Labyrinth Books is a book store in Princeton, NJ. Open: Mon–Sun 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Phone: (609) 497-1600. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 685 reviews. Website: http://www.labyrinthbooks.com/.
Labyrinth Books logo Labyrinth Books
Call Now Directions
Review
Exterior view of Labyrinth Books with outdoor book displays.
4.7 685 reviews Today 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Princeton's Bookstore for Serious Readers

Independent, academic, and endlessly browsable on Nassau Street since 1997.

About Us

Interior view of Labyrinth Books showcasing books and a welcoming atmosphere.
Interior view of Labyrinth Books showcasing books and a welcoming atmosphere.

Walk through the door at 122 Nassau Street and the first thing you notice is the density of it. Shelves floor to ceiling, tables stacked with new releases and staff picks, whole sections devoted to philosophy, history, literary criticism, and the kind of fiction that demands your full attention. This is not an airport bookshop. This is Labyrinth Books, and it has earned a 4.7-star rating from nearly 700 Princeton readers for one simple reason: the collection is extraordinary.

Labyrinth has long been the bookstore of choice for Princeton University students, faculty, and the intellectually curious residents who live nearby. The academic depth here goes well beyond the usual bestseller table. You'll find rigorous titles in the sciences, economics, and the humanities sitting alongside compelling new voices in literary fiction. The staff knows these shelves intimately, and their recommendations carry real weight.

Beyond the books themselves, Labyrinth hosts author events and readings with surprising regularity, turning the store into a genuine gathering place for Princeton's literary community. Customers call it their favorite spot to hang out in town, and after one unhurried afternoon browsing the stacks, it's easy to understand why.

What We Offer

Labyrinth specializes in academic and scholarly titles across every major discipline, stocking the kind of depth you'd expect steps from one of the world's great research universities. Whether you need a course text, a deep-dive into continental philosophy, or the latest prize-winning novel, the selection delivers.

The store also carries a thoughtfully chosen gifts section, making it easy to find something meaningful for the reader in your life. Online ordering is available through the Labyrinth website, and the store's ISBN search tool lets you locate virtually any title in print. Staff recommendations are posted throughout the store and rotate regularly, so every visit surfaces something new.

Regular literary events bring authors, scholars, and readers together throughout the year. These are free, well-attended gatherings that reflect the store's belief that bookselling is a community act, not just a retail transaction.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Favorite bookstore in NJ. Love the vibe and collection.”

— Shravankumar Hiregoudar

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Favorite bookstore in NJ. Love the vibe and collection."
— Shravankumar Hiregoudar
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Best bookstore ever! Love the selection. They also have great events pretty often! My favorite spot to hang out in Princeton."
— Clamnbert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
11 months ago
"The book store is very spacious and easy to navigate. Should definitely visit here if you're a bookworm."
— Aung Myo Htut
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Labyrinth Books is a truly wonderful bookstore, but it is much more to those of us who live and work in Princeton. Dorothea and her staff have created a vibrant hub that is a cornerstone of our community. In addition to an excellent selection of new and used books, the authors, poets and scholars that speak there are world class and the event space downstairs is often filled to capacity. Check their online events calendar to make sure you don't miss an event."
— Janie Hermann
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"This place is a treasure of the area. They have so many off the beaten path books here. It’s the closest book store I’ve found to some of the radical book stores that no longer exist in Manhattan. It has such a good feminism section, and an extremely good history section that regularly has books on display that are about niche and often overlooked subjects of history. I’ve spent hours here and plans to spends hours more haha"
— Tara O'Brien

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Labyrinth Books located?

Labyrinth Books is at 122 Nassau Street in Princeton, NJ 08542, directly on the main commercial corridor adjacent to Princeton University.

Does Labyrinth Books specialize in academic titles?

Yes. Academic and scholarly books are a core strength of the store. You'll find deep selections in philosophy, history, literary criticism, economics, science, and more, alongside strong literary fiction and general nonfiction.

Can I order books online from Labyrinth?

Yes. The Labyrinth website at labyrinthbooks.com supports online ordering with ISBN search, so you can locate and order virtually any in-print title and support an independent bookstore at the same time.

Does Labyrinth Books host events?

Regularly. The store hosts author readings, lectures, and community literary events throughout the year. Customers consistently mention these events as a highlight of the Labyrinth experience. Check the website for the current calendar.

Is the store easy to navigate even for first-time visitors?

Reviewers specifically call out how spacious and well-organized Labyrinth is. Despite carrying an enormous selection, the store is laid out logically and browsing it is genuinely pleasurable rather than overwhelming.

Does Labyrinth Books carry gifts beyond books?

Yes. The store stocks a curated gifts section, making it a reliable stop when you need something thoughtful for a reader, student, or faculty member.

Is Labyrinth Books an independent bookstore?

It is. Labyrinth Books is independently owned and operated, not affiliated with any national chain. Supporting Labyrinth keeps a distinctive, community-rooted bookstore alive on Nassau Street.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Sunday at 10:00 AM
Monday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday Today 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
96° Clear Princeton
Sat 97° 71°
Sun 90° 72°
Mon 78° 70°
Tue 74° 65°
Wed 79° 63°
Thu 88° 65°
Fri 87° 70°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Save to Contacts

More places nearby

Other book store spots near here. Tap one to open its page.

Book Store ★ 4.7 (105)
Reading Glass Books - Quaker Bridge
The Reading Glass Books Quaker Bridge Mall, 3320 US-1 Unit-2056A, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
Book Store ★ 5.0 (69)
Monty and Milo Books and Fine Goods
66 W Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876
Book Store ★ 4.5 (1,378)
Barnes & Noble
Somerset Shopping Center, 319 US-202 #206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
$$

Contact Labyrinth Books

Send a note and Labyrinth Books will get back to you. No account needed.

Add an email or a phone so they can reply.

Best time to reach you

Report an issue

See something off? Tell us. We’ll fix it and improve the listing for everyone. No account required.