NYC Cheap Old Graphic Instructional Books

October 24, 2007 7:51 AM

Where to find retro science/school books on the cheap in NYC and Brooklyn? Think martin denny, for your fase.

I never got into the whole combing used books thing here--maybe too overwhelming. Now I am in dire need of some kitschy, 1960s-80s era instructional books, school books, anything with pictures or diagrams, cheap and valueless enough to cut up for scans.

And while online book shopping isn't as good for this kind of thing, maybe someone has reccomendations online too?

posted by shownomercy to grab bag (6 comments total)

The guy who sells books on the west side of broadway at 72nd street (on the street) has a number of science textbooks for sale but they may br (motr college level. Perhaps you can link to an image to give us a better idea of what you're looking for?
posted by Jahaza at 8:09 AM on October 24, 2007

Try the Strand bookstore at 828 Broadway, 12th Street
New York City...
posted by Grither at 8:10 AM on October 24, 2007

What i mean to say is: have you ever been to the strand? it's ok if you have a book in mind, but if you're looking for a vague concept of a type of book, it's pretty much the worst place possible to go.
posted by shownomercy at 8:59 AM on October 24, 2007

The Strand IS good for old books, ask the people who work there for help...they know their stuff. My experience has been that it's great for browsing but NOT good when you have a book in mind.
posted by kenzi23 at 9:01 AM on October 24, 2007

I don't know what your time frame is but when I lived in Washington Heights, this church used to hold an amazing book sale about four times a year. I guarantee you'll find more kitschy science instructional books there than you'll know what to do with. They do hold a big one for Christmas which is two months away. Conveniently right on the 181st. Street stop on the "A" train.

You might call them up to ask when the next sale is.
posted by xetere at 9:13 AM on October 24, 2007

ask jonmc
posted by matteo at 10:14 AM on October 24, 2007