The Yale Bookstore — Attraction in New Haven

I have visited this bookstore in the past and for the most part it can be enjoyable. My son likes to come here to search for Manga and this is the closest location when we can't get to the Milford, CT store. We went yesterday and was followed around and watched by an employee. We left the manga section after my son created a list of books he'd like to come back and purchase in the next coming week. We left the area because there were 2 students who were very loud and were playing around in the store during a seminar. The male employee who was watching and following us, came up to us and ASSUMED that it was us and told us that we had to keep it down. I had to inform him that it was the girls an aisle away from us that was causing all of the noise. Had he not been so hellbent on thinking (based on the way he acted), as if we were going to steal a book, he would have noticed that. My son proceeded to go to another section of the bookstore while I went to the restroom and he followed us and pretended to be organizing books directly across from us. I felt so uncomfortable and the whole situation was creepy and made me feel as though we were being stalked and harassed by this employee who seemed to have an issue with darker toned people. If he was so intent on organization then he could have fixed the pile of books that were practically falling off of the table as he continued to follow us as we made the decision to just leave because of the uncomfortable vibes we felt in the store. Because of this experience, I will purchase the books elsewhere in a more comfortable environment where we will not be stalked and harassed. This is the first time this has ever happened here in all of the years we've been coming to this location and it will be the last because it devalued the whole experience of visiting the bookstore. We love reading and in addition to purchasing books, we also visit the Little Free Library on Wooster Street in New Haven to pick up and drop off books that we've already read. If anyone is interested, I'd suggest visiting this area because it also has books for children and you can give away books that you no longer want for someone else to enjoy while picking up something...

During our trip to New Haven, we stopped by the Yale Bookstore, and it was a delightful experience. As expected from a university as iconic as Yale, the bookstore offered an impressive selection of items, all celebrating the Yale spirit. From apparel and accessories to books and unique gifts, there was something for everyone. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or just visiting, it’s easy to find a souvenir that captures the charm of the university.

We particularly loved browsing through the apparel section, which had everything from classic Yale sweatshirts to hats, mugs, and more. It’s the perfect spot to stock up on Yale-branded gear, although we’ll admit it wasn’t the cheapest shopping trip! That said, the quality and variety made it worth every penny, and it’s hard to leave without finding something to take home.

The bookstore is conveniently located near plenty of restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to stop while exploring New Haven. After our visit, we grabbed a bite to eat nearby and enjoyed walking around the area. The streets are lively, and there’s a great mix of local eateries and spots perfect for a quick coffee or snack.

Of course, being so close to the Yale campus added to the experience. We took some time to admire the stunning architecture and historic charm of the university grounds. The combination of the vibrant bookstore, the surrounding dining options, and the breathtaking sights of Yale made this part of our trip incredibly enjoyable.

If you’re visiting New Haven, the Yale Bookstore is definitely worth a stop. It’s not just a shopping destination—it’s a piece of the Yale experience, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the university and...

Absolutely abysmal customer service. I called to ask if they had a book in stock. I was told I would have to come in person to check if they had particular books available. I was asked how many books I was looking for. I replied that I was only looking for one book for my afternoon class. Then the woman on the line hung up on me.

For the future, I will be going out of my way to acquire my books and supplies elsewhere. At the cost of inconvenience, I will not be paying a cent to this bookstore. One of the few advantages a physical bookstore can claim over online purchasing options is the presence of human beings to engage with and assist customers. While the bookstore may subsist by leveraging its convenient location to get students to purchase overpriced textbooks, I will take my...