About Us & Our History

Why we are here...

Over time, huge changes affecting publishing and the book business have altered how book selling works. But one aspect vital to Book Culture that remains the same is there is not enough diversity in the representation of books and ideas. This is especially true of scholarly books, academic disciplines and all the subtle and rare variety of published thought and expression that exists.

At Book Culture, we know that reading enriches lives, families, and communities. To us, books and publishing are cultural treasures to be kept in trust by those that recognize the value that they hold. To ensure a vibrant and diverse future for books and publishing, a multitude of independent bookstores - each selecting titles based on their own tastes and interests, and those of their local customers, is essential. 

As Upper West Siders, we want to start turning the tide right here in our own community, on a current trend that sees independent bookstores - and the power of choice that comes along with them - disappearing at an alarming rate. As New Yorkers, we want to do our part to make sure that our city's rich history and reputation for being home to writers, publishing houses, editors, and bookstores, remains intact - as does our city’s position as the literary capital of the world.

We are here to offer book shops where you can browse and discover the widest range of publications in the arts and humanities that realistically be carried and we have created spaces for extensive representation of new books in areas you will not see elsewhere. We fulfill the essential role of being an independent source for ideas and literary art. A visit to one of our stores will energize your mind and remind you of the awesome scope of positive human intellectual and literary endeavor.

 


Our History...

Book Culture was founded as Labyrinth Books in 1997 by current owner Chris Doeblin and his partner at the time Cliff Simms. In the summer of 2007, Book Culture became a completely independent company when Doeblin bought out his partners. Chris began his career in the early 1980s with a brief stint selling books for Papyrus book store at 114th and Broadway, and then as the receiving clerk in the basement of the old Book Forum which was located across from the main gate of Columbia on Broadway. In those days you could eat Chinese at Moon Palaceor get egg creams and comic books at the Mill Luncheonette, people did not want to walk over to Columbus Ave. and nobody wanted to park on Riverside Drive. In the summers, this neighborhood was a ghost town, and bikers "the Harley kind" ruled the West End. When the Book Forum operation began to falter, Doeblin set out with his partner and founded Great Jones Books, a scholarly book wholesaler located in Yonkers. At the same time, beginning in 1995, a project was set upon to open an academic bookstore to serve the community we knew well, and where we had a decade of experience. Jonathan Cole, Columbia's Provost at the time shared that vision and with his help, by 1997, we had opened our doors as a bookstore in a Columbia-owned space here on 112th Street, in a building built for the Post Office. All these years later, this locally-owned independent book business continues to thrive.

In the fall of 2009 Book Culture opened a second location, Book Culture On Broadway. There has been an independent bookstore on the corner of Broadway at 114th Street for over fifty years. Now, with the strong support of the Morningside Heights community and the faculty and administration of Columbia University we are carrying on the tradition. Book Culture on Broadway is a true community bookstore. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, we are a meeting place, a fun place to stop and above all, a real bookstore. We feature new and classic fiction and nonfiction, mysteries, cookbooks, graphic novels, home & craft books and travel guides. Downstairs is the Children's Reading Room, a whimsical space filled with books, toys, games, puzzles, art supplies and plush toys. It is a fun and cozy place to curl up with a book or meet other families.

Book Culture opened Book Culture on Columbus in November of 2014. This beautiful and much loved location closed in January of 2020.

In 2017 we opened our fourth location, Book Culture LIC. Long Island City welcomed us with open arms, and the store quickly became fixture of the growing community.

In 2021, Book Culture opened a new location in Pittsford, New York. Located right on South Main Street, Book Culture Pittsford carries a wide assortment of books and gift items for the whole family. 

 

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