Nantucket Bookworks - Nantucket, MA

Nantucket Bookworks - Nantucket, MA

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One small island, two independent bookstores.  What the?  How?  Huh?  Tourists, people, tourists.  Nantucket Island is awash in tourism but most come to visit the stores, the museums, and the history.  Me?  I go for the independent bookstores!  Nantucket Bookworks and Mitchell's Book Corner are sister bookstores, both owned and managed by Wendy H. and collectively fall under the business name of Nantucket Book Partners.  They even share employees with the booksellers sometimes working at either store.  If you're a book or bookstore person visiting Nantucket it is easy to visit both stores (and you should).  The only thing separating the two is a 5 minute walk.

In bookstore years, both indies have been around a long time.  Nantucket Bookworks began in 1972 and moved to its current location in 1981.  Like communities all over the country, when it was time to move to the new location, volunteers came to the rescue and helped move the inventory.  This is the way it is with treasured indies in every commuinity around the country.

Nantucket Bookworks is a one-level store that offers all new books and a terrific variety of sidelines.  Of the two indies on the island, this one has more sidelines to shop for, especially for the kids.  This store also has a little more to offer in its children's section.  Like Mitchell's, you'll find a great section of books related to Nantucket and the Cape Cod area.  I think the two stores compliment each other quite nicely.  Remember, when visiting here you'll be taking a ferry to the island (do not take your car to the island) so plan accordingly.

With renowned author, Elin Hildebrand.  Thanks for a great visit.  

The norm for the people I meet in bookstores is that they're the best.  Just like Mitchell's, the people at Bookworks were a blast to visit with and to meet.  I didn't get to meet Wendy on this trip but I met Dick and Grace who both told me a lot about the store and its history.  I also met Elin Hildebrand, the author who wrote the essay about Nantucket Bookworks for My Bookstore, by Ron Rice.  Regular readers know this is a rarity for me; it only happened once before.  The meeting was extra special since she attended the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop.  How lucky I am to meet people like this along my journey!  And if you're an Elin Hildebrand fan and visit Nantucket, ask at Nantucket Bookworks about her and she just might come in and sign a book.  

While your friends and family are enjoying the seafood, the ice cream, and all those unique shops, make your break.  Sneak away and experience one of the islands' wonderful bookstores.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Murder At The Roosevelt Hotel In Cedar Rapids, Diane Fannon-Langton.  True crime story of a murder at the Roosevelt Hotel in 1948.  Was it revenge?  Accidental?  Self-inflicted?  This is a short, quick read and if you like true crime you'll enjoy this.  Lots of pictures from the local paper included.  And if you live in eastern Iowa, you will especially enjoy this one.  Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Fifth Gospel, Ian Caldwell.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Castaways, Elin Hildebrand.

Another exterior view.  

One of the display windows.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Lots of sidelines.  

Display of new releases.  

Presidential candidate sidelines.  

Lots of great backpacks and bags.  

A portion of the books of local interest.  

A portion of the children's section.  

Another view of the children's section.  

View from the back of the store looking toward the front entrance.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Have you read any of these Bookworks bestsellers?

If you want something wrapped, Dick can handle it!

With Grace in the center and Dick on the right.  Thanks for a great visit.