Bernard "Bernie" Flynn, longtime bookseller and co-founder of Trident Booksellers & Café in Boston, Mass., and Northern Lights, St. Johnsbury, Vt., died on June 15 after a courageous battle with cancer; he was 76. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend who was known for his generosity of spirit and ability to connect with anyone he came across in a meaningful way.
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| Bernie Flynn with Courtney Flynn in 2014 | |
Bernie was always an avid reader, often describing a childhood absorbed by any and all types of books. In 1976, Bernie and his longtime friend Caroline Demaio opened a bookstore in St. Johnsbury, Vt., called Northern Lights. The store began as a simple and idealistic dream, with books being mostly donated and resold. Bernie often spoke about the slow pace of the store in the early days, recalling that a good day would be more than one sale. Over time the store grew and became a vibrant part of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom community. Bernie and Caroline ran Northern Lights together until the birth of Bernie's son prompted his desire to move to Boston in 1984.
That same year Bernie and his wife, Gail, opened Trident Booksellers and Café on Newbury Street in Boston. Bernie often told stories of the early days of running a bookstore on the "wrong end" of Newbury Street, and the many years of struggle to find the store's footing. Through tremendous hard work and tenacity, the store grew over the decades, from a 2,500-square-foot store with a small café to a two-floor, 9,000-square-foot bookstore with a full restaurant, busy events program, and most recently, a private events room. The store is now a Boston landmark, with customers ranging from decades-long regulars to tourists coming for the first time. The grassroots way that the store gained footing in Boston culture was a welcome delight to Bernie.
The business will continue to be run by Bernie's daughter, Courtney, as well as his daughter-in-law, Kim. Running a multi-generational family business was something that Bernie took great pride in, and the family will continue to steward it through the years.