Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe opens its first chapter
WARWICK Main Street finally has a new bookstore.
On Friday, April 27, Mayor Michael Newhard, members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and other friends and supporters joined partners Thomas Roberts and Joseph Justin for the grand opening of Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe.
The new store at 31 Main St., which features a selection of new, used, and rare books, was the dream of Roberts and Justin, who moved to this area last July.
Opening a business was a priority and they scoured the countryside of Orange County for several months looking for an appropriate space.
It became apparent very quickly that a small independent bookstore was the one big missing piece to the overall collective commercial shopping scene, said Roberts.
Last December he spotted the perfect location, a vacant store in downtown Warwick. Unfortunately, he learned it had already been rented. But when the realtor called to say that deal had fallen through, Roberts immediately raced downtown with a deposit.
This is the first business venture for Roberts and Justin.
Roberts is retired from an off-Broadway theatre and cabaret career as a stage manager, lighting and sound designer.
Justin, an actor and stunt man, still works in film and television.
Weve received enormous encouragement and support from the local business and residential communities, said Roberts. We believe people want to have the whole book experience back in their lives again. A place to come browse, feel, smell and simply enjoy a good book. The excitement from the residents at having a bookstore once again in Warwick has been overwhelming.
Essential information Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For additional information call 544-7183.