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The Town Book Store Marked 75 Years in Westfield |
The year was 1934: America was in the midst of "The Great Depression", Good Bye, Mr. Chips topped the bestseller lists, and paperback books were still on the horizon when The Town Book Store opened its doors on E. Broad Street in Westfield. Today, websites and “big box” stores dominate the retail landscape, “virtual” books can be read digitally, and another economic crisis is gripping the nation. But through it all, The Town Book Store is still going strong in downtown Westfield.
Last November, The Town Book Store celebrated 75 years of good, old-fashioned bookselling with raffles, giveaways, and author signings to mark its diamond anniversary. The last independent bookstore in Union County according to the American Booksellers Association, the shop has been serving Westfield and neighboring communities for over three-quarters of a century, six owners and two locations.
In today’s rapidly changing retail environment, The Town Book Store remains one constant where shoppers can find a first-rate literary selection with friendly, personalized service in an attractive, convenient setting. For this little gem of a store to celebrate its diamond anniversary is truly a testimony to the loyal customers who have supported us for so many years. This celebration was our way of saying a heartfelt ‘Thanks’ to our loyal customers and the surrounding community.
According to the original business ledgers on display in the shop, The Town Book Store first opened its doors on September 4, 1934. After operating from the same address for 72 years, the store relocated across the street in 2007 to 270 E. Broad Street, the site of Westfield’s first library. The new location at the eastern gateway to Westfield’s vibrant downtown offers easier parking, ample window space and greater visibility for the store. A signboard inviting customers to “Nurture Your Community: Shop Local,” has garnered positive reaction from shoppers.
Though modest in size, the store’s inventory is well-edited and caters to the interests of its customers. Individualized services like fast turnaround on special orders, friendly, helpful staff, out-of-print book searches, book club discounts, and free gift wrapping are part of the shop’s appeal. And while occasional blockbusters like the Harry Potter series and Dan Brown’s latest have been a boon for business, it is avid readers and parents with young children who have been the store’s mainstay throughout the years.
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Celebrate "Independents"! |
Last July, we celebrated 233 years of “Independence” for our country. Join us now in celebrating “Independents” every day of the year. The American Booksellers Association has a new initiative called IndieBound, a community-oriented movement with the intention of drawing attention to the value of independent businesses and promoting those values that make “indies” unique. Your locally owned, independent bookstore, along with the camera store, bike shop, wine merchant, restaurants and pharmacy, contribute far more to the health of their local economies than internet, chain and big-box stores, and play a crucial role in maintaining the unique character of their communities. Local independent businesses also help to reduce environmental impact by conserving on packaging and fuel and have a vested interest in making sure you are satisfied. Shifting some of your purchases to locally owned, independent retailers will help keep them in business and your community strong and vibrant.
Westfield supports the last independent bookstore in Union County. Every day I hear customers say,”I want to support you. I want to make sure Westfield continues to have its own bookstore.” Thanks to all of you who feel this way. It has made it possible for us to have been a part of the Westfield community for almost 75 years. I really like IndieBound’s new slogan…. “Doing Our Part to Keep America Interesting.” The reason we still are a part of this community is because many of you share this desire and value the importance and benefits of supporting local businesses. Let’s spread the word!
Ask us about the new Indie Bestseller List that we are now displaying and also pick up one of the Indie Next Lists which lists monthly great reads from booksellers you can trust. Thank you so much for your continued support. Your patronage and loyalty are greatly appreciated.
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Top Selling Titles in 2009 |
Below is a listing of the 10 top-selling adult titles. How many have you read?
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett (No surprise here. We can hardly keep this book in stock. Everyone loves this book!)
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer (This book continued to be a huge seller once it came out in paperback. It's quirky characters make this an endearing feel-good read.)
- Olive Kitteridge by Amy Strout (These 13 interlocking tales about curmudgeonly Olive Kitteridge makes this 2009 Pulitzer prize winner a sure bet.)
- People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (Add this one to her other great reads, Year of Wonders and Pulitzer Prize winning, March.)
- The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan (So many people felt inspired by her upbeat approach to her diagnosis of breast cancer and her wonderful relationship with her larger than life father, George.)
- The Great Money Binge by George Melloan (Written by Westfield resident and 50 year veteran editor of The Wall Street Journal.)
- Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum (Our favorite hand sell makes our top 10 for the 3rd year in a row.)
- Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (An interesting story that takes place in France during the Holocaust.)
- Loving Frank by Nancy Horan (Continued to be a favorite book club pick, this historical fiction depicting the affair between architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney.)
- A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, A Pint and the Next Tee by Tom Coyne (This book resonated with many golfers as they lived Tom Coyne's adventure in Ireland through this great book. Out in paperback 2/1.)
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Saturday, September 25th
2:00PM
Shari Maurer
More info on this event...
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