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Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe celebrates second anniversary

| 23 Apr 2014 | 08:54
    Photo by Roger Gavan Front from left, Sherry Bukovcan. President of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, Vice President Mechelle Casciotta, co-owners Thomas Roberts (cutting ribbon) and Joseph Justin, his mother Lois May, staff member Devynn Ferrero and Town of Warwick Michael Sweeton. Rear, on staircase, from left, Wayne Patterson, Bill Iurato and Doug Stage.
    Photo by Roger Gavan Front from left, Sherry Bukovcan. President of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, Vice President Mechelle Casciotta, co-owners Thomas Roberts (cutting ribbon) and Joseph Justin, his mother Lois May, staff member Devynn Ferrero and Town of Warwick Michael Sweeton. Rear, on staircase, from left, Wayne Patterson, Bill Iurato and Doug Stage.

WARWICK — On Friday, April 19, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined Thomas Roberts and Joseph Justin to celebrate the second anniversary of Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe.

The bookstore, at 31 Main St., had also just added a second floor with additional space for display, office and storage. And besides the ribbon cutting ceremony and to celebrate both events, the owners held a "two year" two-day sale.

Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe, the only independent bookstore in Orange County, has enjoyed unusual success for a business faced with big mall and online competition.

"We feature a large and varied selection of new, used, and rare books, including first editions and leather bound sets," said Roberts. "And the community has been very supportive. People appreciate having the whole book experience, a place to come and browse, feel, smell and simply enjoy a good book. It's very exciting to have the support of the community. You have given me the opportunity to grow and to expand."

The store often hosts book signings by local authors and participates in community events such as the annual Book Fair at Park Avenue Elementary School, the monthly featured author book sale at the Albert Wisner Public Library and the cookbook display at the Farmers' Market.

Roberts and Justin have also been supportive of downtown Warwick events and charitable organizations like Winslow Therapeutic Riding.

When Roberts and Justin moved to this area two years ago, they realized that a small independent bookstore was missing from the Warwick downtown business district. They found a need and filled it.

"There's something about having a book that you can hold," said Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton. "That's how I grew up as a kid."

Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe was the owners' first business venture.

Roberts had recently 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.

"Warwick is well known for its charm and your store adds to it," said Sherry Bukovcan, president of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe is open Monday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 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.

- Roger Gavan