La Librairie des Enfants — Local services in New York

This is not a place where you can take your child and look at books. I went around 4:30 pm and there was a private French lesson going on with a teacher and two kids at a table. The only table in the whole store. They told me I needed to be quiet because of the lesson. I wasn’t aware of private lessons going on but thought it was a public bookstore. It’s also tiny. No room at all to walk. The books in English are very minimal especially for younger kids. I was planning on buying something before I walked in and there was nothing that I could even consider buying because it was either in French or it was way beyond my 3 year olds level. Kinda disappointed as it seemed like a cute place that I had on my NYC list. Oh well! If you speak French, maybe check it out? But if you don’t, it isn’t...

I came by to have a look at this bookstore, as I have just started learning French. This was my second visit. The first visit, they were closed, despite posting signage that suggest otherwise and no notice on their website. Today, too, closed, and again, no notice on website and posted hours on the door indicated they were open. There was a woman inside, so when she noticed me she opened the door and demanded, "What do you want?" And kept demanding to know what I wanted. I was honestly speechless and insulted. Finally, I managed to piece together that the store was closed for renovation. OK, great, but there's no reason to be so rude to potential customer/fellow human being. It's a shame... I really want to support small businesses, but I think I'll pass...

This is a real neighborhood gem. I stopped in with my girlfriend back in December to buy some books for a young niece and before we knew it we had booked tickets to France and I was taking French conversation lessons. The owner and staff are very friendly, helpful, and happy to take special orders for books and learning materials. Plus, the associated café next door has the most delicious soups, sandwiches, and dinner specials that are very popular with neighborhood residents. The quiche is delicious and you must try the mousse au chocolat (chocolate mousse ... See? I'm already learning ... ) when they have it on the menu. I'll need to try their crêpes soon. If you are interested in France or just want to learn about French culture, it is definitely...