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.
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 boast 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.
Oblong also
hosts a number of events. Check their calendar for dates and times.
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. 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 into school Book Fairs to share with
students their latest stories and discuss with them the creative writing
process.
Merritt Bookstore & Toystore
57 Front
St., Millbrook
They offer a wide variety of toys, puzzles, and games through the newly expanded Toys of Merritt. They offer several events including book releases, children’s
author visits, and the Millbrook
Literary Festival.
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.
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.
Sadie’s Books & Beverages
37 North St, Middletown
Sadie’s Books & Beverages is your cozy indie intergenerational BOOKSEUM! They blend the experiences of a bookstore, museum & cultural center located in the heart of downtown Middletown, NY, and are the first black-owned bookstore in Orange County. They provide the community with access to diverse books and a space where everyone feels valued. In addition to their specially curated book selection, they also serve beverages, food products, and more. The bookseum is also a community space that holds free author talks, workshops, and other events, including Sensory Saturdays for children on the autism spectrum and back to college campus school giveaways.
Sarah Coppola lives in Port Ewen with her husband and two daughters.