Golden Hour Books Re-Opens in New Location

By Genie Abrams

NEWBURGH – Golden Hour Books has re-opened at its new location, 109 S. William Street, in Newburgh. The shop, on the ground floor of the building known as Wireworks, opens onto a landscaped patio that has seating for customers to enjoy reading or quiet conversation — and for children to safely explore. Hours at the new location are Thursdays and Fridays, 11:30 to 5; and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 to 5.

The independent bookstore had been located on Broadway since August of 2023. Owned and operated by Newburgh resident Angie Venezia, the shop has more space than its previous site, and being in the Wireworks building puts it a half-block off bustling Liberty Street.

“I’m pinching myself every day we’re at Wireworks, and this is an exciting time to be here,” said Venezia. “I live nearby and have used the first-floor workspace and courtyard in the past, so I’m thrilled to bring my bookstore here to help realize [Wireworks owner] Sisha Ortuzar’s vision for it. Being in a mixed-use building with so many shops, restaurants, and studios within a one-block radius is a dream come true for me, and hopefully the key to our success. Many of our Broadway customers have already followed us to South William Street.”

Ward 2 City Council representative Ramona Monteverde helped cut the ceremonial red ribbon re-opening the store on Friday night, to cheers from more than 100 onlookers
Ali Church, the city’s director of Economic Development, attended the Grand Re-Opening too.

“It’s great to welcome new businesses to Newburgh, but to see an existing business expanding like this is a real win for the city,” she said.

Golden Hour customers include the kids (and their parents) who are regulars at the store’s “Little Friends Story Time,” a popular event held on the last Saturday morning of each month. That program is led by Rebecca Raisley, director of Newburgh’s Little Friends Learning Loft.

For adults, Venezia also hosts the Golden Hour Book Club at 190 Bar on Broadway. She hopes to expand such community-minded programming now that she has the space to do so.

“I’m excited to launch more book clubs now that we’re settling in at Wireworks,” she said.
The shop sells new and used books across all genres — fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and more, for adults, young adults and children. Venezia is happy to recommend books to customers who are looking for a particular author or title, and she will special-order any requested title she doesn’t have in stock. She also offers handmade greeting cards and other small gifts. Customers can also browse online for in-store pickup: goldenhourbookstore.com.

“Pop in to buy a book for yourself or someone else, read in our courtyard, or just browse,” Venezia said at Golden Hour’s Grand Re-Opening party on Friday night. “My goal is to make everyone feel welcome here.”