Jersey Shore Magazine

7 at home in one's hand, something that e-reader users realized the hard way as they ditched technology and steadily returned to actual books. One of the ways independent bookstores at the Shore continue to thrive is by establishing a sense of community. By hosting special events such as author signings and storytime for children, the intimacy of in-person events creates a sense of belonging for both patrons and writ- ers alike that cannot be found on a technological screen. BookTowne, a quaint, small bookstore located in downtown Manasquan, hosts author events throughout the year, many of which are free and in such demand that spots fill up quickly. "Along with a wide assortment of literature to choose from for the young and old alike, BookTowne also has events and happenings throughout the year that involve and nurture the reader in all of us," says owner Rita Maggio. Authors from as close as down the street to as far away as Ireland have visited the store to promote and sign their books. Maggio explains that, in order to survive, it's important to know her community of customers and their interests. She works closely with pub- lishers so that she can stock books that readers will want. "In sum- mer, I have a lot of books that are beach related, with authors like Elin Hilderbrand that I know readers will want," she says. One of the biggest sellers at BookTowne recently was Bruce Springsteen's autobiography Born to Run. "He's in our community. That's our person. We sold well over one hundred copies," Maggio says. Maggio makes sure that there are continued on page 8 INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES in Ocean and Monmouth Counties BOOKTOWNE 171 Main Street, Manasquan (732) 722-7255 www.booktowne.com @booktowne A favorite of authors and readers alike, BookTowne celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2017. In a cozy and friendly atmosphere, the store offers a wide assortment of literature, from the classics to the modern, including children's books, young adult, fiction, non-fiction, Jersey Shore top- ics and titles, and more. BookTowne hosts author signings and events throughout the year as well as storytime for children. Open Mon. – Fri. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sat. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. THE BOOKWORM 1509 Long Beach Island Boulevard Surf City, (609) 494-8112 www.bookwormlbi.com @The-Bookworm-410517082417344 @bookwormlbi Located in Surf City on Long Beach Island, The Bookworm has offered a selection of books plus cards and book-related items for fifteen years. The store's selections include new releases and classic favorites for both children and adults, and browsers are welcome. The store holds storytime for children and author signings throughout the season. Open April – Dec. Call for hours. RIVER ROAD BOOKS 759 River Road, Fair Haven (732) 747-9455 www.riverroadbooks.net @riverroadbooksfairhaven @riverroadbooks River Road Books opened in 2006 and continues to thrive as they bring the community of readers together. The store offers new titles and classics for children and adults. Events include author appear- ances throughout the year. Open Mon. – Fri. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sat. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. WORDS! 623 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 455-5549 @wordsAsburyPark Words! is a hip, independent bookstore that sells new and used books. Their library promotes new ideas, aspiring authors, and discussions with authors and artists. Events include storytime and author talks. Open daily 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. USED BOOKSTORES in Ocean and Monmouth Counties RECYCLED READING 2814 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant (732) 899-8100 @recycledreadingatthenjshore1990/# Open Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM. A PAPERBACK EXCHANGE 703 Belmar Plaza, Belmar (732) 681-6829 www.apaperbackexchange.com Open Tues. – Thurs. and Sat. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Fri. 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. THE BOOK GARDEN 868 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge (609) 758-7770 www.bookgardennj.com @bookgardennj Open Wed. – Sun. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Purestock plenty of options for children, wheth- er they come into the store with their parents or if an aunt or a grand- mother comes to buy something for them. A display of Story Box Figures is one of the most popular areas of the store. "Children come over to the figures and begin playing with them immediately," Maggio says. Seasonal window and store displays are updated regularly so that visitors

• Cover