Borders

As an English major and rabid devourer of books, I am sad to see that Borders is closing for good, this location in particular. I will miss spending hours wandering around and poking through the shelves, or being able to find obscure magazines for friends who live in less urbanized places.
With the liquidation sales that are going on, this location is a bit of a mad house. On the plus side, it receives shipment from the warehouses (I’m assuming it’s stock that never sold at other, already closed locations) but on the minus side there’s not an employee to be found, save for behind the registers. If you’re looking for a particular book, just know that you may very well not find it.

Disappointingly no one picks up a book anymore in this degrading and upgrading technology era. I’m sadden Borders has become a victim of this ailing economy.
With multi levels I always spend hours browsing to be lost in the crafts, foreign language, romance, travel, and self-​help categories. Their restroom facilities always are closed for patron usage. This Borders is conveniently located near New York’s Pennsylvania Station. This Borders is clean and good ample space between aisles, but of course like many lacks seats.

3.5 stars…
Run of the mill Border’s bookstore. There’s not much to praise or compliment. I could elaborate on it’s average-​ness but I’ll stop there.

There needs to be more chairs!!!
The other borders back in sf has a strict no sitting on the floor policy. They remedied the pro lemon by adding more chairs to the café and all around. This borders needs it for the people waiting for the train or who actually want to read a book. (However maybe not in the nyc tour book sections) i felt bad for all the people with bigger bottoms including myself, trying to squish our tush on the ledge just to enjoy some old fashion reading from an actual book! Anywhoo, they have a small selection of natural healing compared to barnes and noble. Slightly disappointing. Oh! Cant forget the bathrooms! They’re decent as can get.

Well, it’s a big corporate bookstore, but I like them. I like how their rewards program sends me coupons, and I like that this location is close enough to my job that I can go buy something on my lunch hour.
I went there a couple of days ago and wavered between using my coupon to get a book for myself, or a present for my nephew. The nephew won — but today they sent me a new coupon, so I’m going to go back and get that book for me!
I like that they’re still open, unlike several other former Borders locations near here. (Let’s hope it stays open!) I like that they let people sit around and read, even if that sometimes means that bodies clog the aisles. And I even like that they sell random stuff that isn’t books, or even book-​related, even if that seems like heresy.

I really love Borders and frequent it often in tons of cities, but this has got to be the worst one. There is absolutely no seating, probably due to its very popular location, but still. The café is small to being with, and there are a few couches bunched up together, yet they’re always taken, no matter what day/​time you come in.
Last time I sat on a radiator since I saw everyone doing so-​and that was super uncomfortable (and bad for the radiator). This time I sat in an abandoned aisle and a worker scolded me, saying I can only sit on top of a radiator. I’ve never had anyone have a problem with me/​others sitting on the floor. C’mon now-​really? That was my cue to walk out.

Just about every single Borders store is CLOSED in Los Angeles plus I own a Kindle which makes going to a book store no longer a neccesity. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I have missed the sheer joy of skimming through a book with my 17 year old daugher. We had an amazing time with the sale books– so much fun that we left with four books… my poor Kindle.
Excellent customer service! Thanks:-).

We love it here! I wish I can just spend a day inside going thru ALL the aisles and sippin their coffee.
Like most bookstores, this one sorta became this super entertainment shop. Aside from bookshelves separated by no under 20 categories (lookin’ for something? You’ll find it in here), there’s also CDs, DVDs, boardgames, stationery, magazines, and mangas (+ new popular art books). And just because it’s near new year, tons of calendars.
There are comps for you to search their inventory, and if you sign up for their newsletter, they ALWAYS send you printout coupons with nice discounts. Free Wi-​Fi is really slow to connect (at least for my iTouch). Other than that, it should be more than just a time killer or meeting spot. Spend some time here and grab some good read!

My boo and I were having a romantic walk while exploring the midtown area when all of a sudden the clouds opened up and started raining cats and dogs. It was crazy packed!!!
There was no seating anywhere, but I guess everyone was using it as a shelter instead of walking home. People were camped out on every single nook and crannie of the place. Every single window had someone sitting there just hanging out and reading the books.
It’s nice that it’s on top of Penn Station-​you can buy a book or just hang out before you hop on your train.

I always seem to find myself here.
Either I’m there for a hot necking session amongst their sizeable stationery offerings, or having a rendezvous in one of their «clean enough» restroom stalls — or just playing footsie in their upstairs café.
This Borders is a decent size, and while convenient to New York’s Penn Station, usually only has a trickle of tourists and passerby. There’s lots of seating throughout the store, especially by the escalators and in the café, plus free Wi-​Fi to be had.

