Last month, we challenged readers to identify the whereabouts of the Little Red Book Shack. Tucked away in Livingston on the northbound side of Route 9, the “shack” is actually a compilation of many sheds and cottages stocking approximately 20,000 used and out-of-print books. Owner Melanie Nelson also offers a unique 24/7 service: Bibliophiles are encouraged to drive up to the crimson building (from which the business gets its name), park on the grass, peruse the self-service shelves, and leave payment for their selected titles (as the sign says, between 50 cents and a dollar) in the mail slot. Hats off to Toni Gallichio of Mahopac, who first located the reader’s retreat and nabbed our prize. Click here to see if you know the location of a stellar signpost.
It was just this summer that my wife and I saw it for the first time. Curiosity got the best of us and we had to swing back around and check it out.
David Jordan
Staatsburg
Love this shop! The owner is a very sweet woman who is very organized and has a great selection of books. She’s also very cool to sit and talk with on a nice day in the Hudson Valley.
Patricia Messina
Rhinebeck
My husband and I stumbled upon this fantastic spot last year when we were winding our way to Rhinecliff and proceeded to return multiple times. We have often walked away with boxes of books, both new and old, to stock our shelves at home.
Dallas Gilpin
Saugerties
I want to go here! Thank you for sharing this gem.
Shari Palermo
Highland Mills
A Word of Caution
I read through your article on the Catskill Forest Preserve (August). You mention hiking to Kaaterskill Falls, telling folks to hike the half mile in and “put your feet in the water.” Please let your readers know that they must be prepared in hiking gear for that trek, and should honestly stay out of the water. You cannot simply wade in pools of water, especially 80 feet above the bottom of a rock falls. Each of the [two] deaths this year was due to a fall, presumably due to slippery footing. While I agree it is a beautiful sight, and I marvel at it every time I drive by, people need to use their heads when hiking. If you want to put your feet into [the water], park in the parking area on Route 23A, walk down, and put your feet in the bottom pool — but sit on another rock when doing so. We don’t need any more accidental deaths to ruin access to this gift of nature.
Dianne Bittermann
via www.hvmag.com
All A-Twitter
(Responding to “Battle of the Poughkeepsies,” September.) Of all the places lol. [I’m a] Vassar grad and [have] driven down Route 56 in Arkansas — HV Poughkeepsie wins on all counts.
@HelloOrdrus
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