17 Bookshops That Make Main Street Better
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I’ve been pretty overwhelmed lately by the continuous news notifications popping up on my phone. I’ve always been a reader and have been trying to be more intentional about carving out time for novels. I’ve also decided – in an effort to reduce screen time overall – to take a break from my Kindle and go back to printed books. I’ve missed the physical pleasure of opening a book, but also the actual browsing and discovering that can only take place in a brick-and-mortar bookstore. Samantha Brown, the host of the PBS travel show “Places to Love,” posted this on Instagram a few months ago, and it keeps coming back to me:
"If a small town supports one independent bookstore, they usually support other small businesses like restaurants, shops, cafes, etc., and these small towns usually have a vibrant main street. And the bonus is all the money you spend in these small towns stays in the community."
So true! As you know, I’ve been exploring small towns across Westchester and the Hudson Valley in the last couple of months – all have thriving independent bookshops. So here’s my round-up of some of the best small-town indie bookshops, all with a Main Street worth checking out.
Pickwick Book Shop, Nyack
Stacks and stacks and piles and piles of books – some new, but mainly used – line the narrow aisle with barely an inch of free space! The bookseller has been there since 1945 and somehow knows where everything is! I was mesmerized by the haphazard stacks, although it did seem like any wrong move would make everything tumble down, but that’s part of the fun.
Picture Book, Dobbs Ferry
A permanent pop-up in Hudco, my favorite co-working space, Picture Book is thoughtfully curated and stocks every "it" book you didn't even know you needed.
Oblong Books, Millerton, and Rhinebeck
It was this Millerton shop that first inspired this list. During one of my favorite recent days exploring Millerton, I stumbled in and thought that every town needs an Oblong classic indie shop with something for everyone. Love the staff picks that you can find in every section.
Magpie Bookshop, Catskill
This place was so clean and organized I almost didn't realize it was a used bookstore. It’s got an excellent selection of cheap books. Sometimes, even free.
The Village Book Store, Pleasantville
Back in the 2010s, when it seemed like all the small bookshops were disappearing, The Village Bookstore seemed to be the only small brick-and-mortar shop I could find. It is also the perfect spot to browse before a movie at Jacob Burns.
Dia Beacon, Beacon
This doesn't really fall into the "indie book store" bucket since it’s in a museum, but I include it because it's, hands down, the best selection of art books you can find in the Hudson Valley.
Rodgers Book Barn, Hillsdale
Not in an actual barn, but more of a rickety old house with rooms overflowing with books. Owner Maureen Rodgers since 1972 sells "Old and Unusual Books." It’s easy to miss on a small road about five miles outside of town on a dirt road, so you really need to be intentional about stopping in. High on my list after reading about it in the New Yorker years ago.
Rough Draft Bar and Books, Kingston
Located in the center of Kingston's Stockade shopping district, this is the ultimate hangout spot. sits on one of the famous Four Corners—the only intersection in the United States where 18th-century stone houses stand on all four corners. You can take your book, grab a coffee or beer, and read sunlight-drenched room.
Inquiring Minds Bookstore and Cafe, Saugerties and New Paltz
This spot sells a combo of mostly new but some used books, with a notable selection of books about New York. Plus, there’s a cool vinyl section and big, comfy sofas to lounge and browse. Those uneven wooden floors remind me of The Strand.
J. Anderson’s Books, Larchmont
This neighborhood institution for generations is another one on my to-do list. My friend Jenny (of Dinner: A Love Story fame) told me this was where she first discovered her Marcella Hazan cookbook over thirty years ago! Clearly life-changing for her!
Transom Books, Tarrytown
Classic local bookstore. Lots of bestsellers and page-turners.
Sleepy Hollow Bookshop, Sleepy Hollow
Kids and YA. Also, coffee, story time, and music for kids.
Scattered Books, Chappaqua
Aside from being just a great all-purpose indie bookshop where you could potentially run into Hillary and Bill, in the back room and you can cuddle with live bunnies.
Katonah Reading Room, Katonah
I haven't been yet, but only because I get sidetracked in so many shops on Katonah's Main Street, but my friend Brenda swears by it, and it’s next door to my favorite Westchester bakery, LMNOP.
Binnacle Books and Stanza, Beacon
Beacon is a much bigger town than I often realize – so it has room for not one but two bookstores. Binnacle has shelves of used books outside that will lure you off Main Street. Stanza is a newer shop featuring new books.
Hudson Valley Books for Humanity, Ossining
I stumbled upon this gem when exploring Ossining. The owner, Amy, was inspired to open the shop when she was trying to find a home for her own book collection. What began as a way to rescue books from landfills has become a cool community spot that highlights social justice topics. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!
Bonus: Here’s what’s currently on my nightstand – I am about 50 pages into Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. On deck is The Gods of The Woods by Liz Moore
Happy reading!
If you found a new spot to check out from this post, Feel free to click the ❤️ button. It brightens my day and helps others discover local gems through Go Love NY. Thanks for reading!
So many favorites on here: Picture Book, Sleepy Hollow, Transom, Rough Draft. Excited to check out the others!
Love seeing so many wonderful book stores here! I'm from Tarrytown and Transom is my favorite. Will be checking out a few other of these.