Theodore’s Books, history-focused nod to T.R., opens in Oyster Bay

There isn’t very much that’s ordinary about Theodore’s Books. It has all of the bestsellers, sure, and children’s books and the classics, but the new small business in Oyster Bay also specializes in current events and history books — in particular, those that focus on America’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. And it is owned by Oyster Bay Cove resident Steve Israel, a former congressman who served in the House of Representatives for 16 years.

“I needed to get out of the pressures of the job,” said Israel, 63, who retired from his Washington post in 2017. “The only thing that can stab me in a bookstore is the corner of a book.”

Opening Theodore’s Books, at 17 Audrey Ave., fulfilled a lifelong dream, he said. He would have opened it four years ago, but he said there were too many vacant storefronts in Oyster Bay then, and he worried there wouldn’t be enough foot traffic to support a bookstore. Now, with many new small businesses moving to the hamlet, it was time, he said.

An author who has published two political satire novels (also for sale at his shop), Israel is known for his love of literature and feels at home when in a bookstore. When he was a congressman, he asked staff members to find the local bookstore wherever he traveled.

Israel said he wants his small business to be more than a bookstore. “This is a community resource, a place where neighbors can come in, read a book and have a respectful debate,” Israel told a large crowd of well-wishers crammed into his bookstore. Although Nov. 27 was his official opening, he had held a soft opening two days before, which was also crowded.

Referring to himself as a “Ted head,” Israel said he wanted to open a bookstore that celebrated Roosevelt. When Roosevelt was governor of New York from 1988 to 1900, his executive office was across the street, where the restaurant Wild Honey is now. And he was known to take phone calls at Snouder’s Drug Store, also across the street, that housed the only telephone in town.

The mood at the shop was celebratory. Ashar Bhasin, 7, came to the opening dressed as Roosevelt, which he said was his Halloween costume. A self-proclaimed lover of history, the boy, who lives in Oyster Bay, said that his grandparents live near Sagamore Hill, where Roosevelt once lived and worked.

Israel asked Ashar to join him behind the counter, referring to him as “Mr. President.” When State Sen. Jim Gaughran, County Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and other elected leaders congratulated Israel, they also acknowledged Ashar in the same way.

“This is such a special place,” said Assemblyman Chuck Lavine. “For so long, we’ve needed an indie bookstore in the hamlet. Somewhere, somehow, TR has a smile on his face.”

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino applauded Israel for opening a business that has quickly become “a landmark.” Saying the shop is part of a renaissance in Oyster Bay’s downtown, he said the community was fortunate to have Theodore’s Books.

When Legislator Arnold Drucker spoke, he predicted that Israel’s bookstore would be the start of a wave of local bookstores, prompting applause.    

Jason Warehime came to Theodore’s with his wife, Jessikah, and twins, Chatin and Fin. The family live in Levittown, but Jason said it was worth the drive. Each boy was told he could pick out a book, a reward after receiving a Covid vaccine.

“There’s something about a town with a bookstore,” Jason said wistfully. “I wish we had one in Levittown. I usually go to Barnes and Noble, but now I will come here.”