I visited here again recently and this place is still just as magical! It's tucked away in the woods and is chock full of immeasurable charm. The owner is English and her business is an extension of her lovely personality. I have childhood memories of this place that could have come straight out of a magical fairytale book. There are many categories here; a large history section, gardening, art, film, geography, mythology, crafts, so many categories and subcategories, and because they are curated by someone passionate with books there are no filler books here. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, this is a curated collection by a woman passionate about books, making a living off of it feels secondary here to the passion of finding the books. You will not ever find another place like this. In a small rural town no less! This is a destination place if you are visiting the area. Such a gem! read more

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Brief drive up winding hillside roads gets you to this barn/oasis of books, reasonably priced and fun to browse across 2 floors and an adjacent annex. Will be back. Be sure to say hello to the tuxedo cat haunting the stacks. read more

One of my absolute favorite used bookstores. The prices are wonderful, and the selection is extensive and filled with books I've never seen before. I always leave with a stack of books in my arms. The wonderful owner is a pleasure to talk with. Enjoy the lovely winding route to get to this bookstore. read more

The cutest place! A variety of older and new books organized well and priced affordably! It was a great little day trip, my brother and I spent probably 2 hours there. The woman there was pleasant and helpful. Definitely go if you love discovering new reads! read more

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Everybook lovers dream. Service, selection and value are all 100. Nothing else to be said. Just go.

What a cute book store! This spot is in the middle of the woods and you are sure there isn't anything out this far away - and then you come upon the book barn! The building is crammed with books. Lovely piles and stacks in every spot. There is even another out building with discount books. We spent a long time hunting through the piles and I loved every minute of it. The areas are organized and labeled very well so you know what genre you are looking at. This is lovingly looked after and kept. A literal hidden treasure read more

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Great books! Great selection! Helpful owner and great prices! Stopped in to look at sci-fi and records and found great stuff on both fronts. And a birthday cake lollipop as a bonus. read more

What a classic!! I haven't been here in like 20+ years, same lady runs it! It is so organized and neat you're bound to find something! Absolutely fun place to walk around at your leisure and see all of the absolutely amazing books, from nyc to fly fishing! Please take a little out of the way drive to this book lovers dream! read more

Rodgers Book Barn - Interior Shot - Used Bookstore Near Me - Hillsdale, New York

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Wonderful book barn to seek out your favorite writers. Seek and you may find. All the books are reasonably priced and the store is well organized. read more

I came across this idyllic gem in the 90's and its location alone seems truly mythical. I was just riding the backroads of Columbia County and it just 'appeared'! Going inside was just as amazing as its location. Twenty years or so later I built a cabin at the rock cut on Route 203 in Spencertown. I spent weekends and every free day I could there. I had completely forgotten about the Book Barn. One day I was driving the backroads with my son who was about 14 or so. Just like before, I just came across it. My son seemed mesmerized when we got inside, and he seemed very focused on something. He asked if they had any French language books and he was directed to a little cubby hole in the attic that had a bookshelf of French books. My son began reading through some of them and asked me if he could take some home. I said "Chris, you can have as many as you want, but why are you so interested in these books"? He replied "Dad, these are REAL French books the real French people read, not the school's text books". This trip may have changed my son's path in life. He graduated near the top of his class in high school, wrote his way into Cornell where he graduated magna cum laude in History with his thesis on the French military under Napoleon. He went on to live in Paris off and on for several years and became well known as a 'research rat' due to his rabid focus. He is a history professor today, teaching at RPI in Troy (among other things). His wife is also a history professor. They have three boys. I sold my cabin about ten years ago. Coming across this website obviously has brought back some warm memories and an appreciation that the Book Barn may have influenced my life and his. I haven't gotten to Columbia very much in recent years but I plan on another visit to the Book Barn, with my son and grandsons. Seeing this website read more

Worth every accolade from previous reviewers, and then some. Fantastic combination of older and newer used books, prices fantastic for the quality of the wares, interesting combinations, a few gems here and there, some surprising little areas, interesting old house, a "free" table that actually had two books we took home, a "sale shed" where we found more, we walked out with a very large box of books for $85 and could have spent a few more hours looking around. The grounds are charming and peaceful, although we were alone when we first got there we were surrounded by people after an hour or so. Note free K-cup coffee upstairs in the back (next to the ancient bathroom which works and was clean), and a few rather unforgettable nooks to sit down and read in. Shockingly, given the rural clime, very very low on the typical used bookstore/old book Whiff/Odor factor. We made this a destination, and it deserved it and then some; next time we'll pack a picnic, as has been suggested, and make even more of a day out of it. I'll say it again so you don't miss it: CASH ONLY. Don't be disappointed. read more

