LOCAL pages

By Juliet Pennington

Historically, bookstores— especially independent bookstores—were important businesses, playing a crucial role in giving local authors a platform and bringing a community together. Major bookstore chains and online marketplaces for books resulted in a steady decline in “indie” bookstores starting in the late 1990s, but what we gained in convenience, we lost in human connection.

“Independent bookstores represent so much more than retail businesses,” says Ray Daniels, chief communications officer of the American Booksellers Association. “In many areas, they are a place where likeminded individuals can gather and form a community. Bookstores are those rare places where people can share knowledge and find comfort.”

Lucky for New England bibliophiles seeking the charms of brick-and-mortar bookstores, there are plenty available in our region, from the small, genre-centric variety, to larger shops that carry any and all varieties of books.

Here are some favorites from each of the six New England states:

Connecticut

R.J. JULIA BOOKSELLERS

employees—about 40 in total—whom Coady calls the “secret sauce” to the store’s recipe for success.

R.J. Julia Booksellers, Coady’s two-story, 8,000-square-foot bookstore in Madison is an “oldschool version of what you dream a New England bookstore would look like; it’s a beautiful space,” says Coady, adding that it was modeled after the iconic (now closed) Scribner’s Bookstore on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

But more important than the aesthetics or comprehensive collection of books are the

“They are all incredible readers and adhere to the same belief as I have—that books really can change lives,” she says. “They listen and know how to be helpful. That is why we have such loyal customers and have been so supported by our community.”

RJ Julia Booksellers hosts more than 300 events a year, including book signings and other author visits, and—as if owning a busy bookstore isn’t enough—Coady also hosts “Just the Right Book!”, a biweekly author interview podcast.