Big News – as the announcement via Twitter reads – an Upper West Side Strand Bookstore will be opening at 450 Columbus Avenue, between 81st and 82nd Streets! This is the location where Book Culture was recently shut down. As we reported, Book Culture was having difficulty keeping the lights on and doors open, and eventually made the announcement they would be closing for good.
UWS residents had tried to help save the store, first by giving the owner Chris Doeblin investment money, and also by showing up to give their support once the landlords locked the doors.
The Strand Book Store Sees Revenues Decline, Seeks Help to Stay in Business
When news broke that Doeblin was $140,000 behind in rent, and had not been cooperating with landlords, many residents began to hope that something else could fill the space that would be beneficial to the community. The landlords were outspoken about their desire to keep the space a bookstore, and they have closed the deal with one of the most beloved bookstores in NYC.
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The Strand is a New York staple. It was opened in 1927 on what was called “Book Row” on Fourth Ave. With $300 in his pocket, and $300 he borrowed from a friend, Ben Bass opened up the first location. As a lover of books, he sought to create a home for book lovers. The name, The Strand, was based on a street in London where great authors like Dickens would hang out.
The Strand has become a family business past down from generation to generation. As of today, The Strand carries over 2.5 million books of all topics. The beloved dollar cart can still be seen outside their downtown location. Let’s hope they continue this tradition on the UWS as well.
Events are also an important part of The Strand’s culture. They host a wide variety of personalities and authors. With the expansion to the UWS, we look forward to keeping you posted on all upcoming events. They plan to include a weekend story time for children as well.
The Strand’s Upper West Side location is set to open this March and will be open 7 days a week.
Get the newsletter for updates:BIG NEWS!!! The Strand is coming to the Upper West Side! We’ll be opening a new location at 450 Columbus Avenue (between 81st and 82nd St) this March, and we’re thrilled to bring all of our Strand goodness to such a vibrant community. pic.twitter.com/43RcQSiKpd
— Strand Book Store (@strandbookstore) February 5, 2020
Featured photos by Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)].
