Here’s a charming destination for book lovers of every stripe.
Since 1999, the town of Hobart, New York, inspired in part by the Welsh village of Hay-on-Wye, has transformed into a destination for book lovers. Over that span, a series of used bookshops, each specializing in a particular genre or area of interest, have opened in the bucolic Catskills village, attracting literature lovers from across the country and around the world. Photos by Roy Gumpel
1 of 9 Welcome, Bibliophiles
Hobart, a small town (pop. 351) in upstate New York, features a cluster of eight used bookstores forming a unique literary destination in the northern Catskills. It modeled itself after Hay-on-Wye, a village in Wales famous for its 19 bookshops.
2 of 9 Book People
A group of Hobart’s bookstore owners and staffers—Randi Sussman-Kim, owner of LionEyesBooks; Barbara Balliet, co-owner of Blenheim Hill Books; Rio Caban, of the CabanCompany; and Don Dales, owner of Quarry Books—who make up the tightly-knit community
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3 of 9 Idea Man
Hobart was a “ghost town” when Don Dales, a retired piano teacher and furniture restorer, moved there in 1999. In hopes of revitalizing the town he bought empty storefronts and offered merchants a year of free rent, which led to the idea of attracting people who wanted to open bookstores. Today Don owns Quarry Books, which specializes in mysteries and science fiction.
4 of 9 Honor System
Don’s bookshop operates on the honor system; customers use the cash box or the credit device to pay.
5 of 9 Passion and Purpose
John Mahoney, co-owner of Liberty Rock Books. He, along with James Mahoney, a library directory, and Tom Liotta, an Episcopal deacon, curate thousands of volumes, including religious texts. “I think of my bookstore work as a ministry,” James says. The owners enjoy discussing books with customers. “They go away smiling. That’s what is most important: sharing the human experience.”
6 of 9 In the Stacks
Some of the antique books and vintage volumes on display
7 of 9 Strength in Community
Retired college professors Barbara Balliet and Cheryl Clarke, owners of Blenheim Hill Books. “The fact that stores were working cooperatively, and there was a vision, drew us here,” Barbara says. They opened Blenheim Hill Books in 2009. After a fire destroyed half of their stock of poetry, women’s studies and picture books, they got “so much community support,” it affirmed their decision to come to Hobart.
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8 of 9 Book Keeping
Randi Sussman-Kim, owner of LionEyesBooks, surrounded by the many used books she’s getting ready to display for fellow book lovers.
9 of 9 Bucolic Book Hub
An overhead shot of the charming town of Hobart, NY.