Bruised Apple — Local services in City of Peekskill

During my student days in the late 1990s and early 2000s, my favorite pastime was losing track of time in the many used bookstores scattered across our college campus: glittering dust between the shelves, crinkling Mylar-wrapped hardcovers, grumpily erudite, semi-retired shop owners eventually becoming friends, the unmistakable whiff of book dust on my tarnished fingertips, and the dopamine-fueled giddiness of an impending treasure hunt. By God, how I miss those days.

Like many book lovers, I’ve watched with immense heartbreak as most of these beautiful stores have disappeared over the past few decades. Yet Bruised Apple has endured, and what an immense blessing that is.

It is the crown jewel of used bookstores in our region. Lovingly and knowledgeably curated, it manages to be both unpretentious and just disheveled enough to retain that magical, tingling sense of discovery—like rummaging through the bookstores of old. Full of promise and unexpected finds, it’s a place where you can easily lose yourself for hours.

For those who love both books and music, it also boasts a surprisingly large collection of used records and CDs, priced to move and frequently replenished. As a musician, I’m particularly grateful for their generous selection of used music books and sheet music.

And while I fondly recall the “grumpily erudite and semi-retired shop owners” of the past, I’m delighted to report that the two gentlemen commonly running Bruised Apple are anything but grumpy. They’re kind, bright-eyed, generous, quick to assist, and always a pleasure to chat with.

Having spent countless hours here since moving to the area three years ago, I’ve found hundreds of books and records that have immeasurably enriched my life. I sincerely hope this magical little shop continues to “beat on, boats against the current.” Our community would be greatly diminished without...

Been going to this store for at least 10 years now. The older gentleman with white hair (sadly do not know his name) that works here is beyond nice. The other guy that works there (might be the owner) is quite the opposite. Have had a few experiences when he's been slightly rude. Today, May 5, 2022, I went into bruised apple with my brother for the first time in a few months. We were looking at a Rolling Stone magazine from 1987 (that most certainly was not dusty) which we had resting on the foosball table that they have inside. After a few minutes of looking at the magazine, the guy that works there came over and said in a VERY rude manner, "Guys please dont put old magazines on the foosball table because the dust from them gets on the table" and moved the magazine off the table. Normally, if it was requested in a nice friendly manner, I would not have had a problem and would have apologized for what we were doing. Being that this was not the first time he has been rude to us, and that he was requesting something so absurdly ridiculous, I looked at my brother and said, "I'm leaving." He agreed and we left the store. We will most definitely not be returning to Bruised Apple, which is so upsetting being that I have purchased numerous books and records from here which I cherish so dearly, but I will not give business to someone rude. Again, I wish I knew the other mans name that worked here because he is VERY polite and friendly, unlike...

Scott, the owner and operator of Rotten Apple for ~27 years, is a legend and treasure. He was incredibly kind and helpful when my friend and I went in last night on a whim. Not only did he try to help me find a handful of obscure books I’d been wanting, he was just a really charming, friendly and interesting guy as well, and I felt completely welcomed in even though it was dead slow, and he was closing in an hour.

The store’s selection is exceptional and surprisingly well organized given the breadth of their wares. From an experiencial level, walking over each creaky floorboard is a sensory experience of a time gone by, you can practically feel the store’s history as you browse through. Prices were completely affordable bordering on downright cheap. I bought 4 books and a T-Shirt for $37.94. What??? Oh and he threw in the stickers I was planning to purchase for free!

Overall, Bruised Apple Books & Music is one of the best, if not the best second hand book store I’ve ever been to. If you’re in the area, or nearby, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not checking out this...