Oblong Books and Music in Millerton, New York, brings a carefully chosen record selection into a longstanding independent bookstore. In this interview, Dick Hermans discusses browsing habits, the range of local listeners, and how artists can approach the shop about consignment.
Interview with Oblong Books and Music
Books and records in one shop is a lovely combination. Do people discover the music side while browsing shelves, or come in with vinyl already in mind?
Folks who've been shopping with us since we were named "Oblong Books & Records" do find their way to our bins by themselves. Generally, though, I think book browsers discover it while wandering around the books. If they have a phone player they look to buy occasionally.
Do your readers and your music buyers overlap in interesting ways?
I often observe a husband browsing the LPs while his wife looks for books.
What kinds of records feel right in a bookstore setting?
Ones that sell are the best to carry. Our music selection is much much narrower than our book inventory. Books are returnable so it's easy to take a chance on something unknown. I buy LPs with this in mind. That doesn't mean I only carry bestsellers, but I tend to avoid artists I've never heard of.
How does the Hudson Valley and Berkshires audience shape what music sells?
Actually there is a diversity around here that is impressive, so I'm comfortable stocking virtually any genre if I think the music is good.
Do visitors from outside Millerton browse differently from regulars?
Yes. I think a lot of local folks either haven't converted back to LPs or they find music from digital sources.
Are there local musicians or events that influence the music section?
Not particularly.
Someone comes in for a novel and leaves curious about the bins. What record do you hand them?
Our music department is not overwhelmingly large, so we mostly let people browse and discover themselves.
Is selling records to Oblong something you consider, and what should someone ask first?
If you mean how should an artist approach us if they have an LP they'd like us to stock, I'd prefer they understand what consignment means.
Last updated: 2026-09-30
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