New York City entered Phase 1 of the four-part reopening plan yesterday. In this initial phase, curbside and in-store pickup are now available for certain retail outlets, including clothing stores, florists and bookstores.
This does not pertain to
East Village Books. The used-book mainstay at 99 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue has been open throughout the COVID-19 PAUSE.
Gov. Cuomo stated in March that "any business that only has a single occupant/employee has been deemed exempt."
And we've heard from several residents who have been grateful that East Village Books remained open — albeit with instituted time and occupancy limits while following CDC guidelines. Having the opportunity to be inside a store and find some pandemic reading has been therapeutic.
With the proprietor's blessing, EVG contributor Stacie Joy recently wandered the stacks and shared these photos from her visit...
East Village Books is also continuing to buy used books. Per their
website: "On the store-open days, should you wish to sell books without entering you would phone from out front and use the designated bins. You would be paid by envelope and offered an alcohol wipe."
