While big-box bookstores have struggled in the digital age, many smaller, independent booksellers—like Quest Bookshop, in Midtown Manhattan—have stayed vital by serving a particular niche, providing the specialty items their customers want along with personalized service.

“If you are interested in spiritual, esoteric or New Age literature, the Quest Bookshop should be the first place you look,” says manager Lyn Trotman. “We offer an excellent selection of books, plus many other useful items to help in your search.” Those include meditation supplies like candles, incense, singing bowls, mala beads and statues, as well as smudging supplies, jewelry, aromatherapy oils, and tarot and oracle decks.  

Open seven days a week, Quest Bookshop is a “quiet, peaceful sanctuary,” Trotman says. Customers can browse at their leisure with no pressure from the staff, but experts are available to provide services or advice if needed.

“We offer free guided meditation sessions several times each day,” she says. “We also have tarot readers and astrologers available for readings.  If you have questions about gemstones, we have several people on staff that can help you choose the perfect stone for you. We are always willing to special order a particular item for you, as long as we can get it from one of our suppliers.”

Location: 240 E. 53rd St., New York, NY. For more information, call the shop at 212-758-5521.