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Living up to its name, this Park Slope institution, wallpapered with announcements for local events and fundraisers, prides itself on personalized service and a cozy atmosphere. Though it and a handful of other independent bookshops faced stiff competition from the Barnes and Noble down the street, this fiercely independent store survived the B & N behemoth, unlike its late, lamented peers, and continues to thrive in the face of rapidly encroaching big-box superstores that sprout up on nearby blocks like weeds. And with good reason: Readings by local authors and neighborhood luminaries like Paul Auster draw a literature-loving crowd; there’s a cute little garden in the back for conversation, and the books on hand reflect the free-wheeling reading appetites of the store’s buyers, with strong representations by smaller presses and emerging writers. Smart, friendly staffers are eager to offer recommendations on titles for adults and children, evidenced by the small but well-edited shelves of works for tots and young readers. It’s no wonder that so many locals find good reason to spend the afternoon curled up with a novel. — Geeta Dayal