Minding Your Business- Brewster Bookstore

One of the most picture-perfect shops along Route 6A in Brewster is the beloved Brewster Bookstore. The independent book shop is open year-round and is chock full of  community happenings every week. The store hosts book clubs, author signings, workshops, children’s events and so much more. Co-owners Jessica Devin and Sue O’Malley took over the business several years ago, and it continues to be a beacon of light in the local community. 

The store features an attractive and wide selection of fiction and nonfiction books in both paperback and hardcover for readers of all ages, including a vast array of children’s titles. 

“We are proud of our long history of having a well-established children’s collection,” Devin said. “I am always surprised when people come in and they are amazed by it! I realize I take it for granted because it has been such a core element of the store.”

And it’s not just books on the shelves at Brewster Bookstore. There is a fantastic selection of unique items sprinkled throughout the shop that include all kinds of local artisan gifts, greeting cards, toys and games.

“We have made a huge commitment to bringing in sideline items that are made locally by creators in the New England area that make really special gifts that you don’t find all over the place,” Devin said. “I think it is really important to support local.”

Sidelines buyer Michelle Koch said, “I try to seek out local artisans, photographers and illustrators that will work well at this shop. When we share their backstory it makes shopping meaningful, contributes to the local economy and reinforces the power of every individual's creativity.”

Hot off of a very busy summer of activity, including hosting the very popular “Frog and Toad” characters (who joined the bookstore crew on their Fourth of July float in Orleans), the Brewster Bookstore’s calendar is already filling up with upcoming events. 

“We have some really exciting weekends coming up leading into the holidays,” Devin said. “Both Peter Reynolds and Jacquelyn Mitchard are both doing events with us for Brewster for the Holidays (the first weekend in December). Reynolds is the author of ‘DOT,’ among many other books, and he has a new book coming out called ‘The Gift of Words (A Holiday Picture Book)’. It is very inspirational and sweet. And we will have local Brewster author Jacquelyn Mitchard here as well. 

“Then on Dec. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. we will have Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Lies here with his new book called ‘Cat Nap.’ He is unbelievable in terms of his engagement with people. He and his wife create the most immersive experience.

“And then we will have Brendan Slocumb at an event we are doing with the Brewster Ladies’ Library for their Nickerson Lecture Series. Brendan Slocumb has been incredibly popular, and he is a really accessible and talented writer.”

There will be a multifaceted dahlia workshop coming up in September with different components that include nature journaling and flower arranging. Be sure to check out the Brewster Bookstore’s website (brewsterbookstore.com) and subscribe to the newsletter to be in the know on all of the fantastic events they have coming up.

There is something so magical and whimsical about walking through the doors at this magnificent shop that you just can’t experience from browsing online or shopping at a large retailer.

“We have the ability to meet a wide range of readers and people come back because they love the selection that is offered and they love engaging in conversation with our booksellers,” Devin said.

When I asked Jessica in a perfect dream world which authors or characters, alive or deceased, she would love to invite to the store and give a tour around Cape Cod, she came up with some good picks. “If I could conjure up people from the past, I would invite James Marshall, Barbara Cooney, and Ezra Jack Keats, author/illustrators of some of my lifelong favorite picture books,” she said.

DETAILS:

Brewster Bookstore

2648 Main St., Brewster, MA

508-896-6543

brewsterbookstore.com

Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m to 6 p.m, Sundays 10 a.m to 5 p.m