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| Laura Cooper at Saltwater Bookstore | |
Saltwater Bookstore, a boutique bookstore with an inventory for all ages, opened in Marblehead, Mass., on May 25. Located at 134 Washington St. in Marblehead's historic district, Saltwater Bookstore spans just under 600 square feet
Owner Laura Cooper described her store as "small, but mighty," noting that she carries a little over 4,000 titles, all of them new. There are separate rooms for adult and children's books, and the general-interest inventory prominently features New England authors as well as subjects relevant to Marblehead's location on the coast, such as sailing and ocean studies. The store's children's books, Cooper added, also highlight ocean life and nautical themes.
In designing Saltwater Bookstore, Cooper said she focused on creating a "cozy, coastal vibe," complete with "floating wood shelves, rattan lighting, cushioned reading nooks," and other special details.
Along with books, Saltwater Bookstore carries a line of greeting cards from a New England card company, book-inspired art prints by artist Kate Lewis, and a variety of store-branded merchandise.
Cooper has yet to host events at Saltwater Bookstore, but she plans to introduce them soon. There will be a monthly book club run by the store, along with author signings and storytime sessions, and local book clubs will be able to host their meetings at Saltwater.
A "life-long, avid reader," Cooper has always wanted to open a bookstore of her own. She's lived in Marblehead for more than 20 years and visiting independent bookstores has always brought her great joy. The resurgence of indie bookstores, especially in New England, inspired her to "create a boutique bookstore that was unique to Marblehead."
The store's first six weeks of operation, she continued, "have been filled with wonderful positive energy from old friends and new." Saltwater Bookstore is already becoming a community meeting place, where customers browse the shelves, talk to the staff and each other, and "usually leave with something they weren't expecting to find." --Alex Mutter