Image courtesy of Rizzoli Bookstore.

For more than 50 years, Rizzoli Bookstore has been a staple for book-lovers in Downtown NYC. Founded in 1964, the bookstore and publishing house specializes in gorgeous, illustrated books covering every topic from literature, to art, and architecture. Some of their upcoming releases include books about SoHo, 1980’s trivia, comics, fashion, and Banksy. They recently released a book about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose family-curated exhibit is currently on view at the Starrett-Lehigh Building near the High Line.

Aside from an unforgettable shopping experience in their bookstore, they host author events, curate subscriptions packages with special genre themes, and create custom personal and professional libraries. You can even establish a wedding registry with the store!

Here’s what one of their authors, Carl Dellatore, has to say about the value of independent bookstores: 

“It seems we spend more and more time in the digital realm, so it’s essential to seek opportunities to reconnect with the physical world. For me, there’s no better place than browsing the latest arrivals–and undiscovered treasures–at independent bookstores. 

As an author, I may be prejudiced, but holding books in your hands in the company of other explorers is one valuable antidote to the banality of getting lost in the pixels of a computer screen. Even if it’s only one hour a month, make a plan and go!” 

Rizzoli will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day all day long on Saturday, April 30th. Throughout the day there will be giveaways, discounts, and treats, as well as an all-ages art class from 4-6 pm with Aimee Sicuro