Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 6 found themselves on the front lines, with many falling victim to the changing climate of "going digital" and the declining economy. In 2009, the number of independent book- stores belonging to the American Booksellers Association hit an all-time low of 1,651 locations nationwide. Fast forward to 2017, and that number has bounced back to more than 2,320. Ocean and Monmouth counties are lucky enough to be the home to a small handful of exceptional independent bookstores that beat the odds despite the lure of the internet and the temptation of an e-reader. What the mainstream naysayers forgot about when forecasting the death of printed books was the feeling of walking into a small bookstore with its titles all carefully arranged with intention and shelved in a manner that welcomes and soothes browsers and customers alike. The experience of wandering around a bookstore in person and seeing all of the titles raising their hands whisper- ing, "Pick me!" cannot be replaced by browsing an online. A real book feels Long Live The Jersey Shore Independent Bookstore! BEACHCOMBER " L et u s ta k e a j o u r ne y do w n t he S hore to see w h at w e can f i n d …" I f there's one staple in life at the Jersey Shore, it's having a good book to read no matter the season. In summer, there's a book in just about every beach bag and bicycle basket. After a day at the beach, sand falls out of the leaves of a book like leaves from a tree. Then, in autumn, perhaps a festive red and yellow leaf, the same shade as the pages of an old classic, becomes a favorite bookmark. In winter, on a cold day, a cuppa and a cozy blanket are the perfect part- ners to a good book. And in spring, the rebirth of all things green and floral fuels a rebirth for reading. It wasn't long ago that the future of independent bookstores appeared to be bleak at best. Along with the popularity of the big-name book- stores on the internet came the shift to competing digital e-readers and e-books. Independent bookstores Owner Rita Maggio and staff at BookTowne in downtown Manasquan. Jill Ocone BookTowne features a wide assortment of literature for young and old alike and hosts numerous events throughout the year. Jill Ocone

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