Spoonbill & Sugartown Books — Local services in New York

I rarely feel compelled to write reviews, but my recent experience at Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers was so appalling, I can’t let it slide. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew something wasn’t right. The atmosphere that I had hoped would be warm and welcoming quickly shifted into something deeply uncomfortable and frankly, offensive.

I am a Black woman, and within minutes of entering the store, I was subjected to an unnerving encounter with an older woman who I can only assume was either the owner or a longtime employee. She didn’t just approach me in a friendly manner, nor did she welcome me in —no, she stared me down, and then came directly to where I was browsing and started rearranging books that were not out of order. I couldn’t help but notice her almost overzealous attempt to “fix” things nearby, as if trying to subtly mark me with some kind of surveillance.

It was an inexplicable combination of discomfort, embarrassment, and utter disbelief. How could someone in a bookshop—a place where learning and diversity should be celebrated—display such blatant racial profiling, especially with no sense of shame or awareness? Her demeanor made it clear that this was not an isolated mistake but a thoughtless, habitual attitude toward Black customers.

This wasn’t just a case of poor customer service—it was an outright racial microaggression that left me feeling dehumanized and unwelcome. The owner’s behavior was so off-putting that it completely overshadowed any potential value the bookstore might have had in terms of its selection. After all, who wants to shop somewhere where they’re made to feel like an outsider based purely on their race?

I will never return to Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers, and I strongly encourage others to reconsider if they wish to avoid being subjected to such a blatant and uncomfortable display of racism. There are so many other wonderful independent bookstores in the area that foster inclusivity and respect. This place...

Walking into Spoonbill & Sugartown feels less like entering a bookstore and more like trespassing into someone’s living room, where the host clearly wishes you hadn’t come. The vibes are consistently off. I hadn’t stepped inside for five years after a sour first encounter, but against my better judgment, I gave it another shot. Big mistake. The same cloud of condescension hung heavy in the air.

Case in point: a customer politely asked if there was a used section for nonfiction, since the store clearly has a section labeled "used and new" fiction. Simple question, right? Instead of a straight yes or no, the older man behind the counter launched into a five-minute spiral of circular non-answers. It was like watching someone dodge their own shadow. The poor customer walked away more confused than when they’d asked.

The place radiates a smug unwelcoming air, the kind that makes you wonder why they even bother keeping the lights on if they resent people coming in. Bookstores should be sanctuaries. This one feels like a test you didn’t agree to take.

I honestly hope that one day Spoonbill & Sugartown is either run by kinder, warmer owners or replaced altogether by something this neighborhood...

The staff was rude. I came initially looking for a couple of specific books as part of a Christmas present and this spot ended up being one that had it in stock. Since I was there I asked the staff working there if they could help me locate a few other books. I was met with attitude and a snippy remark that I should email them first to ask these sorts of questions. I was a bit confused since no one anyone else in line/it did not seem busy. My first time experience was much to be desired so I will not be returning to this spot mainly because of the treatment, I would rather support another small business if that is the case. Overall the bookstore was cozy and seemed to have a great...