If you haven’t checked out a bookstore with your kids in a while, it’s time to add it to your must-do list.
Keb, 3, of New Paltz, plays in the charming children’s
nook at Inquiring Minds in New Paltz.
After years
of nightly story times, frequent library visits, and carefully chosen books to
encourage interest, the effort has paid off. I am happy to say that I have two enthusiastic
little book lovers in my home.
Seeing my
daughters’ faces glow with excitement when walking into a bookshop makes my
heart melt every time. In their eyes, all the books lining the shelves are
countless adventures waiting to be discovered. During our visits together, we
explore, we read and we get inspired.
If you
haven’t checked out a bookstore with your kids in a while, it’s time to add it
to your must-do list. There are a number of child-friendly bookstores in the Hudson
Valley that provide great adult book selections in addition to their children’s
offerings, so everyone in the family can enjoy their visit. Here’s a rundown of
some of our local bookstores along with what they provide for their youngest patrons:
Oblong Books and Music
6422
Montgomery St., Rhinebeck
26 Main St.,
Millerton
Each of the
two Oblong locations boasts a bright and cheery children’s section dubbed “Oblong,
Junior.” In addition to a wide selection of children’s books, they also sell a
variety of unique and educational toys and gifts that you won’t find in
mainstream stores. Regarding the selection of kids’ products, owner Dick
Hermans is proud of his motto: “If you saw it advertised on TV, you won’t find
it here.”
Oblong also
hosts a number of children’s events as well as the successful Hudson Valley YA
Society, a monthly author event series for young adults.
The Golden Notebook
29 Tinker
St., Woodstock
This
charming bookshop offers a welcoming children’s nook and friendly, helpful
staff who clearly have a soft spot in their heart for kids.
Their
collection of toys and gifts for little ones is irresistible and includes
shirts and onesies with famous story characters. This little shop has many book fair events that support local schools and non-profit groups in Ulster County and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
They always try
to bring local children’s authors in to the school book fairs to share with
students their latest stories and discuss with them the creative writing
process.
Lucas, 5, loves to visit The Golden
Notebook in Woodstock.
Merritt Books
57 Front
St., Millbrook
In addition
to offering a lovely children’s section complete with a game table, train set
and toys, Merritt Books sponsors a number of children’s events throughout the
year for their small patrons. Some of these events include book releases, children’s
author visits and workshops, reading challenges, and the Millbrook
Literary Festival.
Barner Books
3 Church
St., New Paltz
Barner Books
is a quaint, happy shop located in the heart of New Paltz. It offers plenty of
great selections for children, and since they specialize in used books, it’s a
great place to buy if you’re on a budget. There is a cozy corner for kids and
animal statues throughout the store that are sure to intrigue any child that
walks in. Barner also boasts one of the largest selections of handmade journals
in the Hudson Valley.
Inquiring Minds
6 Church
St., New Paltz
200 Main
St., Saugerties
Each of the
Inquiring Minds locations invites your family to stay a while by offering comfortable
seating and a welcoming atmosphere. In New Paltz, your child can explore a
fort-like alcove made just for them with toys to play with. The Saugerties
location offers a train table and other toys to entertain the little ones, as
well as a café and tables throughout the shop for 
reading, writing, chess and
more. All of these perks are above and beyond their large book selection.
Eliana, 6, of Port Ewen, gets comfy while reading at
Inquiring Minds in Saugerties.
READ MORE: 8 ways to get kids excited about reading
The Book
Cove is a sweet, sophisticated shop located in the heart of the village of
Pawling. They offer a special reading nook devoted to children as well as children’s
author signings and events. Besides books, they also sell toys and an
assortment of gifts for children and adults.
Sarah Coppola lives in Port Ewen with her husband and two daughters.