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An absolute gem of a used bookstore. We found this place by accident on the way home from Vermont, and decided to make the detour. It's pretty much the stuff of fairytales - rows and rows and rows of books, lush garden out back, little reading nooks to stop and peruse your treasures in greater detail, and all around just an amazing atmosphere. I was especially grateful to the staff, who showed me great kindness and let me send along a check later for a book I was hoping to get for my mom. You don't always have someone extend you good faith and trust, and it meant so much to be able to bring this treasure home. Not to be missed! Show this local book store some love. read more

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This place is a gem. I visited for the first time today. Other reviewers have covered pretty much everything I love about this place, but, to sum up: an enormous and discerning selection (lots of literary fiction, memoirs and newish books from the past five years or so), a very helpful proprietress, great prices and a charming, cave-of-thieves-esque space that I'd happily spend hours in. I walked away with five hardcover books and three paperbacks for $23. The owner is wonderful -- happy to help or chat about books if you ask, but otherwise leaving you free reign to browse uninterrupted. I really can't recommend this place enough. The hours are limited and change seasonally -- they're only open Friday through Sunday in the winter -- so be sure to check or call ahead before you trek out there (and it IS a bit of a trek down hilly roads, some one-lane and graveled). Not that that'd stop me from going back; this place is worth driving through blizzards for! read more

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So glad to see she's still going strong! Don't get there as often as we used to, but been visiting since the late 1970s. "Simply the best!" Be careful tho: It's the kind of place where Lady Luck can slip you a book (or a puppy) that will change your life forever. We know... ;-) read more

It's 2013, and although just about everything that everyone else has said is both wonderful and true, there are a couple of extremely welcome updates of which all should be aware: 1. Rodman Road was PAVED this past summer. While the Book Barn is still located in the back of beyond, at least driving there is now a safer proposition. 2. Cellphone service, at least as regards AT&T, is now at the point of 2 to 3 bars, and 4G. This means that the GPS on your telephone (I have an Android phone, and accordingly cannot speak to the experience of those with iPhones, or those using other carriers) will work just fine, easing your navigational concerns. All the rest, including the lovingly-chosen collection of books, the unbeatable prices, the need to block out at least a few hours to browse and to make your purchases, the immense fall beauty of the surroundings...all of this continues, and wonderfully, too read more

Oh, Rodgers Book Barn, I dream about you. I miss you. This is what a used book store should be. It is just a perfect jewel, sitting in the middle of nowhere, down several meandering country roads. A warm, wood burning stove makes things cozy, and the simmering spices send a sweet aroma throughout the barn. The delightful owner, Mrs. Rodgers, lets you browse through the 50,000 books to your heart's content with no distracting chatter. New arrivals and special items are in the front room, along with some music and local material. You can stack your books under the check out area so you don't have to lug them around. The prices are so fantastic that another used book dealer in the area comes over here, fills up his car to the brim and sells them at his place in Great Barrington for two or three times the price. (Yes, I saw you.) I have purchased best sellers for one tenth of their cost, gorgeous art books and some fantastic nonfiction. My favorite room is the front room with its newest offerings, but I also love the children's section and the cook books. I got several Christmas presents for family members the last time I was here. They were in perfect shape. The drive to this place is long and you will not just stumble upon it. It's a gorgeous drive, especially in the fall, as the colors are so magnificent. Once I saw a complete double rainbow over the fields approaching the shop- and I had my camera. Perfection. Trust me, if you love going to used book stores as much as I do, you will find yourself enchanted with this quaint treasure. And like me, you may dream about it. read more

I agree with pretty much everything the last reviewer said. This place is great. It's very rare to find such a treasure trove of great used books, and it's truly sad there aren't more places like this. It is in the middle of nowhere, so be sure to bring your GPS-- and not just the one on your phone--no cell reception to be had here! The place looks tiny on the outside, but once you step inside, it has an almost "Alice in Wonderland" feel to it. The tightly packed but well organized racks of books wind on forever in a seemingly endless maze you could almost literally get lost in! Definitely an experience worth traveling for. Be sure to block out some time in your schedule--we spent a couple of hours there and barely began to scratch the surface of what this place contains! Great place. Must-see. read more

This is by far the most unique, cute, quaint, interesting and beautiful little book store I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. The picturesque surroundings (do justice) to the twists and turns of the book barn. It's a beautiful little barn that appears smaller than it actually is. Finding a book is an adventure in itself and you can spend hours just looking for something. Once you find it, there is a complimentary cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate waiting upstairs. Find a good book and start your epic adventure. Can't wait to visit.....again! I recomend 100 times!!! read more

