Book Hunting in Our Neighborhood

The last Book Trout post offered up some of the literary landmarks in Saratoga County and as a follow-up, here are some ideas for book hunting, besides our shop, Old Saratoga Books of course:

Lyrical Ballad Bookstore - Run by one of the nicest couples you'll ever meet, John and Jan DeMarco, who have had an antiquarian bookstore for over 30 years at 7 Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs (right off of Broadway). Lyrical Ballad is a labyrinth of great books, with strong sections in the arts, horses, children's fiction, and dance. The shop is located in a former bank and the expensive stuff is located in the bank's former vault. The shop is open seven days a week. For hours and directions, call them at 518-584-8779.

The Saratoga Springs Library's "Book Bag" store - This bookstore is run by volunteers and housed in the grand new Public Library located at 49 Henry Street. The Book Bag has a generous room and a half of books for sale, mostly newish donations and library discards. Prices are cheap, there is lots of turnover and the money helps fund the library, so it's all good. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am to 8 pm, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4. You can also check out the Friends of the Library website for more information.

The Village Booksmith - 223 Main Street (Route 4), Hudson Falls. Located about 1/2 hour north of Saratoga Springs and Schuylerville. This is a great shop located in two adjoining former houses with tons of books in all subject areas. The owner, Cliff Bruce, is another wonderful colleague with a gentle, funny personality. He is also a magician, so there is and extensive magic section with books and props. Hours: Wed-Sat 11-5. Call 518-747-3261 for more details.

Owl Pen Books - Open seasonally from May through October, Owl Pen Books has two big barns full used and rare books. Owners Edie Brown and Hank Howard have lovely gardens all around and welcome book browsers to pack a picnic when they visit. Owl Pen Books is "tucked in the hills" at 166 Riddle Road, Greenwich, New York and it is best to call ahead for directions at 518-692-7039.

Twice Told Tales, 80-82 Milton Avenue (Route 50), Ballston Spa NY. This lovely shop has lots of great fiction titles and books for the younger set and is located in the historic village of Ballston Spa, known for its antique shops, National Bottle Museum and the Brookside History Museum. Hours change seasonally, so it is best to call ahead: 518-885-6976.