New Independent Bookstore Opens

Sadly, one of my favorite bookstores, the Ben Franklin Bookstore in Worcester, has recently closed. The owner had to make that difficult decision of independent booksellers that he could not continue. But, happily, I discovered a new independent bookstore this week, which opened in nearby West Boylston, MA. The Beech Tree Place Bookstore officially opened at Noon on Saturday, July 30, 2011 and I am happy to report that I was the first official customer.

To win a personal bet with a friend, the owner-operator of the new shop, Ina, went ahead and opened as planned at noontime, despite most of the inventory still being in boxes and not well distributed on the shelves. I congratulate her on her perseverance, determination, and brave attitude about being an independent bookseller. In addition to books, the store will feature records too. That's a great combination for those of us who like to live in the past. Those old record albums are hard to replace when they finally bite the dust, and this new shop should be a boon to collectors.

Ina will spend the next few weeks properly sorting and pricing the inventory, but then again, that will be her permanent role in the months and years ahead, as a used bookseller. Every day is an adventure in sorting, pricing, shelving, and selling. I look forward to finding a lot of treasures in this new shop.

I mentioned that I was the first official customer. It's true. I found three books right away and I might say that it's fortunate for me, and my wallet, that Ina didn't have all the books on the shelves yet. I might have overbought. (If that's possible).

So, as Ben Franklin drops off my list of go-to bookshops, I will now add Beech Tree Place Bookstore to my list when the wanderlust gets a hold of me and I feel the need to scour bookshelves for hidden treasures. If you visit, let me know what you think about the new place. And best of luck to Ina on her latest adventure.  ((Since this was written, the bookshop moved to Leominster)).