Fun
A Reader’s Wonderland
There is a magical place at Rhinebeck that many a knitter, myself included, visits multiple times throughout the day.
No, I’m not talking about the apple cider donut line. Nor the brussels sprouts stand. Nor the 4-H sheep breed exhibition. Nor the “Hill” where meet-ups happen, the sheepdog demonstration area, that one bathroom behind the pan flutes, nor even that huge discount yarn area in a back barn that you stumble upon like a mirage midday, after a frenzied morning of shopping and serendipitous “only at Rhinebeck” knitting-friend run-ins, interspersed with ice cream, crab cakes, coffee, donuts, and falafel.
I’m talking about the Merritt Bookstore in Building B.
Folks of a certain generation (looking at you, fellow millennials) have described the Merritt Bookstore area as a fiber-themed Scholastic Book Fair. They aren’t far off. This special place at Rhinebeck evokes that annual elementary school event in physical layout, wonder, and promise.
Rows of tables greet the knitter with books, craft displays, and sample knits from flagship publications and independent publishers. These tables provide an opportunity to browse, slow down, and dream, giving you a temporary break from the yarn fumes. You’ll find fiber arts literature of all genres and covering more topics than you thought possible.
Crocheted dragons and other fantasy creatures? Yup.
The latest trove of designs from visionary artist Dee Hardwicke? Yes!
Those Victorian housecats in incredibly lifelike poses? Of course.
Pattern and reference books, craftivism manifestos, memoirs, graphic novels, travelogues, and books on fiber, spinning, bookmaking, woodworking? Check, check, and check.
Timed author signing tables flank the book layout that is several tables deep. These offer opportunities to meet the writers and designers behind the texts. At one meaningful Rhinebeck a couple of years ago, I recognized, and subsequently met, MDK editor Melanie Falick from spotting her Kids Knitting book, which a beloved relative gave me as a kid before I learned to knit.
I also got a signed copy of Dana Williams-Johnson’s piece in Pom Pom Quarterly about her dissertation on knitting magazines!
Merritt Bookstore brings to life the excitement of books and the community of people involved in producing them. It gathers under one roof a slice of the wide range of publications currently in circulation in the craft world, highlighting the authors, editors, publishers, and imprints that help make our world what it is, which is no mean feat for the literarily-inclined crafter.
This is the collective joy of a library, in the true sense of the word.
And, as with all my library visits, you go to pick up one book and leave with two, or three, or four, and zero regrets. Even if you’ve instituted a book buying freeze (as a bibliophile, I totally get it), you will leave with a long list of titles—or an iPhone camera roll-full of pictures of book covers—to look up at your local library, LYS, or local bookstore when you return home.
MDK has a table and Kay and Ann will be there with their Field Guides.
I plan to stop by at least twice, sturdy shoulder bag in tow, ready for several hours of carrying not (just) yarn but books.
Will we see you there?
You can view the whole schedule of author meet and greets and signings on both days here on the New York Sheep and Wool Festival website.
Come Shop With Us
I totally agree! Plus you never know who you will meet and see! I’m in building C, booth 36! Working with Bare Naked Wools- Anne Hanson! Stop by and say hi!
Thank you so much, Jeania. I love posts about Rhinebeck, as I will never get there in person. Your photos and text are so evocative, I can almost imagine being there. So perfect for this fiber- and book-loving reader!
p.s. Must add that I love your stripey sweater!
Now I REALLY want to go!!
Wish I could be there. Enjoy
Yes! Looking forward to seeing you there. If I may, what sweater are you wearing? Is there a pattern? I love the colors you’ve chosen.
The Kids Knitting book is a favorite ! It has the best small knitted backpack pattern in it that I have done several friends and grandchildren! Glad this was a reminder !
Books and yarn — two favorites!! Looks as though the weather is cool enough to enjoy wearing sweaters. Thanks so much for your article — I love your sweater and also Dana’s sweater.
Someday, I hope. But not this year. Talk about a pilgrimage. . .
What a dragon! Wish I could be. Maybe next year….
I love Melanie Falick’s book, Making a Life, such a gem. Also I thought Dana Williams-Johnson’s piece about Knitting Magazines and POC was enlightening and on point. Thanks for reminding me how important the Merritt Bookstore is at Rhinebeck.
What a dragon! I have that kid’s Knitting book on my shelf too. Wish I could be there. Maybe next year….
Omg. NOW I have further compelling reason to go to Rhinebeck. Books . . .
I’m sure ut was just because of your enthusiasm that your didn’t mention your sweater! You should know though we all want one now!
I would need to spend at least one entire afternoon, just in this place. Another reason to go to Rhinebeck!
*sigh* I love books. I’m a sucker for books. I have a lot of books, and I wish I could be there. Alas, someday I might be able to go, and I will definitely seek out the books. Thanks for a wonderful column to read today!
Yes, I love the book tent! Last year my daughter insisted I buy Victorian Housecats. This year I plan to get some yarn to actually make her a cat of her choice. (She just turned 8 and is my festival companion.) I’ve had wonderful talks with Anne and Kay, Patti Lyons, Mary Jane Mucklestone, Gudrun Johnston – so many talented makers being so generous with their time. I am fortunate to live in the Hudson Valley, so Rhinebeck is just an hour from my front door.