Hasta La Ideas

by Tamara Warren

McNally Jackson is your average neighborhood bookstore—with a neighborhood that extends well past its Prince Street hub in New York City. The independently-owned store opened its doors in December 2004 and has become well-trodden browsing grounds for book lovers of a particular variety: independent, worldly and curious.

Part of its irrefutable charm is the adjoining teashop, where literary events are held on a regular basis. “We do a lot of focus on New York and local authors,” says Sarah McNally, owner of McNally Jackson. “We do things that are relevant to the world. We are trying to gear more and more to lectures and discussions rather than single author readings, unless the author has a connection to the community and the store.”

At past events, author Jonathan Lethem and DJ Spooky shared the stage comparing notes on the intersections between art forms. And James Frey conducted a reading (before the scandal broke). Regular events include Saturday storytelling for kids, a Spanish discussion group and NYU professor Mark Krispin Miller’s first Tuesday of the month series that instills a political consciousness by showcasing activist authors. “At this point, it’s practically a salon,” McNally says. “People will stop in the street to participate.”

McNally, who once worked as a book editor, has an uncanny eye for good book business. Perhaps it simply runs in the family—her parents own the Canadian chain McNally Robinson, and her husband Chris Jackson is an editor at the Doubleday imprint Spiegel & Grau. Originally, she named her store after her family’s business, but changed the name in August to reflect its independent status and ties to Jackson. “It’s become a much more global store than I expected. Our focus has always been international literature. I felt like it was ignored. Our book club only reads international literature. New York is a crossroads of the world. It’s very cool.”

The calendar is flush with upcoming events of note, featuring indie presses and well-know writers. Charles Bock, author of “Beautiful Children,” will appear in conversation with Random House editor David Ebershoff on 26 January. Pulitzer prize-winner Jimmy Breslin is scheduled to appear on 11 February to discuss his latest book “The Good Rat.” A full calendar is available on the website along with staff picks and notable literary news. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

McNally Jackson
52 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012 map
tel. +1 212 274 1160