Reading Leaves Bookstore
Author: Angie Janacaro
There is something special about walking into a store filled with books, where the lady behind the counter greets you by name and can offer insightful recommendations for the next good read. Rachael Elliot-Brug, owner of Reading Leaves at 401 Broadway Street in Townsend, describes the goal of independent bookstores, “Almost every indie bookstore is dedicated to being the third place in a community. It is not work/school, or home, but rather the third place to go to socialize and be human.”
Elliot-Brug had no prior experience working in a bookstore but as she explains, “I have always loved books. I was the kid staying up all night reading or reading under the desk while the teacher was talking.” After a stint teaching school, she began to research the possibility of opening a bookstore in Townsend. She found a tremendous support resource through the National Association of Independent Bookstore Owners and basically hasn’t looked back.
Reading Leaves is amply stocked with the latest releases, children’s books, tried and true favorites and everything in between. If you don’t find the particular title you’re looking for, Rachael will happily order it in. In addition, there are novelty items ranging from socks to coffee mugs, stickers to tea. The store also boasts many comfortable places to sit and an in-store rescue cat, Gill, who will gladly sit on your lap if invited.
Reading Leaves recently moved into its new location which was formerly a hardware store. Elliot-Brug has been busy remodeling and organizing and is expecting to replace the garage doors in front of the store with glass to lighten up the place in the near future. In the plans too, is a space at the back of the store for board games, and Dungeons and Dragons. It will also be a space to host birthday parties. In addition, the building is home to the MT43 News office.
Aside from the physical changes to Reading Leaves, Elliot-Brug sponsors a summer reading challenge every year to entice children to read books of interest and enjoy a treat from partnering local businesses, Mountie Moose Bakery and Full Belli Deli.
Some upcoming adult activities include book club which meets on the third Wednesday of every month, in store at 7 pm. Each month’s book selection is posted on the store’s Facebook site. Reading Leaves will continue to host Sip and Paint events facilitated by local artist, Pam Sample. Mark your calendars for August 28 at 1:30 pm, Reading Leaves is excited to host Dr Catherine Raven, author of Fox and I, for a reading and question and answer session about her bestselling memoir. All are welcome to attend.
An upcoming book Rachael is eager to see on the shelves is, The Golden Enclaves, the third book in the Scholamance series by Naomi Novick. The book is expected to be released in September of this year.
Other new and exciting products in the store are mailable chocolate postcards and Boba tea. Stop by, say hello to Rachael, see the new store and browse the shelves for a book to enjoy through the final days of summer.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Rachael Elliott-Brug
Image 1 Caption: Rachael Elliott-Brug
Image 2 Caption: Reading Leaves Logo
