The Independent Bookstore is alive and well at the Jersey Shore. Independents have been on the rise over the last ten years. We are blessed with four very interesting choices in a ten-mile stretch of coast. The beach read is bigger than ever.
Nationally, indie stores climbed 56% to 2,524 stores between 2009-2019. 400 stores closed during 2020, but that number bounced back to 2,506 in 2022 according to Statistica. Certainly, small shops have benefitted from the decline in Big Box bookstores, and the lack of selection or expertise at Walmart or Target. E-book sales have stagnated. Audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment of the market, but the beach read is still mostly done with physical copies. Americans still buy three times more physical books than e-books.
As you can see by the list below, each shop has its own personality and all are worthy of a visit.
Best place to hang out: Little Point Bookshop
Who doesn’t like to sit around in a room full of books? A Shore Pour cafe, a small version of the Sea Girt specialty coffee shop is a welcome addition to the Little Point Bookshop, Arnold Ave Point Beach. ‘Little’ is a relative term, as it’s the largest of the four on this list and it has many convenient places to sit, read and sip. Bookish gifts, a kids reading corner and a piano, make this place feel very comfortable, and a welcome addition to a walk through downtown Point Pleasant beach. Proprietor Kelly Coyle Crivelli has created a fun atmosphere whether she’s hosting a Fox News star or a child’s birthday party.
Hang out at the Little Point
Coolest: Thunder Road Books, Spring Lake
This gem is special. The name, (a nod to Springsteen), and the shop’s owner, movie producer Basil Iwanyk (John Wick/ Thunder Road Films) bring a movie & music vibe to quaint Third Ave. in Spring Lake. Small, but mighty, every author seems to do a signing or event at the store or they fill the Spring Lake Community House when the big names come to town. Staff recommendations often include notes stating why the reader loves their selection. The cute library ladder allows for way more inventory than you might think from such a small space, and manager Kate Czyzewski has a knack for organization and shines with creativity in curation.
Flicks Books and Rock and Roll at Thunder Road
Most Knowledgeable Staff: Booktowne, Manasquan
The oldest of the bunch, this Manasquan Main St. charmer is jampacked with books, gifts, and knickknacks. Kids and young adult readers will find a wide selection. Non-fiction gets nearly as much space as novels. Linger a while, there are many corners. Listen while the experienced booksellers debate the merits of their latest reads and converse as if they really like each other. In 2022 they conducted a read-a-thon, with the whole staff reading through the night to raise money for charity. Long-time bookseller Peter Abertelli took over in 2019 from Rita Maggio, who retired after 12 years of owning the shop. Booktowne rivals Thunder Road Books with their author events, often partnering with Brielle Library for larger audiences.
Every small town should have a Booktowne
The one with a Mission: Asbury Book Cooperative, Asbury Park
Do you want to own a bookstore, or at least part of one? The Coop is a group of benefactors and community members who pay varying levels of dues to maintain a high-quality bookstore on Cookman Avenue in the heart of town. In exchange, members get benefits like discounts, $1 used books, and opportunities to set the direction of the business. The shelves include the progressive titles you would expect from Asbury Park, but the new larger space affords room for many genres. The Trustees and manager Liza Minno have created a democratic space for open mike nights, meetings and readings welcoming to all.
After you visit the Cooperative on Cookman, check out the architecture around town. Which one is your favorite?