The last bookshopon Book Row.
Where Manhattan's old book trade once stretched six blocks — one storefront still keeps the lights on, the shelves full, and the door open.
A small shop with a long memory.
We don't try to carry everything. We try to carry the things that are actually worth carrying — and to know why each one is on the shelf.
Used & Out-of-Print
A deep general stock — literature, history, philosophy, NYC, film, art — most of it impossible to find new.
Antiquarian & Rare
First editions, fine bindings, signed copies, and 19th-century oddities pulled from estates across the city.
Book Searches
Looking for something specific? Tell us the title. We'll keep an eye out and call when it walks in the door.
We Buy Books
Bring a box, bring a library. Cash or trade for quality used and antiquarian books in good condition.
A bookstore that stayed.
The chains came. Rents tripled. Book Row went from thirty shops to one. Alabaster is what's left, and that's the whole point.
What people write home about.
“In a city where so many beloved independent bookshops have vanished, it’s a treasure to know, love & frequent Alabaster—one of the greats, truly! This intimate shop hums with quiet magic.”
“The staff is friendly and their selection of books is first rate. Found a first printing I'd been hunting for two years.”
“A genuine New York bookshop — the kind we keep being told doesn't exist anymore. Steve is a treasure.”
Hunting a specific title?
Steve maintains a long mental list of books wanted by long-time customers. Tell us what you're after — a first edition, an out-of-print novel, a title from a half-remembered cover — and we'll keep an eye out as new collections come in.
No obligation. We'll only reach out if we find something close to what you described.
Come find us on Fourth Avenue.
Between East 12th and 13th, just south of Union Square. Closest trains: 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, L at 14th Street–Union Square.
- Walk-ins welcome. Bringing books to sell? Best to call ahead so Steve can take a look properly — (212) 982-3550.