Tarrytown Small Business Spotlight: New York Book Department

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: New York Book Department
• Website: www.newyorkbookdepartment.com
• Address: 29 Central Ave, Tarrytown, NY, 10591
• Phone: (914) 564-6527
• Email: nybkdept@gmail.com
• Business Category: Books - Used/Rare

How did you come up with name?

We enjoy the utilitarian, bureaucratic tone of the name and, although it might appear somewhat impersonal, think it provides an interesting counterpoint to the rare and one-of-a-kind books that we offer.

What business are you In?

We buy used books throughout Westchester County and the NY Metro Area. We buy and sell used, rare and collectible books.

Why start a business in this town?

My wife, daughter and I proudly call Tarrytown home, so naturally this is where we would operate our business. Plus, Westchester County as a whole is a great place to source and sell books thanks to the many bibliophiles who live here.

What is the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

We pride ourselves in offering interesting and unusual books, so we spend a great deal of time and energy searching for new additions to our inventory.

What has been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Providing a beautiful, leather-bound copy of Mark Twain’s The Innocents Abroad that was presented to President Obama as a gift and will become part of his presidential library in Chicago.

How does your business give back to the community?

We regularly donate large amounts of books that we acquire but that don’t fit into our inventory to local libraries and non-profit organizations.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.