Congratulations to the Town Book Store, Westfield, N.J., which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, starting tomorrow, September 4. For the entire month, patrons who spend $90 or more will receive a TBS tote bag or mug for free, while supplies last. On Thursday, September 5, the first of a series of celebratory events takes place: a "Book Lovers Mixer," from 6 to 7:30 p.m., which is open to the public, with local business owners especially encouraged to attend. Refreshments and plenty of bookish conversation will be served.
Other events this month include local author readings and signings featuring Joshua Suri (pen name: Emilio Cot), author of Hillcrest: Stories from the Edge of Paterson, and Liz Alterman, author of The House on Cold Creek Lane.
The store is also partnering with the Wallitsch Art Gallery to host a poetry event and open house on September 29. Art by Shirley Wallitsch is on display and for sale at the bookstore.
Owner Lisa Schwartz bought the Town Book Store in April after working there since 2019. "When the opportunity to buy the store presented itself, I didn't hesitate, and now we are deep in the planning stages to honor the nine decades that the store has anchored the Westfield community," she said. "We're really proud and ready to party! Watch our Instagram for details."
She noted that customers can expect the same level of personal service that the store has always provided: book recommendations from knowledgeable booksellers, gift wrapping, special orders, gift certificates, and book club incentives. She added, "I'm not here to reinvent the wheel, but I might rotate the tires a bit."
The Town Book Store was started by Ester Nichols and Matilda McLean on September 4, 1934, and has had eight owners.