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"I decided to pursue my big dream of opening a little bookstore by creating Book Bar LLC in the fall of 2023," Brittany wrote on the Book Bar website.
Background
Brittany comes from the book world, in 2019, she moved to PA from Ohio (but is originally from Missouri) to start a job with a publishing company in the area after obtaining her Master's degree, she told us in an interview conducted via email. "My now husband and I were looking to explore a new area to live, he has some family in the state, and he was also able to find a job at a great school district teaching, so it was a win-win for both of us. We also love how beautiful PA is," she said.
About The Staff
The Book Bar is an independent store run by Brittany, but she's had a lot of help along the way from her husband, family, friends, and even other businesses in the local community. "I am not currently hiring, but I hope to have this need in the future!" she told us.
Opening Dates
"I was originally hoping to open in the spring earlier this year, but the location ended up needing more renovations than we anticipated to get it up to code, which delayed our opening," she wrote. "But it has all worked out for the best - fall is a wonderful time to open, and our new ceiling, for example, looks amazing! It's been a long time coming." The store has hosted or participated in multiple events in recent weeks, according to its Instagram account.
The soft opening was held on Saturday, Oct. 26:
Supporting Local Coffee Roasters
"Having a local roaster was important to me because then I can make sure we are offering it fresh and supporting other local businesses is important to me, not just for the local economy but also for the aspect of community," Brittany explained. "Cleona Coffee Roasters is who we ended up with and Matt, the owner, has been an amazing resource. They have been vital in finding the right roasts for us and for training. "
What Sort Of Books Are Available At The 'Bar'?
Brittany was very passionate about this:
"We offer both new and gently used books. I like the idea of providing both options so people can have that new release or a new copy of a book that's even been out for a bit for their shelf, but then offering gently used books enables us to provide a sustainable alternative that also offers a different price point. Reading should be accessible to everyone, so by offering new and gently used books, we can make sure we can offer a little something for everyone based on their preferences or budget. Plus, I hate to see a good book go to waste!"
She's not buying from individuals at the moment but hopes to offer a credit program in the future.
"I try my best to source very gently used books that in many cases look new [...] We have vendors we get our new and gently used books from, and we take limited donations of gently used books as well (due to limited storage space)."
They primarily sell fiction in the following subgenres: horror/thriller, mystery, romance, fantasy, historical, and literary. But Brittany noted, "with a dash here and there of other genres."
Favorite Books
"It's so hard to pick a favorite book. For a long time, it has been Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen for me, though Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is another one I consider as one of my all-time favorites," Brittany told us.
The books currently sitting on her nightstand just waiting to be read are:
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros ("I know, I can't believe I haven't gotten to this phenomenon yet").
- The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson.
- Shark Heart by Emily Habeck ("I love magical realism").
- The Cottage Witch of Venice by Ashley Cecilia Meyer ("local author").
- Death of a Saleswoman by Michelle Haring ("local author").
What Customers Should Know
"I've been an avid reader from a really young age, so to live out this dream out really is surreal," Brittany said. "I would like them to know that I am so grateful for the community enthusiasm about my opening. I hope to serve them all well and become an integral business in the area. It took grit but also luck to get here, and I am so excited."
The grand opening date is still pending but you can stop by the Book Bar located at 50 N. Railroad St. Ste. 1, Palmyra, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
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