Book Barn of the Finger Lakes — Local services in Town of Dryden

Very disappointed. Exceedingly so. This is not my first book barn, so I was excited. Especially when I a sign near the road that said “Book Barn.” I am a HUGE bibliophile so I HAD to go. Passed it twice before seeing the small mail box with a sign that said “open.” Only recent review I saw was bad but I was from a year ago, so I had faith it had gotten better. It has not. First thing I saw was a STACK of books covered in cobwebs with boxes piled high covered in mildew. Broke my heart, that those books are now wasted from mold. Did I mention there is a sign behind these books? Because I did not see it and the owner gave me grief over it. I did my best to be at least polite when asking for it. I still had hope as I saw the shelves on shelves of books. I took a picture to show my husband, I was just so excited! Only to have an old man panic and demand that I don’t take pictures. I tried explaining and yes it is his business, but I was so shocked I didn’t even think to delete it until he frantically demanded I do so. Turns out that the building inspector has not been happy with his organization, but I would assume nothing has changed if he was so frantic about it. If you’re telling my not to take photos because of YOUR building code violations, I think I should DEFINITELY take photos. We smooth it over and he directs me to the section of books I’m looking for. All the way there are just stacks of books, nasty furniture, cat cages and beds (I was really hoping to pet one, only saw one in passing) and TRAINS. So many model trains! And a mattress? Just, in the way??? No lights for the stairs, but more moldy books stacked haphazardly. Second floor has lights but was dark enough that I needed to use my phone light. Whole place smelled like cat pee, especially the second floor. Finally I grab some books, and I should mention here that one I looked at was priced $50. Not an issue, if it hadn’t been originally sold at $19 (Block Prints of Japan, art history is another passion of mine and this would have been perfect). I miss the price in some of the books and was surprised to see a used mass-market paper back being sold for 6.50. When I mention that it’s cheaper online, he says that I am paying an equal amount including shipping. I DROVE here, from an HOUR AWAY. I am paying gas to BE HERE. I want to support small businesses. You need to BEAT your competition, not meet it. I go to book barns looking for deals, not collector’s items. Picked up a neat little D&D 2e campaign booklet, no price. He asked $50 for it. His second reasoning for these prices is that “they’re out of print.” Some yes, others are not. Either way, they’re still mass-market paperback. If I wanted a collector’s item, I’d go somewhere I expect to pay that much money. Had to go to an ATM to buy a book my brother wanted. At this point I need to mention that there is no register, no check out table (because they’re all COVERED) and no formal receipt. He was also upset, saying that “this is a place for discovery.” You know where else I can do that? The library. I came here specifically because I support small businesses and I like to own physical copies of books. I don’t know how he keeps proper track of sales, since there no record that I could see. Hoping he has a log book in the back. I just feel dirty. The place was dirty, the guy seemed troubled, and I feel bad for being “that guy” now. Between loving books and having minor OCD, it was hard not to want to just organize and declutter the whole space. I would be honestly surprised if this business was in the black, more so if it was in the green. Still considering calling the...

I love used book stores and was excited about checking Book Barn out. On the positive, there were a ton of books, looked like it would have been fun to search for treasurers.

The owner made the experience...unpleasant. He told my wife she was scaring his cats as she was walking though the narrow (2 foot) aisle, where he apparently thought it best to feed them, as she was trying to leave the kids section. Not a big deal, but it was a hint at what was to come. The books were way over priced (compare with eBay or any other similar used bookstore). When I was checking out, I saw he was charging $13.50 for one of the mass market paperbacks. I advised that was more than I wanted to spend, and I did not want to purchase it. Even though the rest of the books were overpriced too, I wanted to give him business so I still bought three books. As were were leaving he said "Don't come back". I was a bit shocked when I heard this, as we were friendly and respectful to him and his store. I guess he was offended I didn't want to buy the used mass market paperback for $13.50. I wish he had said that before we purchased the other books, as we would have gladly left without giving him any business.

Understand, this is the first negative review I have ever given. If you decide to give this place a try, hopefully the experience you have is better than ours. But I cannot recommend Book Barn under...

I had passed this business many times and finally took the time to say hello. The concept is appealing...a bookstore in a barn - should be a relaxing, inviting and a unique experience. Unfortunately it did not leave the kind of impression/memory one wants. It really pains me to leave a poor review but I'm a conscientious honest reviewer. It's a hoarding/tripping hazard, a fire hazard, a health hazard and most of all smelled of cat urine throughout. IF you are willing to overlook all that you will find an astounding number of books and if you choose to stay you will likely come out with treasure. I couldn't bring myself to do that; I couldn't wait to leave. I am not all that far from home but all I could think about is how people process the experience if it's a special (destination) trip for a bookworm or if bringing someone special there for the first time. It's really too bad. Admittedly - a true bookworm has a lot to gain IF one can "write off" the obvious deterrents. The gentleman was polite (is he running the business alone?) and I am sure extremely knowledgeable but there are too many things that make the experience very unpleasant for the average browser. Therefore I most regrettably can't recommend as a trip reviewer who is looking out for all potential customers, my Google review "peeps"... I am not out to "do this business in"; it is its...