In featuring a list of the "100 most influential people in Brooklyn culture," Brooklyn Magazine noted that "culture doesn't happen in a vacuum... and behind every great institution and festival, bookstore and production company are the people who make it happen." Among the booksellers recognized: 
Henry Zook, Zack Zook and Mary Gannett, co-owners of BookCourt: "It seems like half of Brooklyn's literary scene has worked at BookCourt at some point, not to mention that it boasts a stellar lineup of readings and other author events, making it one of the borough's leading venues for top-name authors on their book tours as well as community-oriented series. That 'Staff Picks' shelf isn't half bad, either."
Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, co-owners of Greenlight Bookstore, "have created a space for avowed lit lovers and newbie readers (they're out there!) alike. And beyond just running what happens to be one of the most pleasant bookstores in the borough (and this is a borough full of pleasant bookstores) Fitting and Stockton Bagnulo run an excellent reading series at Greenlight."
Craig Mathis, events director of powerHouse Arena: "Every independent bookstore has its niche, and with its high ceilings, bleacher-style seating, and wide open spaces, powerHouse is uniquely suited as a hub for some of the lit world's very best readings and book launches."
Jenn Northington, events director of WORD: "There aren't a lot of bookstores where you could count on say, events focusing on Rousseau and Riot Grrl happening on the same day, and even fewer with a space as cozy and lovely as the one at Word. Kudos to booker Jenn Northington for running the show at a place that truly deserves every bit of adulation that come its way."
