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New Bookstore/ "Mini-Gallery" Coming to Reel Life South Space
Monday, August 20, 2025 at 2:57PM
A video store closes, and a bookstore opens.
Some cryptic signage went up last week in the front window of the space last occupied by video store Reel Life South, which closed back in March on Eighth Avenue between 11th and 12th Streets, and as opposed to a traditional "Nice to Meet You!" note, the owners have decided to introduce themselves via QR code.
I've scanned it so you don't have to, and here's the message that came up:
"Hi there! We're going to be a brand new bookstore, reading club, mini-gallery, and community space opening in October. Our mothership is in Dumbo, and we'll be bringing the best stationery, kids, YA, novelty, cooking, decorating, and style books we have there and more...Maybe some wonderful coffee, hard candy...and other items one might find in a general store (that was also a mini gallery and reading space!)
We can't wait; we hope you are as excited as we are!
Dan & Suzanne
(proud PS 107 parents!)"
They also provide a space to sign up for their mailing list, so if you're interested scan the code below or check out their website. Looks like it will be called Powerhouse on 8th, and it's an offshoot of Powerhouse Books in DUMBO. Sounds intriguing!
Coming Soon, Under Construction in Scoops, Storefronts
Reader Comments (8)
Powerhouse Books in Dumbo is one of my favorite bookstores in the city so this is definitely welcome news. Who says independent bookstores are dead?
Id be really excited for a place like this, talk about coming out of left field-even more so considering the previous rumor it was going to be a car service depot. Could be great.
There is more than a little irony, though, that the almost extinct video rental store is now being replaced by the highly endangered independent bookstore.
I've worked in the book sales and publishing industry for twenty-five years and hoo boy, you could <I>not</I> pick a worse time in business history to open a bookstore. I wish them all the luck, but the odds are <I>really</I> against them.
Greenlight bookstore in Ft. Greene is doing gangbusters business. It's possible to find a niche and make it work I think. This sounds promising based upon their focus....
Powerhouse Books is fantastic and the DUMBO store is actually a destination in and of itself. This is a great addition to the neighborhood.
This is the best news I've heard in ages. Love another book/event space in the neighborhood, love Powerhouse...just thrilled.
I hope they have a store cat. Every bookstore needs one.
Community Bookstore on 7th Ave has an awesome cat (and it's an amazing bookshop). They've been around longer than I can remember (40 years?). I guess they held down the fort for independent bookstores in Park Slope. Anyway, it'll be nice to have another community space in the area. Good luck!