Store Info

Welcome to The Hickory Stick Bookshop!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is an independent book shop which has been located in Washington Depot, CT for over 70 years.  Are you looking for a particular title or are you hoping for the unexpected?  The owners and staff offer over 100 years experience (collectively) in the book business to help you find that book or answer a question.  You can also learn about our upcoming book signings, discover what the staff are reading, look for books by local authors, and a lot more.

We have a great selection of books for everyone in the family, children's learning activities, toys, puzzles, games , music, calendars, greeting cards, book accessories and gift items such as Baggallini bags, local yarn, picture frames, and soy candles.

Voted Best in Connecticut and New England!

"Once host to William Styron and Arthur Miller, this well-loved shop still welcomes local authors and illustrators, but it’s also stocked with titles from around the world. Like local? Check out the new handcrafts from around the region, including yarn from the owner’s sheep. BEST COUNTRY BOOKSTORE." -Yankee Magazine, 2014

"Located in the heart of Washington, Hickory Stick has been a beloved Litchfield County fixture for the past 66 years; its staff boasts more than 100 years of collective bookselling experience. Owner Fran Keilty's mission is to serve and strengthen her community through the shop: The work of local authors is featured among Hickory Stick's extensive collection of books, and community events abound. Stop by for a book signing, a literary discussion at the "Meet an Author for Lunch" series or Hickory Stick Bookshop Book Club meeting, or to pick up a novel and admire this local business treasure." -Connecticut Magazine, 2013

"The Hickory Stick Bookshop's been a fixture in the Litchfield Hills for more than a half-century - but that doesn't mean the folks here are unwilling to embrace a bit of change. Yes, Hickory Stick has a quite impressive collectin of books to browse, a knowledgeable staff with more than 100 years of collective experience in the book biz, and a welcome number of signings by the many talented authors and illustrators living and working in them thar Litchfield Hills. Now, however, Hickory Stick also sells more than three million ebooks via its website - most for the same price you'll find in the big-box bookstores." Connecticut Magazine, 2012

"For more than a half-century, the Hickory Stick Bookshop has been the beating cultural heart of Washington Depot and an increasingly welcome shelter against big-box consumerism. The shop these days is also the very special province of Fran Keilty, the owner, who has long been a good and helpful friend to readers, writers, and the world of books in general, and who, along with her knowledgeable staff, can make the mere acts of browsing and asking questions a pleasure. The many readings, book signings and other book-related events are just the icing on the cake." -Connecticut Magazine, 2011

Check out our feature on the Indie Bob Spot!

Named one of the Best Bookshops in Connecticut by Seasons Magazine!