A Review of Lake Bound Bookstore
2878 NY-43, Averill Park, NY (really in Sand Lake, though)
First impressions go a long way. And first impressions are what this bookstore blog was originally based on: that initial feeling of wandering a shop with little advanced knowledge, rather than a build-in pre-scheduled tour where you get the shiniest version of a bookstore. And those first impressions have run the gamut. I’ve found wonderful cavernous troves of used books in the most inconspicuous of old barns. I’ve stumbled across legendary shops that have impressed readers for generations and shops that are just getting off the ground, held together by hopes, dreams, and a small but growing selection. I’ve seen the glitzy the creepy, and everything in between. But Lake Bound Bookstore is a whole other category, and a gorgeous one at that.
It’s clear the owners put a TON of thought into this bookshop before the doors opened. It’s pristine and new in a way that doesn’t feel sterile or pre-fab. The rooms are bright, beautifully decorated, and thoughtfully curated, with shelves and displays that flow with a book-browser in mind. No nook or corner feels too remote, no room too crowded either. There’s plenty of seating, two bathrooms (you would not believe how many bookstores don’t have public bathrooms), a room dedicated to kids, and plenty of gifts mixed in throughout, including a very nice winter beanie I picked up and wore all winter long so far.
As for the books, they have a wider selection than I expected, with new releases side-by-side with fresh editions of classic books. I grabbed a couple brand new thrillers for family members and a book of Japanese poetry for me, a recent release I hadn’t seen elsewhere yet. There’s a solid YA section, a bunch of horror/sci-fi/fantasy, plenty of cooking and baking, history and current events, and so on. Not a barn chock full of books, yet the sheer number and variety felt really positive for a new shop, covering a lot of ground with space in the store to keep expanding to new displays and shelves without looking like any parts of the rooms were empty. It all just felt…right.
And all that planning? It goes well beyond books. Beyond the gifts. Beyond the records or the snack and drink cooler. Things I haven’t seen in many bookstores. Lake Bound has conference rooms to rent with screens and video gear to bring far-flung attendees into the meeting. There’s a huge upstairs work space available, to anyone some days and privately set aside for those rent on others. It’s a gorgeous space too, with individual or shared tables, a kitchenette, comfy chairs, lovely paintings, and cozy lighting.
They also have a small recording studio for podcasters, and let me tell you, that’s genius. Where else in the Sand Lake area can you find this? This is a quiet nook of a community (where I grew up) that will get much more regional attention thanks to shops like this. People can easily get to Albany, Troy, or western Massachusetts with a short drive, and to have a new bookshop with all of these features designed to bring the community into a shared space and stay long after browsing…well, I’m impressed.
All bookshops serve a vital community service, but this one feels tailored both toward the community and all the writers, poets, podcasters, publishers, bookstagramers and booktokers coming through. And with a coffee shop that also sells pastries next door, there’s little reason to leave on a rainy or chilly afternoon. This is a bookstore planned right, and so far, they’re pulling it off in style. With Braveheart Books (one of the best used bookshops in the area) just down the road, Sand Lake is becoming a true bookstore destination.
Atmosphere — Beautifully decorated and bright, each room adds class and comfort to the book browsing experience, making a space that might otherwise feel small seem welcoming and robust.
Quality — The books are all new and in great shape.
Quantity — There’s a lot here for the size of the store, and while there could be even more in the future, the bookshop feels very well balanced between books and amenities.
Diversity — This shop hits most of the usual categories, with plenty of new literary fiction, genre fiction, cooking, kid’s YA, etc.
Affordability — The books were all fairly priced for new books. No surprises here.
Amenities — This is where this bookshop blows the competition away. Bathrooms, conference rooms, work spaces, places to sit, a podcast recording studio, etc.
Location — At the intersection of Routes 66 and 43 in San Lake, across from the Towne Tavern and next to Gipfel Coffee.
Customer Service — The owner on hand was gracious, friendly, and seemed really invested in making sure everyone in the shop was having a good time.
Overall — This is what new bookstores are all about—a well-curated selection, a bright and classy space, and offers plenty of reasons beyond to books to stick around. This is a real gem for Sand Lake readers and creators alike.
