Around Indies

Sparta Books Marks 50 Years

In Sparta Township, New Jersey, Sparta Books is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Sparta Independent reported.

Opened in 1965 by guidance counselor Bob Scofield and Sparta schoolteacher Dick Cassels, the store was originally named The Sparta Book Shop. It was sold four years later to Irene and Bill Morin, then in 1984 to Carol and Paul Viall, who expanded it and moved it to a new location. When the bookstore began to struggle in 2006, an interim buyer took over until current owner Donna Fell purchased it in 2007.

“With the economy in a bleak state, the task of keeping an independent book store thriving was a huge undertaking, but I was determined to keep the store in business,” Fell told Sparta Independent.

To reinvigorate the store, Fell moved Sparta Books to a new, much more visible location in a shopping center in 2011. “We remodeled, upgraded our computer systems, and began to add some other items for our customers’ shopping pleasure,” she said.

The store now carries books, gift items, games, and toys, and hosts author signings, children’s story times, and the annual community-building event Find Waldo Local. Fell also credits her stellar staff and an increased awareness of the importance of shopping local for bringing success to the store.

“I don’t think there are a lot of bookstores that are 50 years old. For selfish reasons, I wanted a bookstore in my community, and I am happy to be a part of it,” she said.

Partners Village Store Changes Ownership

Nancy Crosby, Jan Hall, and Lydia Sweetser Gollner

After decades at the helm of Partners Village Store, Nancy Crosby and Jan Hall have sold the Westport, Massachusetts, business to Lydia Sweetser Gollner, South Coast Today reported.

Coming from the fashion industry, including stints with Calvin Klein, Liz Claiborne, DKNY, and others, Gollner began working at the bookstore last August to prepare for the transition. The change in ownership was completed on March 16.

Throughout her life, Gollner has spent summers in the area and fondly remembers shopping at Partners Village. “In my youth, I was a frequent shopper there. I loved the variety — I could get a book, or food, or gifts,” she told South Coast Today. “I’m excited about continuing the community that’s been created here, continuing to grow in a retail capacity, and creating a warm and happy environment.”

Over the years in which they grew the store from its humble beginnings in a 300-square-foot space, Crosby and Hall have been integral to the community. Their work was recognized in 2012 when they were named Westport Women of the Year by the Standard-Times.

Crosby, who founded the bookstore in 1979, intends to retire. Hall, who has been with the store since 1980, will continue to work there part-time.

“It feels good to pass the store on to someone who wants to build on what we created. This seemed the time to do it,” said Hall.

Bank Street Book Nook Owner Eyes Mayoral Seat

David Gronbach, owner of Bank Street Book Nook, announced this week that he will run for mayor of New Milford, Connecticut, Danbury’s News-Times reported.

Gronbach, a Democrat, will seek Republican Pat Murphy’s mayoral seat, a position Murphy has held for 12 years. Gronbach graduated Pace Law School in 2001 and currently works alongside his wife, Vanessa, at Gronbach Law, in addition to owning the bookstore.

Gronbach’s campaign officially kicks off on March 29.