Housing Works Bookstore promises a one-of-a-kind experience. From the carefully curated selection of books to the unique housewares and clothing available for sale, there's something for everyone in this literary haven.

So next time you're in the Soho area, make sure to stop by Housing Works Bookstore for a truly special bookstore experience that not only feeds your love for literature but also supports a noble cause.

Housing Works Bookstore Menu

Location

Address: 126 Crosby St New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 334-3324

🕓 Work Hours
MON 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
TUE 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
WED 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
THU 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
FRI 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
SAT 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
SUN 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Business info

  • Reservations
    No
  • Delivery
    No
  • Takeout
    No
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    Yes
  • Hipster, Classy, Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Happy Hour Specials
    Yes
  • Beer & Wine Only
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Private Dining
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Sydney W.

    28 June 2024

    Came because of Taylor Swift. Stayed for the ambiance and the books. Love it here! The work they do is amazing.

  • Author: C.O. M.

    13 April 2024

    The Housing Works Bookstore is an extraordinary place-amazing books, wonderful housewares, gorgeous clothes and a delicious cafe. I never go in there without leaving with my hands full! (Recent find: a spectacular coat) Even more so, the Housing Works Bookstore is an incredible place to hold an event. We scheduled an evening of four writers - Melissa Giberson-LATE BLOOMER, C.O. Moed (IT WAS HER NEW YORK), Amy Ferris (MIGHTY GORGEOUS), Sherry Amatenstein (THE COMPLETE MARRIAGE COUNSELOR). We needed mics and a projector. We got that and more. The Bookstore marketing team - a tiny operation with a huge workload - took my amateur publicity poster and redesigned it into a professional and gorgeous image. Eventbrite RSVP was set up and we were incorporated into all their postings and emails. Everything was so well done and we were able to also use their materials for our own listings. The day of the event, the Bookstore staff set us up in split-second time and made sure our lack of technical acuity did not sabotage our presentations. We were so supported - not something that happens all the time when doing a book event AND OF COURSE my husband and I also brought home a beautiful lamp and some amazing books. It is one of the best places in NY. In the picture: Melissa Giberson-LATE BLOOMER, C.O. Moed (IT WAS HER NEW YORK), Amy Ferris (MIGHTY GORGEOUS), Sherry Amatenstein (THE COMPLETE MARRIAGE COUNSELOR). Books are available for sale at Housing Works Bookstore!Melissa Giberson-LATE BLOOMER, C.O. Moed (IT WAS HER NEW YORK), Amy Ferris (MIGHTY GORGEOUS), Sherry Amatenstein (THE COMPLETE MARRIAGE COUNSELOR). Books are available for sale at Housing Works Bookstore!

  • Author: Benson Y.

    06 November 2023

    Housing Works Bookstore is different than your typical shop. It first caught my eye when I noticed its gorgeous interior as I walked by. Inside one of Soho's older buildings, the shop features gorgeous woodwork, giant columns and curved staircases that lead up to the second level. Towards the back is a cafe with some pretty lighting strung across overhead. There is a bathroom for customers off to the side (the other bathroom is for staff only). This is not some Barnes & Noble competitor. Housing Works Bookstore relies on donations and its profits all go towards causes like ending homelessness. I came here looking for books for my niece. The children's book section is ordered alphabetically by author's name so I just googled the books I wanted and...well, they didn't have any of the ones recommended online so I wound up just browsing the shelves until I found a couple she would like. They were priced very reasonably. They were in good condition and marked at about 30% off which was more than fair. The staff was very nice and helpful. I also noticed as I wandered around that the second level also had clothing and housewares for sale. If you're looking for a book in Soho I would definitely check out Housing Works. It is a beautiful store with a nice staff and you'll be helping a good cause.

  • Author: Grace B.

    07 September 2023

    I've been a couple times and it's quite literally a dream. A combination of new and old books, located in Soho, Housing Works is an incredibly cool bookstore simultaneously committed to preserving literature and funding community orgs and HIV/AIDS research. Their store is beautiful with the dark wood details and high ceilings. Their staff, although a little pretentious, is super helpful and really really knows their store and their books. Whether you're a NY long time resident or a visiting Taylor Swift fan, support Housing Works!!

People Recommend