Welcome to The Open Door!
The Open Door is Schenectady's locally-owned independent bookstore and gift gallery, serving the capital region for 50 years. We carry a wide selection of literature for adults and children, including those of local and regional interest, as well as an expansive variety of toys, gifts, jewelry, stationery, personal accessories and home goods.
Situated in the heart of downtown Schenectady, on pedestrian Jay Street, we're around the corner from Proctors Theatre and countless restaurants!
Supporting the Open Door in 2022
Face masks are required, regardless of vaccination status. We thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
Thank you for your support in 2021! Our 50th anniversary year was our best ever!
Currently we are open for
- In-store shopping and browsing,
- E-mail us at general@opendoor-bookstore.com [include phone number],
- Curbside pickup or quick in-store pickup of prepaid orders,
- In-store pickup of web orders,
- In-store shopping by private appointments, and
- Personal shopper service — call or email for options to shop remotely.
Note that for book orders to be mailed, you can also use our Bookshop.org site Bookshop.org/shop/OpenDoor.
Stay healthy!
Janet and John Hutchison
Owners
Our Winter 2022 newsletter is available!
Download a PDF copy here.
2022 Children's Writing Contest
Do you know a creative young writer? Encourage them to enter The Open Door's 2022 Children's Writing Contest! We're asking kids to write about “The One Thing You’d Save," based on the book "The One Thing You’d Save" by Linda Sue Park.
An emergency has happened, and you must leave your home, Your parents and pets are safe, but you must choose just one thing to take with you. What would you choose – and why?
Entries are due in the store before March 3. Winners in each grade level (one through eight) will receive gift certificates from The Open Door, and awards will be announced in the spring. Download an entry form and view contest rules here.
