In a recent conversation with Wen Yuyi, the current manager of the New York Eastern Bookstore, we delved into the intriguing history of this establishment, which has been a part of Manhattan’s Chinatown for 48 years. Located on Elizabeth Street, this bookstore is one of the largest Chinese bookstores in North America, showcasing a wide array of Chinese literature, stationery, and cultural products.
Wen shared that the New York Eastern Bookstore was founded in 1976 by Liu Zhenyi, a Chinese American. “In those early days, resources were extremely limited. We even sold fruits and vegetables outside the store at one point to help with operational costs,” she recalled. By 1980, the bookstore had expanded and moved to a larger location on Poughkeepsie Street, gradually increasing its inventory to include ethnic musical instruments, recordings, and sports equipment. “As Mr. Liu Zhenyi once said, the bookstore serves as a cultural hub where you can find everything you need in one place,” Wen noted.
In 1986, Liu established Eastern Gallery, and by 1990, the bookstore and gallery merged to settle into its current space on Elizabeth Street, which spans over 600 square meters. The store has welcomed many distinguished visitors, including renowned physicist Yang Zhenning and celebrated authors like Wang Meng and Ai Qing. In 1993, Liu handed over ownership due to health reasons, and since then, the Hong Kong United Publishing Group has managed the bookstore.
Wen acknowledged the challenges that traditional bookstores face today with the rise of e-books and audiobooks, especially as public libraries provide free digital downloads. The New York Eastern Bookstore experienced a challenging period marked by declining foot traffic and sales, alongside rising rents. However, the previous managers implemented a transformative strategy that included revamping book sections, launching an online store, and hosting various workshops to re-engage readers and regain market share.
Since her appointment in early 2019, Wen has been overseeing an extensive collection of over 20,000 titles across various genres, including literature, art, history, music, finance, health, and cooking. “We’ve tailored our sections to cater to different reader demographics, creating unique spaces like ‘Four Treasures of the Study,’ ‘Reading China,’ ‘Children’s World,’ and ‘Chinese Music Corner,'” she explained.
The “Four Treasures of the Study,” featuring traditional writing tools and resources, has been a highlight since 1980, offering items such as brushes, ink, paper, and calligraphy dictionaries. Recently, the bookstore has added services like artwork framing, seal carving, and printing design to enhance customer experiences.
Wen emphasized the importance of the “Children’s World” section, which includes bilingual storybooks and educational resources. This area is equipped with tables and chairs, inviting children to enjoy reading after school. The bookstore has also built long-term collaborations with local schools, regularly recommending new titles and hosting book fairs during holidays.
“Our readers encompass not just Chinese expatriates and international students but also locals interested in Chinese culture. They show a particular enthusiasm for classical Chinese literature and traditional texts,” Wen noted. The “Understanding China” section features ancient classics like the “Book of Songs” and “I Ching,” alongside various editions of the Four Great Classical Novels. The new illustrated edition of “Journey to the West” has been particularly well-received for its stunning imagery and vibrant character portrayals.
Today, the New York Eastern Bookstore is a thriving space for cultural exchange and artistic expression. Wen mentioned that Eastern Gallery offers calligraphy and Chinese painting classes every weekend, taught by experts fluent in both Mandarin and English, and is currently enrolling for a new Tai Chi class. The bookstore also organizes art exhibitions, book launches, and guest artist showcases on a regular basis.
In recent years, the bookstore has broadened its online presence with a dedicated website and has started selling titles on international e-commerce platforms, ensuring that customers can easily find new arrivals. Wen commented, “We actively engage with readers across various social media platforms, building communities for sharing updates and promotions, creating a space for interaction.”
“Just as Mr. Liu Zhenyi emphasized, establishing a bookstore is not solely about making profits; it’s about spreading knowledge and culture,” Wen affirmed, showcasing her dedication to evolving the bookstore while remaining true to its foundational mission. Looking to the future, she hopes to embrace change through a more diverse and innovative approach, revitalizing the bookstore’s legacy for generations to come.
