Bill Hall, a well-known figure in the book buying business, has created a hidden gem in the heart of Brooklyn. Operating out of his home, he has transformed his living room into the ultimate vintage bookstore, known as High Valley Books. With a collection that includes rare fashion books and magazines sought after by designers and influencers, Bill Hall has curated an impressive array of literary treasures.
As visitors buzzed at his doorstep on a recent Sunday, Bill Hall welcomed a stream of stylish Brooklyn residents into his sunlit living room. The walls were adorned with vintage fashion magazines, photo books by renowned artists such as Guy Bourdin and Ron Jude, and obscure German design quarterlies. His most recent acquisition, a collection of The World of Interiors magazines from the 1990s and 2000s, drew the attention of his guests, highlighting the uniqueness of his collection.
Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Bill Hall’s home doubles as High Valley Books, housing over 50,000 volumes of books and magazines, as well as an assortment of ephemera like wood veneer samples and miniature Lilliput Dictionaries. The store has become a haven for fashion designers, photographers, and stylists seeking inspiration and conducting archival research. By appointment only, visitors can schedule a visit through the store’s landline or Instagram DM, allowing them to explore the vast collection under Bill Hall’s expert guidance.
For first-time visitors, a tour of the store is provided, followed by a personalized browsing experience based on individual preferences. Bill Hall goes the extra mile by taking photos of customers with their selected finds and sharing them on social media, creating a sense of community and connection among book enthusiasts. His emphasis on building relationships with visitors and fostering a welcoming environment sets High Valley Books apart from traditional bookstores.
One such visitor, Rowan Thompson, a brand strategist, visited the store with her friend Wesley Chau, an industrial designer. The duo experienced firsthand the allure of High Valley Books and the passion that Bill Hall exudes for his collection. Through interactions like these, Bill Hall continues to cultivate a unique space where literary enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a world of rare and fascinating reads.
In a world dominated by online shopping and digital media, High Valley Books stands as a testament to the enduring charm of physical bookstores and the art of curated collections. Bill Hall’s dedication to preserving and sharing rare literary treasures has cemented his place as a beloved figure in Brooklyn’s book community. So, if you’re ever in Brooklyn and looking for a one-of-a-kind bookstore experience, be sure to pay a visit to High Valley Books in Bill Hall’s living room – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