I’m liking Borders a lot more than Barnes and Noble these days. Maybe it’s just a mood changer thing. Maybe it’s the Seattle’s Best Coffee Bar with offerings. Maybe it’s the upper level with wide windows offering a panorama of city views. Maybe it’s the fun times I’ve had playing scrabble. Maybe it’s the organized wall to wall shelves of books, magazines, dvds and cd’s. Maybe it’s the lower level’s stationery and pretty paper products and creative, eclectic merchandise. Maybe it’s the friendly staff and good customer service. And let’s not forget the great Border’s rewards, coupons and guest speakers.
Maybe it’s all this and more. I’m thinking, maybe I just like Borders Books. hehe :)
ooo, note to self: must visit the Border’s at Columbus Circle too.

Unless you’re a big geek like me, you may not have noticed that there is now a lot of free wi-​fi to be found in bookstores. First B&N went free wi-​fi to support the Nook, then Borders had to go free wi-​fi because they can’t stand to be inferior to B&N. This means a lot of good news for people who spend all day in search of wi-​fi and a nice place to sit and do work.
This Borders location is a good place for that. Having two levels means they can spread out a bit and still give over plenty of floor space to tables and chairs. There are two places laptop luggers can sit and get some work done. The most obvious is the Seattle’s Best Coffee café in front of the escalators on the second floor. If you’ve never peeked in here you might be surprised how many tables and chairs there are. Just keep going back and back until you hit the glass wall. Most seats have a lovely view of 7^th Ave, but if you’re easily distracted you should face away from the giant MSG moving billboard to the south.
The chairs are about what you’d expect from a coffee place but at least they don’t hurt. The tables are all pretty small, though, so unless you and your buddy both have netbooks you might want to snag two of them. There are a couple of high chairs and tables jammed into the corner that offer more space and are good for study groups — if you can deal with chairs up that high. I can’t.
Before most B&Ns became unfriendly to people sitting around in their store, not buying anything, but instead just enjoying the ambiance and reading books for free like the place is a library, they used to get crowded really quickly. The bookstores with places to sit still do – just try going to the Lincoln Square B&N sometime and see if you can spot a table. Hint: you never will.
This Borders isn’t quite there yet, but I think that’s because most people don’t know about the free wi-​fi thing. Once it catches on, watch out. I’m sitting here on a Saturday evening and it’s pretty packed, though not completely. Enjoy it while you can, says I. It’s probably not too bad during the weekday afternoons, and when I was here Thursday night after work there wasn’t a huge crowd.
The other place to sit and get work done is on the wall right next to the escalators. There you’ll find plush lounge chairs meant for readers, but if you’re the type who uses your laptop in your lap, then you can snag a place there, too.
The only real issue is: outlets. I haven’t yet been able to spot one. If you’ve got a long-​lasting notebook, then you’re set. Just make sure it’s charged up before you come.
I’ve written all this and haven’t yet talked about the bookstore itself. Borders is fairly cool, as far as bookstores go. The place is neat, arranged in a way that makes sense, and the staff is friendly. I’d rather spend my time here than a B&N, anyway.
For right now, Borders has definitely earned a place on my best places to work list.

Okay all bookstores are the same especially when you’re running in and out thus suffice to say I can’t attest to sitting there or grabbing a coffee however the fact that their layout makes everything easy to find is a huge plus. Add on the lack of the line and oh, a gigantic Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy book and I’m sold.

