Posted on Oct 28, 2024 at 2:33 pm by

By Joshua Anderson for the Peekskill Business Improvement District

The Field Library Book Store is an organized and strategically designed space that looks more like a library than a bookstore with carpeted floors, vertical shelving units and stacks and stacks of books, CDs and DVDs. The book store has been attracting book-lovers and bargain-hunters for years. There’s something for all ages and all interests:  fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, biographies, history, politics, art, music, self-help, parenting, children’s books, young adult, and a separate “romance room.” Yes, romance novels get their own room with a large selection of Harlequin and Silhouette novels for sale at 25 cents a piece or five for a $1.  Paperbacks have their own dedicated shelf space as well.

For those who cherish the joy of flipping through the pages of an old book or the simple pleasure of discovering a well-timed bargain, the book store is more than a haven for booklovers—it’s a symbol of the undying curiosity of the human mind.

The quaint little bookstore is staffed by volunteers and almost all of them are retired. Some very sweet ladies are oftentimes on hand to greet and guide customers–Marie Denardie and Maria Angelini. When interviewed, they smiled and joked, based on their last names, that not all the volunteers were Italian and they made a pitch for more help. “I can honestly say that I kinda have to twist people’s arms to volunteer, but once they come here, everybody loves it,” Angelini said.

The volunteers, or should we call them bookkeepers, are in charge. They handle all aspects of operations, including opening and closing the store, sorting donations, and managing sales. Sometimes there is a line of people waiting for the store to open. They get quite busy for a used book store.

Inventory comes from excess or replacement books from the Field Library, generous donors, library patrons and customers. Donating used books and other items for resale is recycling at its best. The donor gets a tax deduction, bookstore customers get great books at bargain prices and the library gets needed funds. The store does not accept donations of encyclopedias, textbooks, or magazines and the volunteers ask that all donated materials be clean and in good condition.

The store operates as a non-profit, with any profits after expenses–estimated at around $6,000 per year–going to support the local Field Library located just three blocks away at 4 Nelson Avenue. Book store proceeds have helped the library purchase special computer equipment and new library furnishings as well as supporting children’s programs and services.

The store is located at 934 South Street in downtown Peekskill, New York and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.  The store’s main, but friendly competitor—Bruised Apple—is just around the corner. Both are housed in turn-of-the-century brick buildings, but they are more like friendly neighbors than ardent competitors.  Bibliophiles visit both locations when in town since both have undiscovered bargains and treasures. Customers are encouraged to stride over the the Peekskill Coffee House or BeanRunner Cafe to get a head start on their newly-acquired reading materials while enjoying lunch or a cup of coffee.

“The best part about our bookstore is that all of the DVDs and CDs, which sell like crazy, believe it or not, are 25 cents,” Angelini said. Hardcover books are $2 each, large paperbacks are $1 each, and small paperbacks are 50 cents each. Some items are higher priced. The store also offers cassette tapes, vynil records and videotapes.

“We have a very good children’s and little children’s selection. Young adults here, grade school here,” Angelini said, pointing to the different sections in the store. Children’s and young adult books, are usually just 10 cents each. Children can walk in with pocket change and walk out several books richer.          

As the managing editor of Orbis Books, Angelini—she’s not retired—enjoys reading more lighthearted, easy-to-read popular fiction which is a top seller at the store. “I have always worked in either law books, books on human rights, civil rights, international criminal law, theology, so I’m reading really heavy stuff at work, and when I go home and I want to read something really light, that is not hard to read. It’s really understandable. So that’s what I like to read, easy stuff,” Angelini said.

The store is looking to expand on its opportunities to connect with the local community. From being involved in events at Peekskill to inviting artists to paint and design their windows, this fierce group of booklovers (and library lovers) is aiming to continue their 20 plus years in Peekskill with even more vigor.

The mission statement of the library, and by extension, the book store is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen the community. As it looks towards the future, the store remains committed to enriching the lives of its community residents visitors and strengthening the bonds within. If you would like more information, like to volunteer or arrange a donation, call (914) 736-7030.

Love books, CDs, vinyl albums? Check out Bruised Fruits Are Sweeter, So Are Used Books – Discover Peekskill.

(C) 2024 Peekskill Business Improvement District. Photos by Joshua Anderson. Edited by Bill Powers. 
If you are a downtown destination business, and would like to be considered for an upcoming profile article, please email us at peekskillbid1@gmail.com.