About Freebird
In January 2004, Samantha Citrin and Rachel London opened Freebird Books at 123 Columbia Street on the Brooklyn waterfront. Located across from still working docks and container port (remnants of old Red Hook stevedoring), Freebird is a general used bookstore specializing in New York history and culture. In November 2007 the store was sold to local resident, Peter Miller. Though only open weekends, Freebird remains community-oriented, sponsoring events, readings, and book clubs. It is also home to NYC Books Through Bars, a non-profit which helps prisoners nationwide get access to the printed word.
Donating Books
Freebird Books is a small business that survives on the support and goodwill of the community. Though we do not buy used books, we do provide store credit for many items. You can e-mail us with any questions about the kinds of books we are looking for at the moment, or you can stop by during our open hours. It is always best to call us ahead before dropping off books.
Books Through Bars, an all volunteer collective which operates from our basement, also accepts donations to help in their efforts to supply prisoners nationwide with the written word. They are a 501©3 organization and, as opposed to Freebird, can provide tax receipts for eligible donations. To learn how you can give your books, your money, or your time (they depend on volunteers to help process prisoner requests, package books, and transport them to the post office), click here for more information.
Books Through Bars, an all volunteer collective which operates from our basement, also accepts donations to help in their efforts to supply prisoners nationwide with the written word. They are a 501©3 organization and, as opposed to Freebird, can provide tax receipts for eligible donations. To learn how you can give your books, your money, or your time (they depend on volunteers to help process prisoner requests, package books, and transport them to the post office), click here for more information.