Hobart, New York: A Village That Loves Book Lovers

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

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.

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.

Read Aline Alexander Newman’s inspiring story from the February-March issue of Guideposts!