Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Frederick Rossero of Oblong Books in Rhinebeck, New York.

What’s your store’s story?

Last month, Oblong Books celebrated its 50th anniversary with a lively block party in Millerton, outside its flagship store that first opened in 1975, originally Oblong Books & Records. In 2001, they opened a second location in Rhinebeck. Oblong Books is heavily involved in the local communities and is a true general community bookstore, selling a little bit of everything. Oblong is passionate about raising the next generation of readers.

What’s your favorite section in your store?

There are no sections that go entirely unloved by our staff, but some favorites include literary fiction, cookbooks, sci fi and fantasy and all things kids’ books. Lately, our current events section is getting a lot of love as we educate ourselves on how best to be engaged citizens, tackle issues in our country and world and take care of one another.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

We absolutely love “I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story” by Mark Pett. It’s a wonderful story of wanting to change yourself to fit in, but ultimately deciding to be yourself, and gaining deeper relationships for it. Additionally, we love any book written by romance superstar Ashley Poston! She writes swoony, emotional love stories with a twist, and we’ve fallen for every one. Her most recent, “Sounds Like Love,” even has a song by the same name that was written and produced by Colin Donnell, with lyrics by Ashley herself!

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

“Forest Euphoria” by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian is an incredible work through a beloved independent publisher. This beautiful book is so many things at once: Scientific and personal essays interwoven with the stories of non-human living beings and how they might defy our expectations, at the same time as they share so much with us that we can deeply relate to; an ideology of queerness as an all-encompassing force that expands what is acceptable, who and what we can have love, compassion and empathy for – a movement of connection, otherness, resilience and strength.It holds ideas of landscape, heritage, indigeneity and belonging. Most of all, it centers wonder, curiosity and a deep and abiding love of the world in all its expressions.If nothing has compared to reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” or if you’re looking for something to broaden your understanding of and deepen your love for the world, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. It’s a perfect book for our fractured, difficult times.

What are some upcoming events, programs or partnerships that you would like to share?

With the 50th anniversary milestone behind us, Oblong Books now looks ahead to an exciting fall season. The events team has curated a packed calendar of author talks, book launches and special programs across the Hudson Valley and beyond. What follows are just a few highlights from a much larger lineup:

  • Wednesday, September 10 – Poughkeepsie (Bardavon Opera House) Elizabeth Gilbert presents her new memoir “All the Way to the River: Love, Loss and Liberation.”
  • Monday, September 15 – Annandale-on-Hudson (Weis Cinema, Bard College) In co-presentation with the Hannah Arendt Center, Dr. Roger Berkowitz, the Center’s founder and academic director, joins author Thomas Chatterton Williams for a discussion of his provocative new book “Summer of Our Discontent.” Free and open to the public. Registration is required.
  • Wednesday, September 24 – Poughkeepsie (Bardavon Opera House) International bestselling author Ken Follett visits from the UK with his sweeping new novel “Circle of Days,” in conversation with WAMC’s Joe Donahue.

Oblong will also continue to host celebrated and emerging voices at its Millerton and Rhinebeck stores. September highlights include Zoe Dubno with her highly anticipated debut “Happiness and Love” (named one of New York Magazine’s Most Anticipated Books of 2025), and acclaimed novelist Joan Silber with her latest novel “Mercy.”

Looking further ahead:

  • Thursday, October 9 – Morton Memorial Library, RhinecliffSusan Orlean will discuss her new memoir “Joyride” with author Nick Flynn.
  • Wednesday, November 12 – The White Hart Inn, Salisbury, CTA festive holiday evening with Devin McEwan and beloved illustrator Sandra Boynton, celebrating their collaborative cocktail recipe book “Extremely Happy Holidays.”

Most events are free with registration encouraged; some larger offsite programs are ticketed. For the complete fall calendar, please visit oblongbooks.com/events or follow @oblongbooks on Instagram.