Montclair Book Center is a book store in Montclair, NJ. Open: Mon Closed; Tue–Wed 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thu–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Phone: (973) 783-3630. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 533 reviews. Website: https://www.montclairbookcenter.com/.
Montclair Book Center
Call Now Directions
Review
Illustration of the Montclair Book Center storefront.
4.7 533 reviews Today 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Two Floors. Endless Shelves. One Montclair Legend.

New, used, rare, and collectible books plus vinyl and CDs at 221 Glenridge Ave since the neighborhood was reading.

About Us

A cozy interior filled with books and wooden shelves. — Montclair Book Center
A cozy interior filled with books and wooden shelves.

Walk through the door at Montclair Book Center and the first thing you notice is the scale. Shelves climb to the ceiling on both the upper and lower levels, packed so densely with titles that browsers have been known to lose track of time entirely. This is not a curated boutique with forty carefully chosen spines. This is the real thing, a sprawling two-story labyrinth where a 1970s paperback thriller sits three shelves from a first edition you did not expect to find.

Beyond books, the store stocks cassettes, CDs, and big classic record players, the kind of analog artifacts that make 221 Glenridge Ave feel like a cultural archive as much as a retail shop. Regulars come hunting for a specific title and leave carrying four things they never planned to buy. First-time visitors consistently call it a gem, a paradise, a place that feels endless, and those are not exaggerations.

With a 4.7-star rating across more than 500 reviews, Montclair Book Center has earned its reputation as one of the most distinctive independent bookstores in New Jersey. It is the kind of store that tourists put on their itinerary and locals treat as a weekly ritual.

What We Offer

The inventory at Montclair Book Center spans new and used books, special editions, and hard-to-find titles across virtually every genre and subject. Fiction, history, art, science, biography, children's, local interest, and plenty of categories in between fill the shelves across two full floors.

Beyond books, the store carries vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs alongside vintage audio equipment including classic record players. Whether you are building a reading list, hunting a childhood favorite, or digging for a rare collectible, the depth of selection here rewards patience and curiosity.

The store also functions as a thrift and discount destination, meaning prices stay accessible even on unusual finds. There is no single type of customer this place does not serve. Students, collectors, casual readers, and dedicated bibliophiles all leave satisfied.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“What a gem! A very unique collection of books that I can’t seem to find anywhere else. A must visit in Montclair!”

— Bernard Jeremy

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"I’m in love with this book center! It’s huge and full of history with both upper and lower levels packed with books, cassettes, CDs, and even big classic record players. A true paradise for book and music lovers!"
— Merj Din
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"What a gem! A very unique collection of books that I can’t seem to find anywhere else. A must visit in Montclair!"
— Bernard Jeremy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9 months ago
"A magical bookstore with a great layout that feels endless. Shelves go to the ceiling, and it seems like you could find just about anything you could want from this bookstore. New, used, special editions, unique books, etc. Love the upstairs walkway open to the children’s section below, makes for a very unique store design. Was so excited to see a shelf with many blind date with a book options. I picked one up as well as a fun book about cooking with potatoes. Will definitely visit again next time I’m in the area!"
— Katie Boudreau
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Excellent bookstore, lots and lots of books! Great, friendly service. We stopped for records, ended up with a bag full of books. The record selection was good, there are some upstairs and downstairs, but the book selection is outstanding. Very well organized. Could spend hours in there. If you’re interested in cookbooks, as I am, there is a large selection. Street parking is a bit difficult, though there’s a paid garage nearby."
— Tatiana Hoover
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Amazing book store down town. It's so spacious and big. It has 3 whole floors! Definitely gives vintage vibes. So many books, records, manga, CDs, etc. There is so much variety and the staff are super helpful, friendly, and nice. Highly recommend a visit especially if you're already in the area for brunch or coffee. Walked out with two books and will be back. Honestly, I could spend all day at tgis store and it still wouldn't be enough. Support local book stores!"
— Afnan Aqdus

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of items does Montclair Book Center sell?

The store sells new books, used books, rare and special edition titles, vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, and vintage record players. The inventory spans virtually every genre and subject across two floors.

Is this a used bookstore or a new bookstore?

Both. Montclair Book Center carries new books, used books, and collectible or special edition titles all in the same space, which is part of what makes the selection so deep and unpredictable.

Where exactly is Montclair Book Center located?

The store is at 221 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042. It is a walkable location in one of New Jersey's most culturally active towns, and it is worth building a visit around.

How large is the store?

Very large by independent bookstore standards. The store has both upper and lower levels with shelves that go to the ceiling. Reviewers consistently describe it as feeling endless, which is part of the appeal.

Can I find rare or hard-to-find books here?

Yes. Customers frequently report finding titles they could not locate anywhere else. The combination of new stock, used inventory, and special editions means the selection goes well beyond what most bookstores carry.

Does the store sell anything besides books?

Yes. In addition to books, Montclair Book Center stocks vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, and classic record players, making it a destination for music and audio collectors as well.

Is Montclair Book Center worth visiting as a tourist attraction?

Absolutely. The store is listed as a tourist attraction for good reason. Visitors from outside Montclair regularly make it a planned stop, and the experience of browsing two packed floors of books and records is genuinely memorable.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 7:00 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday Today 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
95° Clear Montclair
Sat 95° 73°
Sun 85° 71°
Mon 73° 70°
Tue 70° 63°
Wed 83° 62°
Thu 91° 69°
Fri 88° 73°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Save to Contacts

Follow Us

More places nearby

Other book store spots near here. Tap one to open its page.

Book Store ★ 4.8 (1,439)
ANT Bookstore and Cafe
345 Clifton Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011
$
Book Store ★ 4.7 (846)
Indigo - Short Hills
1200 Morris Tpke, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Book Store ★ 4.9 (218)
The Little Boho Bookshop
164A Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Contact Montclair Book Center

Send a note and Montclair Book Center will get back to you. No account needed.

Add an email or a phone so they can reply.

Best time to reach you

Report an issue

See something off? Tell us. We’ll fix it and improve the listing for everyone. No account required.