Our Story Founded in October 2009 by Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, Greenlight Bookstore is a general independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. Greenlight has grown from its original store in historic Fort Greene to encompass two bookstore spaces, a sister stationery store, kiosks at partner cultural institutions, and pop-up locations at events throughout the city. Through knowledgeable staff, curated book selection, community partnerships, and a robust e-commerce website, Greenlight combines the best traditions of the neighborhood bookstore with a forward-looking sensibility. Its beautiful bookstore spaces on Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue and its carefully curated, community-minded events have earned Greenlight a reputation as a literary destination. Greenlight has garnered local, national, and international press coverage for its innovative startup model and its continuing success.
Greenlight continues to serve its community during the COVID-19 pandemic with virtual events, increased ecommerce and pickup options, and modified shopping hours, and has been inspired by the movements for racial justice across the country to engage in the work of becoming a more anti-racist company.
The story of Greenlight Bookstore is one of passion, and most importantly, community. The timeline below outlines some of the big moments in the bookstore’s creation and growth, and the new stories of Greenlight are still being written in our stores and around the city every day.
From our beginnings in 2009 with an award-winning business plan, an innovative funding model, and incredible support from our Brooklyn neighborhood, to our partnership with the Brooklyn Academy of Music and other institutions, through growth in ecommerce, offsite book sales and school partnerships, to the opening of our second location in 2016 and our stationery store in 2018, to the navigation of a worldwide pandemic as a small business, Greenlight continues to strive to serve our customers, our employees, and our community. Offering a space for conversations and encounters, and a welcome for readers of every kind, Greenlight is an independent bookstore in the heart of Brooklyn.
Q. Is there a discount for educators at Greenlight?
A. Yes! We offer all educators a 10% discount every day. All you need to do is mention the discount at the register and show a valid school ID or other proof of educator status.
