Congratulations to the Bookstore of Gloucester, Gloucester, Mass., which is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an open house this coming weekend. On Friday, April 4, the store's birthday party runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with a special art wall display, charcuterie and cookies, beverages, and more. As National Poetry Month continues, Saturday, April 5, features poetry writing, a 25% discount in the poetry section, and a special poem by John Ronan. Sunday, April 6, offers story time with bookstore friends from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and sweets, treats, and refreshments for kids and adults.
The Bookstore of Gloucester has a strong family tradition. Janice Severance began working there in 1980, and a decade later bought the store from Ann Banks. All of Janice's children worked in the store, and her daughter-in-law Arwen Severance, who has worked as a Bookstore of Gloucester bookseller since 2001, is now the owner. Arwen's daughters Tegan and Amelie help out at the store.