Babbo Bookstore opening on 9th Ave

i still can't tell if it's new or used books. anyone know?

Hey folks,

From the world of Windsor Terrace, Babbo Bookstore now has their awning up!

They're opening (or so says a sign on their door) on 10.25. This Wednesday.

I spoke with the mother of the owner. It's a new and used bookstore, family operated. The woman who's running it lived in Florence for some time, and her father was an Italian book-binder (he's passed) so hence the name "Babbo", meaning dad or daddy in Italian. (Yes, it does.).

They thought it would be a nice way to remember their father by opening a bookstore and naming it Babbo.

They also sell nice old editions of books. Complete works of Jane Austen with green linen box cover! Nice.

Let's try and stop by on Wednesday. Welcome them to the neighborhood. It's on PPW between the Square (Circle) and the Cemetary. Down a few stores from Windsor Cafe.

I think it's a great addition to PPW.

i just bought a biography of f. laguardia there last night. it's a modest little store, just about right for the neighborhood. i liked it and hope it stays in business.

Jefe: We have many beautiful pinatas for your birthday celebration, each one filled with little surprises!
El Guapo: How many pinatas?
Jefe: Many pinatas, many!
El Guapo: Jefe, would you say I have a plethora of pinatas?
Jefe: A what?
El Guapo: A *plethora*.
Jefe: Oh yes, El Guapo. You have a plethora.
El Guapo: Jefe, what is a plethora?
Jefe: Why, El Guapo?
El Guapo: Well, you just told me that I had a plethora, and I would just like to know if you know what it means to have a plethora. I would not like to think that someone would tell someone else he has a plethora, and then find out that that person has *no idea* what it means to have a plethora.
Jefe: El Guapo, I know that I, Jefe, do not have your superior intellect and education, but could it be that once again, you are angry at something else, and are looking to take it out on me?

steve wrote: [quote=Flexichick]
I can't imagine anybody opening up a successful independent bookstore these days as I don't know how owners can compete with B&N, Amazon, etc.

I think the plethora of indy bookstores on 7th Avenue is testament to their competitive possibilities. Outside of Manhattan and Brooklyn, it may be a lot tougher, but there are many thriving examples in those two boroughs that come to mind.

Also come to think of it, there is a pretty good used book scene in South Florida, Palm Beach and Miami in particular, as well. Of course Miami is my third favorite borough, so that may not count.


Plethora? How many do you think there are? 2? 3? Is that a "plethora"? Plus, I think at least one of them has closed in recent years.

I love indie bookstores, but I just don't think they can survive these days. The ones I know have been around a LONG time (pre-Amazon, etc.).

A simple look at the examples I already posted indicates that indeed indie book stores can survive, new and old. Offhand, you can go to Cobble Hill, Williamsburg, and Manhattan to witness this exciting fact if you don't believe me. Not all businesses survive of course, but many indie book stores do.

Alternately, we could continue your pedantic argument as to whether the 3 bookstores constitute a plethora.