Something You Can’t Get Online

Something+You+Cant+Get+Online

Catherine Smith, Staff Reporter

When walking through Old Town, there are shops and restaurants of all types, but notice there is no bookstore? Cammie Fuller and Rachel Sirene wanted to do something about this problem. They always had the dream and, with the relocation of Latitudes, an opportunity for the Open Book opened up.  

She heard the message from members of the community and wanted to make a change. On March 22, Old Town received a new store. A grand opening was held with a ribbon cutting and small contests. Fuller has loved reading since she was in second grade. It has led her to this adventure.

“With my role as librarian, I had people constantly asking me over the years if I would open a bookstore,” Fuller said. “‘You seem to really love books. Why don’t you open a bookstore, we really need one.’”

The Open Book is a general literature store, there are books for all ages.  There will be many genres and about 30 percent of the store will be children’s literature. Fuller believed that small bookstores were being overtaken by online retailers, but by talking with other bookstore owners she learned that bookstores are there to provide more.

“It’s not an algorithm, it’s actually somebody who is personally helping you find a book,” Fuller said.

Fuller’s personal goals for her business consist of joining the independent bookstore dialogue. She wants to create an environment where a politically divided nation might be able to be expressed and create conversation. She said a book may be able to change a life or make the world better.

However, it was not easy getting to this point. A business does not come about in a day. Fuller explained the list of people to thank goes on and on. Our librarians are on the list to thank, along with all the people in the community who gave advice and many different bookstores and their owners.

“Personally, they [family] have been an enormous support,” Fuller said.   

Fuller understands this store cannot exist without community support and hopes to educate people on how important it is to shop locally. They are going to make themselves relevant and make sure people feel heard about what type of books and events the Open Book should have.

Leading up to the big day, there was a pre-opening event.  On March 16, the Open Book held a program with the owner of Red Truck Bakery Brian Noyes.  He introduced his story and sold his book to all who attended. The Open Book wants to create a place where people love to come and find a unique read through members of our community.