Today I want to share with you one of my favorite spots in Wilmington, NC. It may not look like much to you but this little bookstore is a true treasure!
Old Books is a small, quaint, family run used bookstore that has been "connecting good people with good books since 1982." Located in the historic district of downtown Wilmington, Old Books brings a lovely retro feel to Front Street. In an age of shiny new corporate bookstores, walking into Old Books is like walking into another world.
You can feel the stories tugging at you to enter their domain and smell the history they have to offer. As a lover of old books, this place is like heaven to me. I can spend hours running my fingers along the aging spines and reading the covers for that special new treasure I can't leave without.
And then there is the lovely Gwenyfar, seen here with Old Books newest addition and mascot, Edith Wharton. Stop with any of the locals in Wilmington for a quick chat and mention Gwenyfar's name and they will have something lovely to tell you about this wonderful lady. She is truly a gift to our downtown environment. She is always welcoming and ready to help you find that special book you've been hunting for. She is that rare people person who will introduce you to total strangers, a person she may have just met but knows you may have a common interest with. And as you leave the store you can always count on her to bring a smile to your face as you hear, "Think Happy Thoughts." You can't help but love her and want to stop by whenever you get a chance.
Old Books offers more than just miles of wonderful old books and a fantastic hostess, there are also activites, such as book clubs, book signings, Deceased author birthday celebrations, like the recent birthday bash for Mary Shelley. Old Books bring people together in away that we have lost in recent years. What business do you know of that includes a note of gratitude tucked in your book. They end every sale with this wonderful note:
Gratitude
This is a thank you note. We at Old Books On Front St. are a Tiny Family Business that is staffed only by The Immediate Family Members. we know that in the internet age you can choose to do business with anyone on the globe. We want you to know that we are very grateful you have selected us. We strive to serve you with freindly, helpful, timely service. Thank you for choosing us.
With many thanks,
The Rohler Family
Diana (mom), Lloyd (pop) & Gwenyfar
Sadly, the Rohler's recently lost Diana to cancer, so this post is also to honor her memory and my heart goes out to Gwenyfar and her family.
So next time you are in Wilmington, NC make sure you stop by Old Books on Front St and meet the enchanting lady who runs it and her little dog too.
You can also visit them online at http://www.oldbooksonfrontst.com/. Check out their schedule of upcoming events or have Gwenyfar help you locate that hard to find book you've been searching for.
You can't tell in this picture but Little Edith Wharton has the most beautiful green eyes. They are almost human. She is the most adorable puppy and you will be tempted to steal her. Alas, I would have tried but I couldn't bear to make Gwenyfar sad .... seeing Edith, one more reason to visit Old Books regularly.
Make sure you stop by Spunk on a Stick Tips, where Photo Tuesday originated.
Make sure you stop by Spunk on a Stick Tips, where Photo Tuesday originated.
Thanks for the plug!
ReplyDeleteAnd good to know about this store! I try to support the indies and smaller stores like Waldenbooks.
Never mind the next time I'm in Wilmington! I'd plan a trip there just to go to this delightful little book store!
ReplyDeleteOh! We should plan this! I could go somewhere I've never been before, meet you in person, and stop in this little treasure chest of, literally, history! Not only in the books, but in the fact that so few of these little "mom and pop" places even exist anymore, let alone the way they do business and appreciate their customers.
Great post, Chris! :)
I want to thank you again for being such a wonderful host yesterday - for your own interview for heaven's sake! I'm still embarrassed and feel just terrible about my inability to "be there" to respond to comments and participate in something I was SO looking forward to! Here I sat, frustrated, not even able to let you know of the problem, and you handled it beautifully! We make a great team!
Diane- The small indie stores are still the best for atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteCrystal- We should plan it, and if you come down we'll have to go kidnap Diane for a day.
I had a a great time on your blog yesterday! We do make a great team!
Oooh I love little stores like this! You could almost just get lost inside.
ReplyDeleteWhat great pics, and such high praise for this INDIE store. It must be great!
ReplyDeleteI would Love to work at a shop like that. When we move to town, a place like that is going to be among the first places I'm going to look for work.
ReplyDeleteOh, and thanks for the listing on the side. I'm flattered.
Anna- I am with you there. Sadly, this bookstore is temporarily closed becuase they condemned the old building it's in and we are waiting to see where Gwenyfar will be moving it to. It is one of my favorite places. Every town needs one!
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