There’s something special about discovering a great bookstore while exploring a new town. In Nassau County, bookstores aren’t just places to buy books, they’re part of the community fabric. From historic villages on the North Shore to fun South Shore towns, these shops invite you to slow down, browse a little longer, and maybe leave with more than you planned.
Whether you’re searching for the latest bestseller, a rare find, or a thoughtfully wrapped gift, here are some of the best bookstores located right here in Nassau County, each with its own personality, history, and reason to visit.
Theodore’s Books (Oyster Bay)
17 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY
Named after Theodore Roosevelt, one of Oyster Bay’s most famous residents, Theodore’s Books is a true Nassau County original. This independent bookstore has quickly become a cultural hub for readers, writers, and thinkers, hosting an impressive lineup of author talks, signings, and community conversations.
Theodore’s Books blends a love of books with a passion for civic dialogue. The shelves are expertly curated – expect current fiction, political nonfiction, history, biographies, and smart gift items you won’t find everywhere else.
Why it’s fun: You might walk in for a book and walk out having met an author or attended a lively discussion. Pair your visit with a stroll through Oyster Bay’s historic downtown for a full day out.
Locust Valley Bookstore (Locust Valley)
8 Birch Hill Road, Locust Valley, NY
Charming, welcoming, and wonderfully curated, Locust Valley Bookstore feels like the kind of place where the staff truly knows their books and their customers. This North Shore favorite offers everything from bestselling novels and cookbooks to children’s titles, stationery, puzzles, and elegant gifts.
The shop is known for its personal touch: complimentary gift wrapping, special orders, and thoughtful recommendations make it a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
Why it’s fun: It’s the perfect “wander and discover” stop. Even if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’ll probably find something you didn’t realize you needed.
Blue Door Books (Cedarhurst)
501A Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY
Bright, friendly, and easy to pop into while shopping along Central Avenue, Blue Door Books brings independent bookstore charm to the South Shore. Its carefully chosen selection includes fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and giftable finds, making it a great stop whether you’re browsing for yourself or shopping for others.
Why it’s fun: Its location makes it ideal for a spontaneous visit, step inside, browse for a bit, and enjoy the cozy neighborhood vibe before heading back out to explore Cedarhurst.
Barnes & Noble (Carle Place)
91 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY
A familiar favorite with a Nassau County address, Barnes & Noble in Carle Place offers expansive shelves, comfortable browsing space, and a wide selection that includes books, magazines, games, and gifts.
Café available: This location includes a Barnes & Noble Café serving Starbucks beverages, making it an easy place to linger with a book in hand.
Why it’s fun: Great for families, rainy days, and anyone who loves browsing without a time limit, plus it’s conveniently located near shopping and dining.
Booklovers Paradise (Bellmore)
2972 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY
Booklovers Paradise is a longtime South Shore favorite for used books and literary exploration. With shelves packed across genres, it’s the kind of place where readers can lose track of time flipping through titles.
This shop has earned a loyal following for its classic used-bookstore atmosphere — no frills, just books upon books.
Why it’s fun: Ideal for readers who enjoy browsing slowly and discovering older titles, out-of-print editions, or unexpected reads.
Turn Your Bookstore Visit Into a Nassau County Adventure
One of the best parts about bookstore hopping in Nassau County is how easily it pairs with exploring local downtowns, historic villages, and waterfront communities. Plan a North Shore day around Oyster Bay or Locust Valley, or make a South Shore afternoon of Bellmore or Cedarhurst. Each bookstore offers a different experience, but they all share a love of stories, community, and discovery.
From indie shops with deep local roots to treasure-filled used bookstores and spacious reader-friendly favorites, Nassau County proves that great reads are always part of the journey.
More Books to Explore: Gold Coast Book Fair
If your love of books has you craving even more pages, authors, and literary conversations, you’re in luck, the Gold Coast Book Fair is just around the corner: May 15-17, 2026! This beloved Long Island tradition brings together readers and storytellers from across the region for a weekend full of discovery, inspiration, and community.
Gold Coast Book Fair is Long Island’s largest annual literary event, featuring 75+ authors, thousands of readers, engaging panels, book signings, interactive workshops, and a lively marketplace with food and vendors. Produced by the non-profit organization Gold Coast Forum, the fair spans an entire weekend with a Friday night kickoff on the campus of LIU Post and a full weekend of activities in downtown Oyster Bay. General admission is free, and there are activities for readers of all ages, though some special events may require a paid ticket.
For more details, visit the official Gold Coast Forum website.
