Needful Books & Things opened recently at 520 W Twincourt Trail #3, St. Augustine, Fla. The Record reported that co-owner and manager Anne McCarthy's "lifelong dream of owning a bookstore is not only up and running, the brick and mortar has become a haven for book lovers in America's oldest city."
The bookstore's name was inspired by Stephen King and his 1992 novel Needful Things, she said, adding: "In addition to the literature classics, we have special editions, fantasy and mystery thrillers, general fiction, romance, romantasy, horror, true-crime, sci-fi, young-adult, lots of kids' books for all ages, themed cookbooks, as well as local books about St. Augustine and Florida."
Noting that a "ton of research" goes into every selection, McCarthy said, "I've worked in the big box bookstores, so I know what sells well. All of the books I order have good reviews. I just search for the prettiest ones."
Needful Books & Things also sells games, puzzles of all sizes, card games that you won't "necessarily find just anywhere," greeting cards, and gifts for children and adults, she added. "We also offer tote bags, T-shirts, candles, jewelry, handbags, wallets, bookmarks, stickers, pins, and buttons. Special orders are always available, and we have affiliations with Bookshop.org for online book orders and Libro.fm for audio books. Watch for e-book options, coming soon."
Bookstore co-owner Rhonda McCarthy brings more than 30 years of experience in business analysis and investment management to the new venture. "Mom lives in Omaha but is a frequent visitor to St. Augustine and an as-needed store assistant," Anne McCarthy noted.
Thus far, the positive community response to the new shop is "more than I could have dreamed that it could be," she added.