Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza

I’m so happy that there are still some independent bookstores in the Capital District. This bookstore offers so much charm, and the staff is always warm and welcoming. I have ordered many books from The Book House. The books always come in within a couple of days and you get a nice, personal phone call when it’s ready to be picked up. If you shop during the holidays, they will even offer free gift wrap and Stuyvesant Plaza is decorated beautifully during that time of year.

While the majority of the staff are helpful and will always offer to order a book for you if they don't have it in the store, I'm confused and disappointed by the lack of gay and lesbian romances in the romance section. Countless reviews on this page mention the diverse selection of books in the store, but how can you claim there's diversity when the LGBT romances are segregated from the straight ones, just scattered throughout the general fiction area? Customers browsing queer romances should be able to find those books in the romance section rather than having to use a fine tooth comb to find the rare gay or lesbian romance in the fiction section. I won't be returning here when the rest of the independent bookstores in the 518 keep their LGBT romances in the romance section. Book House makes it clear that it's not for people like me.

I love it here! The staff are kind and helpful, the kids' section is awesome, and they have a decent selection of books. Great place to get cute bookish gifts or just walk around and browse.

Stopped by for a short moment on our drive through town and really appreciated the cozy atmosphere with the leather couch and chairs that beg you to curl up with a book for hours. I didn’t even notice the quaint carpet print until after taking a picture since I was enjoying reading the recommendation cards throughout the store.