The Rough Guide to New York City does have a "Shopping - Used Books" listing for Housing Works Used Book Cafe, but simply referring to the place as a bookstore is doing it a disservice. While the store does offer over 45,000 new, used, and rare books and records for sale, both established and up-and-coming musicians and authors (such as John Mayer and Chuck Klosterman, respectively) stage performances and readings there regularly.

The Used Book Cafe provides an intimate setting that evokes a classic, mahogany-paneled library with spiral staircases leading to bookcases overlooking the main floor. Hipster paintings, mixed-media assemblages, and installations are strewn throughout the space to enhance the bohemian feel. For special events, a small stage is set up in the back, surrounded by limited cafe seating and ample standing room. The complete absence of imposing security and nervous handlers offers backstage-type access between the crowd and the featured guests.

Tickets to a music performance are usually $20-25 and typically sell exceedingly fast, especially for big names. The recommended donation to view a live reading is $10. No matter what you spend in regard to the store, 100% of the proceeds go to Housing Works, a non-profit organization that provides housing, health care, job training, advocacy, and other services for homeless New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. Take comfort in knowing that the more beer you consume from the cafe, the better humanitarian you become.

I've seen two musical performances at Housing Works Used Book Cafe, and the dynamic between the artists and the crowd just can't be replicated elsewhere. I haven't visited the bookstore during regular hours, so I can't describe its ambience during the day. However, the store has a prime Soho location which draws an attractive and trendy clientele of every age.

To view a list of upcoming events, go to the official Housing Works Used Book Cafe site.