Book specials, prizes and a kids’ storytime are coming to Old Town Books tomorrow (Saturday) as the local shop celebrates seven years in business.
The independent bookstore at 130 S. Royal Street first got its start as a pop-up business in 2018. The shop “never un-popped,” owner Ally Kirkpatrick told ALXnow.
“It means so much,” Kirkpatrick said. “I feel like we almost couldn’t do this anywhere but Old Town, because our customer base here is just so supportive, and like, they get small business. They get local, you know? People want to shop local.”
Anniversary festivities start at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow with a story time by New York Times-bestselling author Matt Tavares, who will read his latest children’s book, “Dasher and the Polar Bear.” The book came out Sept. 30 featuring Tavares’ story and original illustrations.
Throughout the day, customers can spin the store’s prize wheel to earn discounts on future book purchases. Additionally, to commemorate seven years of bookselling, visitors who purchase six books will get their seventh book for free.
From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., those seeking a sweet treat can visit the store for a free mini birthday cake ice cream cone, supplied by Kirkpatrick’s confectionary venture, Fabled Ice Cream.
Reflecting on seven years of business, Kirkpatrick said she remains passionate about the community that bookstores like hers can foster.
“That’s just what like motivates me, is connecting people to each other and to reading,” she said. “I feel like it’s just such a special thing in life, to be able to to read and to be together and to have a safe space to go when life is tough. I’ve always thought of the bookstore as being, like — it’s not just a product that we’re selling. It’s really a place and an experience.”
Heading into the holiday season, locals can expect a fall member sale on Monday and the annual Cozy Town Books gathering on Nov. 20, as well as sales on Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday.
Old Town Books is open tomorrow until 7 p.m.
