McNally Jackson is one of New York City's most celebrated independent bookstores, with five locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Founded in 2004 by Sarah McNally, the stores are known for their carefully curated selections, welcoming atmosphere, and robust events programming for readers of all ages.
For families, McNally Jackson is a standout destination. The Downtown Brooklyn location (inside City Point at 445 Gold St) features a dedicated children's section with small reading rooms and cozy nooks, spread across two floors with full wheelchair and stroller accessibility via ramp and elevator. The Seaport location runs a recurring "Seaport Kids" Saturday storytime series featuring author sing-alongs and themed workshops. Downtown Brooklyn has also hosted weekly storytime sessions on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — historically best for ages 4–8 and free with no RSVP required.
All five locations — SoHo, Seaport, Rockefeller Center, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn — have their own events calendars. Admission is always free to browse, and storytime events have historically been free as well. Check mcnallyjackson.com/events for the current schedule, as programming varies by location and season.
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