Bookstore Spotlight: Market Block Books in Troy, NY

While conducting secret research in Albany (shh, don't tell academia!) I got a chance to see a bit of the area. That included a quick trip to Troy, NY, just a few miles up the river from the capital. While wandering the streets of Troy on a misty autumnal night, we walked past Market Block Books. Sadly, it was nearly closing time, so we only got a few minutes to check it out.

But what an awesome presentation: a beautiful downtown location in an unusual building. TONS of window space for displaying all the latest and greatest books, and an absolutely lovely interior. The store even has an actual book ladder (for reenacting that one scene from Funny Face…or Beauty and the Beast, depending on your age/inclinations.)

Even with the clock ticking toward closing time, the booksellers were really outgoing and friendly, sighting my book-related shirt and quizzing me on it immediately. (As an ex-bookseller, pretty much all my shirts are book-related).

Their website says they've been there since 2004, but due to the historic building, it feels like you're stepping into a place much older. Market Block is one of three stores that seem to all be connected, so you can go to it's companion stores in Albany if you can't make it the extra ten miles to Troy. But seriously, you should. The upper Hudson Valley region is awful pretty (particularly in fall).

There's a cozy little nook for small author events or gatherings of book clubs.

The kids section was just as well-appointed as the adult section, so that younger customers can feel like classy little grown-ups as they browse the wares. Did I mention the book ladder? Always cool.

I wish I had more time to browse the store and to see what titles get special treatment. But it's nice to know that such a place exists, going strong even in the face of difficult times for any business, and for bookstores in particular. Is the news of the death of the book still premature? I seem to hear that pronouncement every other week. Market Block Books, along with the several otherbookstores I've visited over the past few months, is a great example for why you shouldn't believe everything you read. Instead, you should hie yourself to the nearest bookstore and find some new things to believe (and read!).

I for one, look forward to having to do more research in the capital of the Empire State…but only if I get a few hours free to visit Market Block more thoroughly.