ExploreLI: Independent bookstores
BY ANNE MACHALINSKI
Long Island's rich literary history is indisputable. Walt Whitman, who penned the famous poetry collection "Leaves of Grass," was born in Huntington. John Steinbeck, author of "The Grapes of Wrath," was known for drinking at bars and frequenting local shops in Sag Harbor, where he lived. F. Scott Fitzgerald set "The Great Gatsby" on the Gold Coast. Additionally, Jack Kerouac, Thomas Pynchon, Mario Puzo and other literary greats have all called Long Island home.
Despite its past, Long Island has struggled to maintain its literary presence. While the Island boasts about 20 chain bookstores scattered throughout Nassau and Suffolk, independent bookstores are few and far between.
Fortunately, there are a few places remaining where avid readers can receive bookseller recommendations, hear a favorite author read from their newest work, or pick up a used classic and pass on the love of reading to their youngsters. Here are a few of those places.
CHILD'S PLAY
There's no better way to pass on a love of reading to little ones than by hooking them with a literary-themed birthday at Happily Ever After, a children's bookstore in Rockville Centre (516-561-0136). Tots will be treated to an interactive story reading in a private party room, plus craft time and dancing to "Hokey Pokey" and other favorite tunes. Everyone
will bring home goody bags holding books and toys from one of the 15 themes, which include fairy tales, princesses and pirates. The store also offers Little Maestros music lessons, computer classes and other events.
A WINNING CLUB
For a certain breed of readers, there's nothing more fulfilling than discussing a favorite book with a supportive group. For those readers, the book club at Book Revue in Huntington (631-271-1442), which meets monthly, might be the perfect outlet. In April, they'll tackle "Sweet and Low," a memoir by Rich Cohen, and Tim O'Brien's novel, "The Things They Carried," in May. As the largest independent bookseller on the East Coast, the store is best known for its frequent, high-quality speaking events, which can draw up to 1,000 attendees.
GALLERY OPENINGS
With an expansive inventory of illustrated books, East End Books in East Hampton is able to promote new works in its small gallery space, which houses monthly art openings (631-324-8680). Spring and summer shows include an opening for Dick Stone, an abstract painter from Bridgehampton, and Jake Rajf, a photographer who will display pictures of the Hamptons from his upcoming book, "Beyond the Dunes." Always a favorite, Paul Saltzman's photographs from "The Beatles in India" will be exhibited this summer in celebration of the 40th anniversary of that event.
POETRY READINGS
On the first Friday of every month, an open mike night of a purely literary kind is held at the Village Bookshoppe in Rockville Centre (516-764-1395). Long Island poets, ranging from newbies to published writers, congregate to read their rhymes and verses aloud to a small group. The 10-year-old store has another special feature that might save you a few bucks when the new Stephen King book hits shelves: It rents the latest hardcover bestsellers, $3.50 for two weeks.
WORDS AND IMAGES
Art meets literature at Canio's Books, a bookstore and gathering place in Sag Harbor, where writers and photographers can fine-tune their skills with theme workshops (631-725-4926). In "The Long Look" workshop, run by co-owner Kathryn Szoka, photographers focus on a single subject matter, learning new techniques and then sharing their expanding portfolio during the five-week session. Maryann Calendrille, the store's other owner, runs a similarly structured six-week writing workshop, "Pen, Paper, Practice." New sessions for both workshops begin in mid-April.
A PERSONAL TOUCH
In the 38 years that she's been at the Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington (516-767-2650), owner Patti Vunk has developed long-lasting relationships with her customers. She's introduced children to reading, seen them grow into literature-loving adults, and then introduced their children to books, something that would never be possible in a major chain bookstore, she said. While there are infrequent events to draw in new customers,
one can expect personalized, expert recommendations from someone who truly believes in the power of books.
Nassau Independent Bookstores:
Booklovers Paradise
2972 Merrick Rd Ste A
Bellmore
516-221-0994
Dolphin Bookshop
941 Port Washington Blvd.
Port Washington
516-767-2650
Happily Ever After
221 N. Long Beach Road
Rockville Centre
516-561-0136
www.happilyeverafterbookshop.com
Lazy Days Books
651 East Park Ave.
Long Beach
516-431-0729
Village Bookshoppe
7 North Village Avenue
Rockville Centre
516-764-1395
Suffolk Independent Bookstores:
Best Bargain Books
www.bestbargainbook.com
65 Robinson Ave.
East Patchogue
631-207-2353
217 Middle Country Rd.
Centereach
631-737-7777
14 East Broadway
Port Jefferson
631-331-3349
Book Revue
313 New York Ave.
Huntington Village
631-271-1442
www.bookrevue.com
Book Hampton
www.bookhampton.com
20 Main Street
Sag Harbor
631-725-8425
41 Main Street
East Hampton
631-324-4939
91 Main Street
Southampton
631-283-0270
The Book Shoppe
The Plaza
Montauk
631-668-4599
Buccaneer Books
4460 Depot Lane
Cutchogue
631-734-5725
www.buccaneerbooks.com
Burton's Bookstore
43 Front Street
Greenport
631-477-1161
Canio's Books
290 Main St.
Sag Harbor
631-725-4926
www.caniosbooks.com
East End Books
53 The Circle
East Hampton
631-324-8680
www.eastendbookstore.com
I AM Books
315 Main St.
Huntington Village
631-271-5683
www.IAMBooksOnline.com
Open Book
135 Main Street
Westhampton Beach
631-288-2120
Runaway Bay Books
10 Main St.
Sayville
631-589-9212
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