Idler Books debuted recently at 734 Route 32A in Palenville, N.Y. The Daily Gazette reported that the November 1 grand opening was followed the next day by a celebration featuring performances by local bands.
"So far, it's working out really well," said owner Rachel Leal. "The first weekend was amazing. So many people from the community came out and seemed really excited to have a bookstore in the neighborhood."
In addition to mainstream adult titles, Leal is open to the type of books she will carry and has already received input from the community, including a suggestion to expand into children's books.
"Before I even got the doors open, people in the community were asking if I was going to have kids' books," she said. "That was something people really wanted. I keep my [genre] sections very general, a little smaller, until I could fill out what people want here. For example, I know now that we're open that people like a lot of like board books and picture books."
The store will also feature used books. Leal told the Daily Gazette she hoped to create the "Strand style," which is modeled after the Strand Bookstore in Manhattan.
"If you go to the Strand in the city and say you go over like The Book Thief, there'll be the new copy, and if there's a used copy, it'll be right next to it, a nice copy, that will be a certain amount of money," she said. "But if it's a little more used, it'll be even cheaper."
She also wants to host many events, including art classes, book club meetings, and children's story times. "A lot of young people wanting to learn how to crochet and knit, and just getting people into the store and into the space, so it's important," she said.