Westfield Announcements

The year was 1934: America was in the midst of "The Great Depression," Good Bye, Mr. Chips topped the bestseller lists, and paperback books were still on the horizon when The Town Book Store opened its doors on East Broad Street in Westfield. Today, websites and "big box" stores dominate the retail landscape, "virtual" books can be read digitally, and another economic crisis is gripping the nation. But through it all, The Town Book Store is still going strong in downtown Westfield.
 
This November, The Town Book Store will celebrate 75 years of good, old-fashioned bookselling with a month of raffles, giveaways, and author signings to mark its diamond anniversary.  The last independent bookstore in Union County according to the American Booksellers Association, the shop has been serving Westfield and neighboring communities through three-quarters of a century, six owners and two locations.  
 
"In today's rapidly changing retail environment, The Town Book Store remains one constant where shoppers can find a first-rate literary selection with friendly, personalized service in an attractive, convenient setting," says Anne Laird, the store's current owner and herself a native Westfielder. "For this little gem of a store to be celebrating its diamond anniversary is truly a testimony to the loyal customers who have supported us for so many years. This celebration is our way of saying a heartfelt, 'Thanks.'"
 
According to the original business ledgers on display in the shop, The Town Book Store first opened its doors on September 4, 1934. After operating from the same address for 72 years, the store relocated across the street in 2007 to 270 E. Broad Street, the site of Westfield's first library. The new location at the eastern gateway to Westfield's vibrant downtown offers easier parking, ample window space and greater visibility for the store. A signboard inviting customers to "Nurture Your Community: Shop Local," has garnered positive reaction from shoppers.  
 
Though modest in size, the store's inventory is well-edited and caters to the interests of its customers. Individualized services like fast turnaround on special orders, friendly, helpful staff, author signings, out-of-print book searches, book club discounts, and free gift wrapping are part of the shop's appeal. And while occasional blockbusters like the Harry Potter series and Dan Brown's latest have been a boon to struggling booksellers, Ms. Laird says it is avid readers and parents with young children who have been the store's mainstay throughout the years.

The November celebration comes just as the store is stocking up for the holiday season. Among the special giveaways Ms. Laird has planned are many items donated by publishers, including a "Diary of Wimpy Kid" bundle with a T-shirt, life-size cutout and a copy of the latest book. Customers are invited to stop by the store to enter drawings throughout the month and peruse the holiday selection. For store hours and directions, please contact The Town Book Store at (908) 233-3535 or visit their website at www.townbookstore.com  

Photo: Anne Laird, owner of the Town Book Store in Westfield, displays the shop's original business ledgers from its opening in 1934.