A new Barnes & Noble is coming to Commack at the former Party City in Memorial Plaza this August.

After the closure of the Jericho Turnpike Barnes & Noble in 2024, students have been left without their usual bookstore and hangout spot. This has made for an anticipated opening for students that loved to go to the old location.

“I used to go to the old [Barnes & Noble] all the time to study with my friends. When it closed we had to find somewhere new to do work,” said senior Emma M.

Lovers of reading are excited to finally be able to shop at the chain bookstore in person again.

“I love getting to actually walk around and look at all [of] the shelves. It’s so much better than just adding things to [a] cart when you’re shopping online,” said Emma.

With the opening of this new location, students have their own expectations for what features the store will have.

“I loved the café at the old Barnes & Noble, so I hope they have it at this location too,” said senior Michelle D.

The need for a bookstore in Commack was the reason for the new addition to the shopping center because there are only nine Barnes & Noble stores across all of Long Island.

“We look to put bookstores in places where we think that they’re in need in communities,” said Barnes & Noble’s vice president of store design Janine Flanigan, in an interview with Newsday.

The building that was formerly Party City will also be receiving a new look to fit Barnes & Noble’s brand. 

“Barnes & Noble plans to renovate the space and add its own fixtures. The retailer [applied] for permits from the Town of Smithtown this [January] for the work,” said Flanigan.

This new location isn’t the last that Long Island should expect from Barnes & Noble.

“Barnes & Noble is looking to further expand on Long Island,” said Flanigan.

The new Barnes & Noble is scheduled to open in August 2026.