On the opposite spectrum, there’s the Strand. What used to be “home of 8 miles of books” has grown to “home of 18 miles of books.” Yes, the Strand is rather chaotic and always bustling with people and activities. You won’t get the intimacy of the other two stores but it certainly has a large selection of books on diverse subject matters at reasonable prices. It’s a different atmosphere but another great New York institution and resource. Plus they’re open until 10:30pm every night (though the rare book room closes at 6:20pm)!