Rockland County is a pencil-drop place for writers and readers of all abilities and interests. There are excellent indie bookstores, workshops, writing groups, and literary events; a strong and supportive writing community; and more.
If you’re a writer who’s new to Nyack, or new to writing, or simply love to read and write, welcome to A Literary Guide to Rockland County, a new Nyack News and Views series.
It kicks off with this brief look at the four independent Rockland County bookstores, plus a recently published interview with Richie Fulco, owner of Nyack’s Big Red Books. As the series rolls out, expect more interviews plus writerly and readerly resources that will help you to live your best Rockland County literary life.
Meet Four Local Bookstores
There are four independent bookstores in and near Nyack. Besides books, most offer additional products; some offer events and workshops, and one does book appraisals.
Please note: Saturday, April 25, is Independent Bookstore Day (IBD). All the stores are celebrating in some way — from book launches to games, music, readings, discounts, meet and greets, and more. See below for details; stop by in person or visit their websites for the latest information.
Pickwick Bookshop
8 South Broadway, Nyack
845-358-9126
This eclectic shop has been the enduring home of Nyack’s bookstore scene since 1945. Along with current titles, Pickwick offers some fascinating finds, especially if you’re interested in browsing for out-of-print and local-interest books. Jack, the longtime owner, is extremely well-read and well-versed in helping you sort through the store’s new, used, and antiquarian titles. In addition to selling books, Pickwick also appraises them, and sells cards, tote bags, and other products. Pickwick will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with deep discounts on psychology, art, architecture, photography, mystery, cook books, and hardcover gardening books. Stop by the store for more details.
Homebody Books and Toys
6 Park Street, Nyack
845-598-8053
This kids’ bookstore offers new, used, and vintage books (and toys) for infants through teenagers. There’s also a nook for adults, which features mostly used books from fiction to poetry to cookbooks — plus a selection of classics. Elisabeth, the owner, is always open to reading aloud to a child in the playspace. The store presents events for children, most related to art, theater, music, and dance. Homebody will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with readings, raffles, refreshments, music, and games — plus a book launch (at 2:00 p.m.) for the new graphic novel “Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph (History’s Greatest Games #1)” by Nyack author Chris Barish. Details and other event information here.
Big Red Books
120 Main Street, Nyack
845-875-7707
Opened in 2023, the shelves are filled with literary fiction; music, art, and film books; food writing and cookbooks; children’s books; poetry, biography, and memoir. Richie, the owner, is happy to chat with customers looking for a book recommendation or interested in offering one. The store also sells Nyack swag, stationery, artwork, and other items. Big Red hosts events for all ages, book clubs, and workshops. It will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with story times, book signings, meet and greets, music, a book launch (“Theft of the Ruby Lotus” by Sayantani Das Gupta), poetry, and more. Details and other event information here. Also, be sure to read our recent in-depth interview with Richie.
The Sparkle Bookstore
642 Main Street, Sparkill
845-762-5368
Opened in 2025, this is one of the newer bookstores in the area. A family-owned and operated independent bookshop in Sparkill, it’s dedicated to being a welcoming, inclusive space with a sparkle of community flair. It offers readers the store’s take on the best and most beloved fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, along with a celebration of diverse books and stories centering on wellness. Sparkle offers a growing list of events for all ages — from readings to writing workshops to book clubs. The store will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day beginning at 12:00 p.m. with exclusive swag, books, totes, IBD editions of bestsellers, a local author serving as a staff member (after 4:00 p.m.), and more. Details and other event information here.
