Read Your Way Through Lincoln Square

March is National Reading Month, the perfect time to celebrate the joy of books. Whether you're adding to your personal library, borrowing a book, or looking for a cozy spot to read, Lincoln Square has plenty to offer. With bookstores, libraries, and inviting places to sit with a good book, it’s easy to get lost in a story right in the heart of the neighborhood.

If you love owning the books you read, Shakespeare & Co. (2020 Broadway between 69th & 70th Street) is a must-visit. This welcoming independent bookstore offers bestsellers, literary classics, and thought-provoking nonfiction. Take your time exploring, enjoy a coffee at the cafe, and pick out the perfect book to take home. The shop also hosts regular author events and book signings, making it a lively destination for book lovers. Soon, this will be the last remaining Shakespeare & Co., as the other locations are set to close in April. Thankfully, owner Dane Neller told East Side Feed that the 2020 Broadway store is thriving—so if you haven’t stopped by yet, now’s the perfect time to visit and show your support!

For more specialized selections, The Juilliard Store (144 West 66th Street between Broadway & Amsterdam Avenue) is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts, offering books on music history, performance, biographies, and more. Just a block away, the Met Opera Shop (30 Lincoln Center Plaza) invites you to explore books about opera, music, and the world of performance, all while celebrating the legacy of the Metropolitan Opera. For musicians, music lovers, or anyone with an appreciation for the arts, these stores offer unique literary experiences. 

Art aficionados will be delighted by the American Folk Art Museum Shop (2 Lincoln Square at Columbus Avenue and 65th Street), where books offer a deeper dive into the world of folk art. Explore a variety of books that highlight the stories, techniques, and artists behind this beloved art form. In The Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Circle), Paper Source, known for its stationery and gifts, also carries books that make fun additions to your home or a thoughtful gift. You’ll find self-help books, children’s stories, and cookbooks, each offering something engaging, inspiring, or useful for any reader.

Prefer to borrow a book? Lincoln Square is home to two New York Public Libraries. Riverside Library (127 Amsterdam Avenue between 65th & 66th Streets) offers a great selection for all ages across genres. You can browse their collection or find a quiet nook to read. The library also hosts a variety of literary events, including Little Movers Storytime for children 18 months to 5 years and a book club for adults, making it a great place to connect with community members and foster a love of reading at any age. If you enjoy reading digitally, you can borrow and download e-books from the library using the free Libby app.

A short walk away, the Library for the Performing Arts (40 Lincoln Center Plaza between 64th & 65th Streets) houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in theater, film, dance, music, and recorded sound. While best known for its non-book materials, you will certainly find books on these subjects. The library regularly hosts exhibitions and events, including a March 31 program celebrating Jennifer Ashley Tepper’s new book, Women Writing Musicals.

Once you've found your next read, settle in with a warm drink at a local café or enjoy a peaceful moment in Dante Park (Broadway & 64th Street) or Richard Tucker Park (Broadway & 66th Street). From browsing the shelves and attending literary events to getting lost in a good book, Lincoln Square is a great place to celebrate the love of reading.