I’m pretty much a regular here. Some of the employees probably already know me and I’m probably on their security camera a few times a week as I hate waiting for the LIRR, so I just take the escalators from the station up to Borders and I stop by for a few minutes, sometimes longer, and perhaps purchase something and then head off.
Basically, the layout is very modern (IMHO and very bright). It doesn’t have that cozy sophisticated feel like Barnes and Noble, more like a familylike appeal. The 2^nd floor has tiny individual couches, however those usually fill up fast, so people tend to sit on the heaters by the windows. The view is beautiful but the seats are uncomfortable. Perhaps, they need more seats? But this is just a bookstore, so I suppose it wouldn’t be wise.
The bookstore is pretty much divided into: Books, Music, DVDs and Paperchase all of which encompass the store on two floors.
If you’re wondering, what the heck is Paperchase? Paperchase is stationary, journals, frames, and just really cute stuff from England! Word of advice: I usually don’t buy at retail price here because after a season or so, they get new materials so they discount their previous stuff steeply like 50−75% off: which is WONDERFUL! :D
They have a rather small Bargain Section and at times, I really wish it was bigger like B&Ns but it is a rather small store. A few times a year they have a bigger sale (So make sure to check in during the holiday season or for summer sales). One time, I bought like 6 books for $ 20 because the selection was GREAT! And Funnily enough, shortly later they were selling some of my bargain priced books for retail. So I’m happy I was able to get a deal.
Also, there’s always a renewable coupon online with 25−40% off books. So if there’s a signing at Barnes and Noble, I usually head here first for the discount and then off to Barnes and Noble.
Because the store is rather small compared to B&N, they usually don’t have signing, which is a shame. They really should host more events. I attended the Lance Armstrong signing and they just had him in the back of the 2^nd fl by the café. He didn’t even get the chance to promote his book which is a shame.
The employees are really rather nice. I had someone direct me to find a book and when it was not in stock, they had it reserved for me in another Borders location. Also, I overhead whilst reading one day an employee helping out Japanese people about finding a book on Kansai and relating to them because his relatives are from Kansai. Although they were unable to find appropriate books (as the store is pretty small), he told them about a Barnes and Noble Textbook location near Union Square they should look into.
Seriously, the service is really good and most of the employees are REALLY nice and helpful!
I just wish they had more events, chairs, and bargain priced books. Perhaps an expansion is in place?
The DVDs, music and books are all on retail prices which are at times too steep for the average person’s wallet. But they make it up on their discount coupons and sales.
They have free Wifi but I haven’t had the chance to explore that option yet.
So I’m definitely a regular and I’ll always come out for a few minutes before the train heads into the station.

We were on a mission… a mission at Borders, to find «Eat Me» — the Shopsin’s Cookbook… to learn the wonderful secret behind their scrumptious Mac N Cheese Pancakes
Walking directly to the Info Desk — we’re greeted by their super friendly & informative staff who tell us they DO have the book & exactly where it is located.
Great stock — had everything we were looking for & then some. Couldn’t help but also indulge in some fun books for the plane back to SF
People, people everywhere but we found it easy going to walk around, browse & get to the aisles we were seeking
Best of all — there is now a FREE Borders member card. They finally wizened up & realized people like ME aren’t going to pay money so I can get a measly discount & be on your spam list for forever.
Amazon is cheaper — plus there’s no sales tax & I can get it shipped for free
But when I need immediate gratification I will happily come to Borders w/​their *new* FREE members card & discount! Woot Woot!

I have something of a fetish for bookstores, but this one doesn’t do anything for me. It doesn’t feel cozy or cute, there’s nothing thoughtful about its organization, and the literature section is crammed at the back of the first floor in a way that doesn’t provide a single aisle deep enough to lose yourself in browsing.
This Borders is strictly functional, and as such, it will purvey you some books. The location is convenient for when you want to use those random in-​store coupons that you print out at work, but to pass a pleasant afternoon? I’d pick somewhere with a bit more personality.

Wow, every row, every aisle, people sitting around reading their stuff! Not that I mind, but it would be nice to be able to walk around to find your book without tripping over people’s legs or feeling like you’re in the way.
Then again, where else can you enter into a draconian maze of arms, limbs, bags, and other random body parts spewed/​sprawled across the floor.
Who know there was a book called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies??? I mean, you can’t make this stuff up! That’s why I heart Borders… where else would I find these crazy titles!

A pleasant place to grab a seat, read a bit, buy books, videos, or a cup of coffee on the second floor. There’s a manga section with plush black chairs downstairs by the escalator; upstairs, wooden benches line the glass by the escalators, and seating in the coffee shop. They’d do better by putting those chairs all over the place. You’ll find most of these busy and occupied, so many people sit on the heaters at the ends of the rows of bookshelves, or even on the floor or footstools.
The sales here aren’t really spectacular, but it is a nice way to spend some time relaxing and perusing the classics or checking out new releases. There’s a nice paper craft section, and a decent selection of periodicals. Bathrooms are fairly clean.
There’s a neat little nook around the escalator area, too.

I love Borders! I was emailed a 40% off coupon and I was only going to use it in «The City»!
This Borders has TWO levels for books, it has everything to get your freak on. I love the selection of magazines as well. Nothing like this in Long Island where I live, Fo Sho!
I bought the Joe Torre book at 40% off.
Yeah Boyee!
PS — Go Yankees!

Nice clean bathrooms.
Oh, and they carry books in the event you can’t keep your eyeballs open during a game. A great courtyard to take your coffee and new book to luxuriate in the sun and helpful clerks making sure you know where everything is.
It’s on my daily walk as we walk with our host to her place of employment.