Nestled in the Catskills mountains is tiny Hobart Village, New York, which loves its books. With a population of only around 400 people, the town boasts seven bookstores, and it is now affectionately referred to as "Hobart Book Village." For those who adore literature and ephemera, it's a dream destination. Find out why this little town of books has made a name for itself.
From Ghost Town To Book Town Destination
Twenty-five years ago, Hobart was in danger of becoming a complete ghost town. Once a supply stop for nearby dairy farmers, Hobart grew from agricultural roots. While farmland still surrounds the picturesque village, the demand for a centralized supply point waned. Local retirees and proprietors bought buildings along the Mainstreet strip through the town and breathed new life into Hobart as a book mecca. Now, it bears a strong resemblance to the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye.
Hobart Book Village: A Bibliophile's Dream
Hobart Book Village didn't become that way by design, at least not at first. It was started with the opening of one bookstore, William H. Adams' Antiquarian Bookstore, owned by Don Dales, who had also bought many storefronts along Main Street. The second one was opened by Barbara Balliet and Cheryl Clarke, retired college professors who own Blenheim Hill Books. From there, it became a domino effect, with bookstores catering to book lovers with different interests.
Something For Everyone
Liberty Rock Books boasts over 50,000 titles, including current bestsellers, children's titles, and history. Quarry Books is tucked away in an alley as if to beckon those looking for adventure. Lion's Eye Books specializes in visual arts, while More Good Books is a shop for transportation, sports, and hobbies. Creative Corner Books sells books and ephemera. All seven shops collaborate to host events, such as author meet and greets and the Festival of Women Writers.
A Pilgrimage For Writers And Readers
Though Hobart Book Village may not be the only "book town" in the world, it's the only one East of the Mississippi River in North America. The others are in Grass Valley, California; Nevada City, California; and Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. Due to their rarity, book towns worldwide are a bucket list item for readers and writers alike. In autumn, Hobart, New York, has brightly colored foliage on display to dazzle visitors, along with the bookshelves.
More To Offer Than Books
Featured in Atlas Obscura, Hobart Book Village is a quiet, friendly, darling little town. Even the most diehard book fanatic needs a break from bookstores and libraries, and Hobart offers a seasonal farmers market, movies under the stars in the village park, DJ music and dancing, and other events for all ages. The nearby Country Pride Cheese House is for cheese connoisseurs, while the Catskill Scenic Rail Trail attracts those who love to hike. The town is quiet, which is precisely its appeal.
Honest, Old-Fashioned Values
If you've ever watched the Andy Griffith Show, you might wonder if places like Mayberry exist anymore. If there were, Hobart Book Village might be close. In addition to all the bookstores collaborating rather than competing, village patriarch Don Dales owns most of the other bookstores' property. He doesn't charge rent to the other owners and runs his own bookstore through the honor system. A paper register and cash box sit at the front, trusting the public to do the right thing.
Final Thoughts
Hobart Book Village sounds like the ideal place for a getaway if you love reading, writing, and quiet surroundings. While the village itself has only about 400 residents, it earned its place on the map as a book town. Festivals, events, and author book signings make Hobart Book Village a premiere visiting spot.
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