04/15/2025 – by Karen Meneses, visual designer
A Look at Bruised Apple Books in Peekskill
I decided to focus my project on Bruised Apple Books because it feels like a story in itself. This hidden gem has been a part of the Peekskill community since 1993. It’s located in a former bank building, and when you walk inside, it feels like you’ve stepped into another era. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are packed with used, rare, and out-of-print books, while vintage vinyl records and old movie posters decorate the space. There’s a whimsical, almost magical energy that draws in readers, artists, musicians, and curious explorers alike.
The owner, Chris, has curated this space not just as a bookstore, but as a cultural time capsule. Visitors often describe it as a place where you can lose track of time—whether you’re hunting for a specific title or just letting the atmosphere guide you. It’s the kind of place where the walls whisper stories, and the objects seem to remember things.
By centering my work around Bruised Apple Books, I hope to not only celebrate its contribution to local culture, but also explore how independent bookstores can serve as anchors of creativity, memory, and community. I believe that highlighting these kinds of spaces can help us better understand the emotional and cultural value of keeping local businesses alive.
A brief look at Bruised Apple Books
Contact Info
923 Central Ave
Peekskill, NY 10566
(914) 734-7000
http://www.bruisedapplebooks.com/
