MILLERTON, NY – Ahead of National Independent Bookstore Day, Oblong Books has been designated part of the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry thanks to a nomination by Senator Michelle Hinchey. Established by the New York State Legislature in 2020, the registry honors and promotes New York businesses that have operated for 50 years or more and have made meaningful contributions to their communities. Designated businesses are featured on an interactive online map managed by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to encourage visitors and patronage. Visit the interactive map to find Oblong Books on the Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Across two generations of family stewardship, Oblong Books has flourished as a beloved Hudson Valley institution and community bookstore. Oblong has stood the test of time, even in the age of e-commerce, because it has remained authentically true to its mission of human connection and a heartfelt commitment to quality service that keeps people coming back. I’m proud to award Oblong Books a place on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, and by every measure, the best chapters of its story are still ahead.” 

"Oblong Books is a shining example of the small businesses that define New York’s character and strengthen our communities,” said Kathy Mosher, Acting Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “We are grateful to Senator Michelle Hinchey for recognizing this Hudson Valley institution and securing its place on the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. Through this important program, we are proud to celebrate long-standing businesses like Oblong that have fostered meaningful community connections and continue to draw visitors to explore and support the unique local economies that make New York so special."

Suzanna Hermans, Co-Owner of Oblong Books, said, "We are honored to see Oblong included among New York's Historic Businesses. Businesses like ours do not happen by chance, they happen when people work incredibly hard to build something they believe in, and when the community rises to support them. We are immensely grateful to our staff and customers for making our dream of building a long-lasting community bookstore come true."

The story of Oblong Books began in 1975, when Dick Hermans and Holly Nelson opened the store in Millerton fresh out of college, with the conviction that a great bookstore could anchor a community. Half a century later, that conviction has proven out; what started as a two-person operation has grown to a staff of 20, and expanded to a second location in Rhinebeck. Dick’s daughter, Suzanna Hermans, carries that legacy forward today as a co-owner, and it is largely thanks to her that Oblong has thrived in the digital age. Oblong is the Hudson Valley’s largest independent bookseller, renowned for its author events, a vibrant selection of children’s books and toys, and superb customer service that has made it a sought-after destination for publishers sending authors on tour. The business also has a major positive impact on its community through generous book donations to local libraries, forging partnerships with area schools, supporting the work of area nonprofits, and extending its reach to the Beacon Prison Books Project, which brings books to incarcerated individuals throughout the region. 

Senator Hinchey visited Oblong Books on Thursday to celebrate the designation with owners Suzanna and Dick Hermans. Joining in the celebrations were Acting Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Kathy Moser, Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek, North East Supervisor Christopher Kennan, and Melaine Rottkamp, President & CEO of Destination Dutchess.

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