Find Your Summer Reads in the Hudson Valley’s Independent Bookstores

By inside + out | August 16, 2021

Calling all bibliophiles! The long, hot days of summer provide us with the perfect opportunity to dive into a new book. Whether you’re looking for the latest best-selling beach reads, a classic page-turner or maybe even a local craft brew, you can find them at many local Hudson Valley independent bookstores.

So go ahead and skip Amazon and the big box stores! These beloved local shops serve as community gathering places and connectors – both online and via their stunning social presence – spotlighting local writers, hosting live and virtual book clubs, and filling our home libraries.

POSTMARK BOOKS | Rosendale NY | 845-658-2479 | @postmarkbooksny

Stop and smell the roses in this bright and airy space on Rosendale’s burgeoning Main Street. Postmark Books offers a small but well-curated treasure trove of today’s most interesting reads, including a robust children’s section and unique gifts along with an incredibly in-store floral design studio with show-stopping arrangements and hand-wrapped bouquets.

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SPOTTY DOG BOOKS & ALE | Hudson New York | 518-671-6006 | @spottydogbooks

Situated in a 19th-century firehouse, this establishment is more than a bookstore – it’s also an award-winning bar where patrons can sip a locally sourced ale (or cider or wine) while pursuing a great find from among the stacks of books. Complete with a full schedule of author events and local live music performances, it’s no surprise that this centrally-located Warren Street spot continues to be a local favorite.

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INQUIRING MINDS BOOKSTORE & CAFE | Saugerties NY | 845-246-5775| @inquiringmindsaugerties

This fiercely independent bookstore boasts local ownership whose goal is to share a passion for books, literacy, and lifelong learning. The space offers frequent book readings and signings in-store, along with your favorite new and gently used books, music, puzzles, and toys. You’ll find a delightful coffee shop tucked inside and a charming seating area in which to enjoy your purchases. There is also a location in New Paltz.

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ROUGH DRAFT BAR & BOOKS | Kingston NY | 845-802-0027 | @roughdraftny

The best of both worlds, Rough Draft is a bar and bookstore located in a stone house at Kingston’s historic four corners, where locals come together for reading, drinking, conversation, and events. Beyond an incredibly curated selection of new books of all kinds, it offers a fantastic selection of local craft beer, cider, and wine, along with coffee and local pastries.

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OBLONG BOOKS | Rhinebeck New York | 845-876-0500 | @oblongbooks

This space in Rhinebeck has become a destination for both visitors and the local community. The shelves are stocked with both the expected and unexpected – including the latest books, music, gifts, and more. The name reflects the store’s historic roots in the region: per the store’s website, two separate surveys by New York and Connecticut disputed ownership of a two-mile strip of land in Dutchess County, called “The Oblong.” The matter wasn’t definitively settled until the 1800s.

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THE GOLDEN NOTEBOOK | Woodstock NY | 845-679-8000 | @goldennotebookbookstore

The Golden Notebook opened its doors in 1978 and has been serving as a center for the community of writers, artists, musicians, and iconoclasts that have always existed in Woodstock. A recently expanded children’s shop within a shop on the second floor, The Little Golden Notebook, includes a magical space complete with a mural by Hudson Valley artist, and Thorneater comics illustrator, Will Lytle.

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BARNER BOOKS | New Paltz New York | 845-255-2635 | @barnerbooks

Located in the heart of New Paltz’s historic business district, Barner Books is one of the longest-standing bookstores in the Hudson Valley. The shop features new, used, and rare books with a great selection of regional titles, and also sells notebooks, pens, bookmarks, and vintage items including magnets, typewriters, handmade journals, and posters.

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HALF MOON BOOKS | Kingston NY | 845-331-5439 | @halfmoonbooks

You never know what you’ll find at this delightful and well-organized used book shop in a quaint area of Kingston. Featuring a knowledgeable and kind staff, who can help you navigate the great selection of gently used books, DVDs, posters, prints, and more. Plus, you’re upcycling – what’s better than that?

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MAGPIE BOOKSHOP | Catskill NY | 518-303-6035 | @magpiebookshop

A well-curated and intuitively organized bookstore with a wide selection of nearly new, used books in virtually every category and genre. Across two stories, Magpie Bookshop is also a great place to discover and connect with the region’s local creative community – within the shop or via the many events, including established musicians from all over, as well as local artists and craft makers.

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MIRABAI | Woodstock NY | 845-679-2100 | @mirabai_of_woodstock

Mirabai of Woodstock is exactly the type of bookshop you’d expect to thrive in Woodstock, and for good reason: for over 30 years, this comprehensive spiritual/metaphysical bookstore has been serving the local community. The shop offers a vast array of books, workshops, private guidance, crystals, jewelry, statuary, incense aromatherapy, and other provisions for a more conscious way of life.

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BLUE HERON BOOKS | High Falls NY | 845-377-1089 | @blueheronbooksny

Blue Heron Books in historic High Falls, NY, proudly presents an assorted array of new, used, and once-banned books catering to all ages and budgets, championing your freedom to read.

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OUR BOOKSHOP | Saugerties NY | 845-246-3106

This tiny bookshop has been called a go-to for bibliophiles. Our Bookshop, open since 2000, offers a wide variety of old and out-of-print books, along with postcards, photographs, vintage magazines, and other ephemera. The space has books crammed into every room and hallway (and bathroom!), yet is easily navigable with the help of the friendly and knowledgeable owner.

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