I am so honored to have a guest post on the blog today! For years I have watched SaRah from LaRueBoweRs Photography perfect her craft and become the amazing photographer she is today. You may recognize her logo from my sidebar where her adorable daughter is posing with a book. The BoweRs Family recently relocated to Massachusetts and SaRah has been kind enough to offer her engaging writing style and fabulous photographic skills for a series of local bookstore spotlights.
As a new resident of Massachusetts, everything I see seems new and with so much “new”, it is difficult for anything to stick out. That is why the moment I saw Bearly Read Books I knew I just had to visit. Something about the adorable farmhouse exterior and the charming name just appealed to me. I finally had the chance to visit this Sudbury, Massachusetts staple today and I was not disappointed.
As I approached the entrance, a sign greeted me. “WHAT’S IN YOUR LIBRARY”. This sign, simple as it may seem, set me aback. What IS in my library? I am a lover of nonfiction and biographies, and I never miss a chance to read a book by my favorite comedians. I have enjoyed some of the classics, though my bookshelves wouldn’t give hint to it. And, of course, as a mother of a three year old our bookshelves hold plenty of children’s goodies – though none that I can have a proper conversation about at a dinner party. I continued to ponder this simple question as I entered the shop.
Even if it had not been cold outside, I would have immediately been warmed by the welcoming smile of Betty Ann Sharp, the owner of Bearly Read Books. She was not expecting me and had no idea what I was about to ask, but she greeted me warmly with a smile. I asked to take some photographs of her shop for this blog and she enthusiastically agreed and offered any assistance I may need.
I started around the shop slowly, trying to take in all that I could. Bookshelves overflowed with bearly read books of all subject matter – from gardening and bird watching to biographies and historical pieces. Cozy reading corners are set in several areas providing a perfect getaway for customers and their favorite books. A children’s corner is set up with tot-sized chairs and classic toys and puzzles. Lines of leather bound first editions sit in protected cabinets along with classic first editions and special prints of children’s books. And all around the shop are teddy bears in all sizes providing literal “warm fuzzies” and hammering the namesake of the shop.
It feels like you could find anything your heart desires here, but should the title or edition you are seeking not be among the thousands of books on hand at BRB, Betty Ann is amazing at tracking down whatever you are looking for. As I wandered about, she helped another customer find a long sought after book in London. She loves her customers and loves books – you can tell by the way she enthusiastically talks about the different language and styles a particular book was written in, or how her eyes light up when the wonderful “smell of books” is mentioned.
Bearly Read Books is a true treasure and has a little something for everyone. Whether you are seeking a specific title or just looking for a place to browse, Bearly Read Books is the place to go.
A special thank you to Betty Ann for her hospitality today. I look forward to visiting again soon!
Bearly Read Books • 320 Boston Post Road • Sudbury, MA 01776 • 978-443-4034
www.bearlyreadbooks.com •Twitter: @BearlyReadBooks
For the full gallery, please visit LaRueBoweRs Photography