It suffers in comparison to Baldwin's Book Barn in West Chester, PA, only because of the differences in size. Baldwin's is a 5 story barn; Rodgers is much smaller, and has only 2 stories. The advantage here is that the prices for books are considerably more reasonable, it's not quite as cold inside, and the general atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. The surrounding countryside is absolutely exquisite (I first trekked out here in the winter of 1999; there was a foot of snow on the ground, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, the air was crisp and bracing, and it was easy even for a hardened agnostic like me to believe that I had truly stumbled into "God's country"), and it's not easy to find, but once you do, it's a genuine treat. In addition to books, there are CD's, even old photographs. I haven't been here in awhile, as it is a substantial distance from where I reside, but just writing about it has made me nostalgic, and I think it might be time for a road trip up north. read more

The best, the best, the absolute best used book barn out there, and I'm not just saying that because I've been going there since the 1970s. I've found life-changing books, old classic books, challenging books, friendly books, strange books, useful books... gift books and thrift books and picture books and foreign language books ... all sorts of wonderful books. My parents once even got a puppy there! (That was atypical.) Maureen is A-#1 the best as well. So cool to see a solid online presence now too. read more

This place is amazing. I went with my boyfriend--we're both huge bibliophiles--and after a few hours I left with 23 books, having spent less than $65. There's a very extensive fiction/classics section (hardcover and paperback), a small children's section, lots of history, and sections for religion/mythology, art, philosophy, queer theory, poetry, mystery, cooking, crafts, wildlife, travel, and even heraldry/genealogy. Plus records/cds and DVDs in the front room. The Book Barn is an absolute treasure trove of amazing books at even better prices--the most expensive thing I bought was only $4, cheaper than most used bookstores and a far better deal than buying them online. Be warned that this place is in the middle of nowhere--like Justin L said, bring a reliable GPS and don't expect cell service. Also be careful if you're coming here in the winter; it was slightly snowing when we arrived and the roads Google Maps directed us to were unpaved and somewhat treacherous. Not a problem in any other season, but can be tricky in the winter. Also--they don't accept credit card, so make sure to bring lots of cash (you gotta drive to get to the nearest ATM). But once you get there, it is so worth it. In addition to the incredible selection, there's also free tea upstairs and an adorable bathroom wallpapered in old New Yorker covers. Need I go on? read more

If you love books and live in the area, you need to stop by. What a great place! Dont come looking for the newest edition... This is to leaf through and pick up a few oldies but goodies... read more

A gem of a book store. Bargains galore and an exquisitely curated selection of newer titles too. Maureen, the proprietress, is a phenomenal woman with a breadth of knowledge on many subjects. She's also a pillar of the community of which I'm a part. read more

This place is worth the trip. And that is saying a lot. No matter from whence you come, it's a quest worthy of Frodo and the Company to get here. Inside is a little hazardous, too; maybe not comparable to Mordor, but watch your step anyway. The buyer collects books from estates, library sales, and donations, and seems to be very selective. No section is very large, but there is a high proportion of "treasures" in most areas. It seems that the estates of some academic types recently made there way here; there were a number of scholarly books in the front section, where new acquisitions are kept. The prices are ridiculously low: hardcover classics (think Moby dick) starting at about $3-6. The highest price I paid was $15 for a mint-condition partial facsimile of the Très Riches Heures. Add, on the cost of fuel and the wear on your vehicle, and it's still a bargain. The staff is knowledgable and eager to help. Only the Children's section and the foreign-language section are disappointing. read more

I have been coming here for the better part of 40 years. This is a terrific place at the end of a nice country drive. Who could ask for more? read more

I discovered this bookstore with an old boyfriend many many years ago. I was looking through some old treasures and found a bookmark reminding me of the store. I am so happy to discover it is still open and thriving. I look forward to taking my children one day. I can still recall the distinctly musty smell of treasured books when stepping inside. What an amazing and magical place. read more

This place is amazing! The layout and decor are wonderful; books are neatly organized by topic, and best of all, it's air conditioned so there is no musty book smell. We browsed for over two hours and came away with some unusual and interesting finds. Prices are extremely reasonable and the owner is very friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back! read more

Nice place, good atmosphere. Its selection is heavily literary, with some good New York State Selections. Some good US history titles. A bit weak on the world/european stuff that I normally might look for. read more

I devoted a special page in my website to this wonderful bookstore. See: copakefalls.weebly.com

Magical place. Books I had been looking for leapt into my hands for probably too-reasonable prices. And books I didn't know I needed appeared at the top of stacks. Amazing location--words in the midst of wildness. Can't wait until my next visit. read more