Local bookstores call for curious customers

A New Leaf in Pine Plains, N.Y.

Ruby Citrin

Local bookstores call for curious customers

In the age of modern technology, convenience is king. Though online markets allow people to shop from the comfort of home, physical stores provide value beyond the products they sell. Take bookstores, for example.


Ruby Citrin

Oblong Books

Millerton, N.Y.

Dick Hermans and Holly Nelson opened Oblong Books in the spring of 1975. Over the past 50 years, the store has moved to four different buildings in downtown Millerton, before settling at 26 Main Street. In 2001, they opened a second location in Rhinebeck, New York. Hermans’ daughter, Susanna, now runs the operations. Oblong offers a large collection of titles, including an extensive children’s section, as well as a calendar of events for readers of all ages. The colorful store beams with an assortment of records, puzzles, notebooks, and cards.



Ruby Citrin

A New Leaf

Pine Plains, N.Y.

A New Leaf was opened in 1999 by Ginger Dowd and James Polk and sits at Rural Route 199 in Pine Plains. Soft lighting washes over the decor of old paintings, sketches, and photographs, while lamps and armchairs make up cozy reading nooks. The supply of used books – accumulated from library sales and donations – is well-preserved and remarkably organized. Sprawling little rooms lead to a blooming, green backyard, where customers can soak up stories and sunshine all at once.

Laced with the personalities of staff and customers, each bookshop has its own unique charm. These inclusive spaces for congregation and conversation do not exist online. Their survival depends on continued support from local community members.



Ruby Citrin

The Merritt Bookstore + Toy Store

Millbrook, N.Y.

Founded by Scott Meyer in 1984, the Merritt Bookstore displays an array of toys, cards, crafts and, of course, books. Stories fill the Front Street space in Millbrook, all neatly stacked on wooden shelves or piled in carts and bins. Kira Wizner took over after Meyer’s death in 2015, maintaining his magic and adding her own touch. Deeply woven into the community, the store presents book signings by local authors, makes weekly appearances at the summer farmer’s market, and partners with Millbrook schools to instill an early affinity for reading.



Ruby Citrin

Johnnycake Books

Salisbury, Conn.

The history of antiquarian booksellers in Salisbury, Connecticut, dates back to 1930. Dan Dwyer established Johnnycake Books – at 12 Academy Street – in March of 2000. The name has both literary and personal references: Growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Dwyer spent countless rainy afternoons at the Whaling Museum atop Johnnycake Hill, which is also the setting for the opening chapter of Moby Dick. Dwyer’s collection of rare books reflects his own interests and those of his customers. On shelves, tables, couches, and easels, books are displayed like artwork.



Ruby Citrin

House of Books

Kent, Conn.

House of Books – located at 10 North Main Street in Kent – opened in 1976 and is now owned by Kent Barns. For decades, the store has attracted spirited readers who want more than a solitary experience of literature. While books themselves have inherent value, the passion of the people who appreciate them floods the store with wonder. “House favorites” (staff picks) sprinkle carefully curated inventory and browsers act as booksellers themselves, exchanging suggestions and dialogue. A literal house makes up the children’s section and instrumental music twinkles amongst glittering white shelves.

Latest News

School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook names top-ranked scholars

Amber Concannon

Photo provided

MILLBROOK — Strong leadership skills and confidence in communication are evident contributors to Amber Concannon having earned her designation as Valedictorian of the Millbrook High School Class of 2025.

“I have truly loved my time at Millbrook,” Amber said of her Millbrook schooling that began when she was enrolled in kindergarten.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE

Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.

The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less