Oblong Books & Music, with locations in Millerton and Rhinebeck, N.Y., "has proven that independent book stores still have an important role to play in our communities," Independent We Stand reported in its profile of father/daughter team Dick Hermans and Suzanna Hermans: "While their family history in the area dates back to the 1680's and the store name derives from a border dispute of that era, Oblong's retail enterprise is a model of the modern independent bookstore."
Suzanna, who currently serves on the board of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and is president of the New England Independent Booksellers Association, "grew up in the Millerton store," then jumped into full-time bookselling after college in 2007, IWS wrote, adding that she "has proven to be a passionate and energetic bookseller who literally has taken the stores to a new level."
"Keeping it local and independent is what makes Oblong unique," IWS concluded. "Each of their stores has its own character and thrives because of Oblong's dedication to meeting the needs of everyone who walks in the door or visits their website,"
