By M.K. Moynahan
Contributing Writer
New York is still bleeding jobs, as evidenced in the January unemployment statistics from the Department of Labor. The statewide unemployment rate has risen to 9 percent _ a 26-year high.
While the bad news continues to come in about the economy, one area village has put together an economic development plan that will bring people back to work and infuse capital into their communities.
Hobart, known as "the book village of the Catskills," has seen its grass-roots development strategy pay off, experiencing slow but steady growth over the past few years.
The book-village concept is an example of themed economic development, an approach that defines a community's identity through culture and geography, among other areas, and uses this brand to bolster the community's economy.
According to Don Dales, a village businessman who has been at the forefront of the development, the book-village concept was modeled after the English book village, Hay-on Wye, where more than 30 bookshops and other businesses are a big tourist appeal.
"Hay-on-Wye has been the inspiration for it all. We are celebrating five years this year and are experiencing slow but steady growth," Dales said. "Every year, we have added more bookshops and are now attracting other businesses like Hatherleigh Press."
The publishing company Hatherleigh Press has set up shop a couple of miles outside of the village of Hobart. Owner Andrew Flach said he was drawn to the area because of its unique concept.
"The book village is the reason we are here. When I rode into Hobart two years ago and discovered the book village, it was a wonderful thing," Flach said. "The role of a book village in the world of books is vital to preserve the collected works in original form. It's a book-lovers' paradise."
Hatherleigh Press, which is distributed through Random House, publishes wellness and health-related books and periodicals. The press employs three full-time editors and publishers and many freelance writers, graphic artists and photographers from across the country.
According to Flach, the company is seeking local talent.
"We have a distributed work environment. We hire freelancers from across the country. Our goal in relocating to Hobart is to use local talent for design, photography and writing," Flach said.
Glenn Nealis, director of economic development of Delaware County, points to Hobart as a good example of what can happen when a community pulls together.
"Don Dales had approached us a number of years ago with the book-village concept. I thought it was a unique identification and had the potential to create a niche identity that would draw people there," Nealis said. "They have a community economic development committee that guides its growth and evolution. It is a good example of what can happen when people in a community get together. It's a good example of the power of a grass-roots movement to guide what's going on in a community."
Through Nealis' offices and state economic development offices, several businesses have taken advantage of low interest loans and revitalization grants.
There are five bookshops within the book village: Adams Antiquarian; Hobart International Bookport; Blenheim Hill Book Shop; Liberty Rock Books and the Bibliobarn. This May, Liberty Rock will move to another building where it will have more space to showcase its collections and offer an art gallery. Blenheim Hill Books will expand in its location. Adams' Antiquarian plans to open its basement.
Dales said he plans to open a shop at 179 Main St., Mysteries and More, with the "more" referring to science fiction. The old hobby shop adjacent to the Coffee Pot at 581 Main St. is expected to open as a children's bookshop, according to Dales.
Last December, The Hobart Inn opened its doors. The restaurant and inn provided rooms for book-village guests before it was officially open for business.
In the fall, John and Kim Whritner plan to open The Sheep's Nest on their sheep farm located at the far east end of the village.
According to Kim Whritner, the shop will offer home-spun wool and linen items as well as home decor with an Old World flavor.
"We are building a cottage on our property to replicate an old English cottage. We will offer yarn products made from the wool of the sheep we raise. We will also showcase home decor with a European flair," she said. "My husband is a carpenter, and we will also have a kitchen showroom. I plan to have studio space where people can come to create, whether it is knitting or scrapbooking. All the things I love I am trying to bring together."
The Sheep's Nest will also sell items produced from local farmers and craftspeople. Whritner has joined many other business owners and residents on the village economic development committee. She said the book village is a great start, and "now we need other businesses to open up that will compliment the book shops." Dales said the committee is wooing potential businesses such as antique shops, consignment centers, picture framers and publishing companies.
"We recognize the need to broaden the appeal of the village. There needs to be more than just books," said Dales. "We are looking for businesses that go together."
