The Bryn Mawr Book Store - founded in 1971 - invites book lovers to celebrate the publication of a history of the shop.
Refreshments will be served.
R.S.V.P.: email brynmawrbookstore@gmail.com
“The First 50 Years: A History of the Bryn Mawr Book Store in Cambridge” by Jan Gardner, a book store volunteer and retired Boston Globe reporter, will be available for purchase for $4.25 each (w/ tax) / cash or check only.
The 22-page booklet chronicles the origins of the store in an annual 3-day book sale held from 1959 to 1970 – as well as the used bookstore’s ups and downs throughout the years.
The nonprofit store is unique in that it is run by volunteers; all its books have been donated, and profits are donated to Bryn Mawr College to fund scholarships for students from New England. Over the years it has contributed more than $2 million to the fund.
Melissa Vaughn, president of the bookstore, said, "I am very happy to have the history of the bookstore documented with such colorful details and commentary." She added, "Because it can be difficult to find people who have the time and energy to devote to volunteer causes, I am especially heartened by how many volunteers we have these days, and that they come from all stages of life."
The store’s sections include fiction, biography and memoir, cookbooks, children’s and young adult, poetry, mysteries, history, self-help, religion, sports, travel and humor among many others. It sells used and rare books worth $50 or more online at ABEBooks.com.
The shop was once one of 10 used book shops in the Northeast founded by Bryn Mawr graduates. Today only the Cambridge store and The Lantern in Washington, D.C. remain.
The store is open 12-5 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
For more information and/or to volunteer at the Book Store email brynmawrbookstore@gmail.com or call the bookstore at 617-661-1770.