Northshire Bookstore is an award-winning independent bookstore, founded by Ed and Barbara Morrow on Main Street in Manchester Center, VT in September 1976. The store is still owned and operated by the Morrow family. The process of opening the Saratoga Springs store has been led by Ed and Barbara’s son Chris.
“Northshire Bookstore chose to open a store in Saratoga Springs because it has all the elements that a good bookstore needs to thrive,” said Chris, “Saratoga Springs has a vibrant economy, an educated population, people interested in community—not just commerce—and a strong tourist and visitor flow. The walkable downtown filled with independent businesses was also a major attraction for us. The biggest draw, however, are the people of Saratoga Springs—at every turn we have met interesting, friendly and caring people. It is a community that we are excited to join.”
A community petition, circulated by Saratoga Springs resident Pat Friesen was the first impetus for Northshire Bookstore to consider opening a second store in the town. By the time it was sent to Vermont in July 2012, the petition ran to four pages, with dozens of local signatures. Said Friesen “the anticipation of Northshire’s Saratoga opening is a dream coming true for all of us who began the process.”
The new store is also supported by nearly 40 local investors, who have gathered together to provide significant community funding for the new store.
Northshire Bookstore will host three free author events in the month of August, and will commence a full calendar of events in mid-September. The August events:
Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m.: Mike Kane and Allan Carter, 150 Years of Racing in Saratoga: Little Known Stories and Facts from America’s Most Historic Racing City
Friday, August 16 at 11 a.m.: picture book author Jennifer Fosberry, Isabella: Star of the Story
Tuesday, August 20 at 7 p.m.: Joe Layden, The Ghost Horse: A True Story of Love, Death and Redemption
For more information on the new store or these events, call (518) 682-4200 or (855) 339-5990, or visit the Northshire Bookstore website at www.northshire.com.
