Barnacle Books

Barnacle Books is a great local bookstore right by Little Bit of Everything and Munch Box off the Plaza, and for a nifty little store they have a wonderful selection of real literature and classics! I was thrilled to find they had a copy of Aldous Huxley’s «The Doors of Perception» which I searched for in the bookstores locally by where I live to no avail. The staff is few, but are very helpful and knowledgable of their stock. Not only do they have a prodigious collection of great literature, but an extensive history collection, much of which concerns local lore and Montauk history, along with many books on local geography, wildlife, and national parks. In a strange way, it’s almost an unofficial historical society given the diverse gamut of books concerning the town, which I found to be charming, interesting, and practical. I also purchased a historical novel called «Dark Noon», chronicling the ill-​fated fishing ship «Pelican» which sunk off Montauk Point on Labor Day, 1951; which includes some Montauk legends like Frank Mundus– supposedly the inspiration for Quint in «Jaws». It’s very rewarding to be able to choose from such a diverse selection of books in such a small shop, and to not only enjoy one on the beach, but to in fact be able to see the places mentioned in many of their stocked books. Definitely one of the more personal book-​shopping experiences I’ve had, and I’m sure you will too! And the prices are very affordable and decent, which is good– considering it’s the only bookstore for miles!

In a world where bookstores are dying out, I am so happy we have this place! It is well-​stocked and has an amazing selection of great literature. And if they don’t have what you are looking for, they will order it for you and it will be there in a few days! This is how long a delivery from Amazon would take so why not support one of the last book stores around, and a local place?! Additionally, they are so helpful and nice there, and can give you awesome recommendations. Definitely better than any online bookstore! Highly recommended!

Okay, you can’t find any mass-​market paperbacks for your mindless vacation reading here. And it doesn’t have that books-​in-​every-​nook-​and-​cranny musty feel that I expect from a beach town bookstore.
What it has is a surprisingly good selection of high-​brow literature, good quality teen and YA books and fancy schmancy kids’ books, all on nice, dark wood shelves with plenty of breathing space. The lighting is just bright enough to see by.
Take that, summer reading.