Book Culture - Best Book Shop in NYC

Book Culture, originally known as Labyrinth Books, was established in 1997 by Chris Doeblin and his then-partner, Cliff Simms. A pivotal moment came in the summer of 2007 when Doeblin acquired full independence by buying out his partners, solidifying Book Culture as a standalone entity.

Chris Doeblin's journey in the world of books began in the early 1980s, with a brief stint selling books for Papyrus bookstore at 114th and Broadway. Later, he worked as the receiving clerk in the basement of the old Book Forum, situated across from the main gate of Columbia on Broadway. Those were the days when you could enjoy Chinese food at Moon Palace or grab egg creams and comic books at the Mill Luncheonette. The neighborhood was a bit different then, with people avoiding the trek to Columbus Ave., and Riverside Drive parking being less appealing. In the summers, the area transformed into a quiet ghost town, ruled by bikers of the Harley variety on the West End.

As the Book Forum faced challenges, Doeblin and his partner embarked on a new venture, founding Great Jones Books, a scholarly book wholesaler based in Yonkers. Concurrently, starting in 1995, the vision took shape to open an academic bookstore catering to the familiar community where they had a decade of experience. Jonathan Cole, Columbia's Provost at the time, shared this vision and played a pivotal role. By 1997, Book Culture opened its doors in a Columbia-owned space on 112th Street, housed in a building originally constructed for the Post Office.

Today, this locally-owned independent book business, born out of passion and perseverance, continues to thrive, contributing to the rich literary landscape of the community.