#22 Linda's Story Time, Monroe CT

Today I visited Linda's Story Time, a children's bookstore. Linda's has a great selection with much to look at. And Linda herself could not have been kinder and more enthusiastic. If you've read prior posts I talk a lot about navigation: I want to be able to find my way on my own. This was easy at Linda's as shelves were clearly labeled. She has a beautiful, welcoming set-up. In addition to children's books, she carries young adult titles, has a small adult section and an incredible selection of puppets. Today, I purchased Jon J Muth's Hi, Koo: A Year of Seasons, Champion, the final book in the Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu and at Linda's suggestion Joshilyn Jackson's Someone Else's Love Story. 

Linda's Story Time can be found on the web here: http://www.lindasstorytime.com/

Hungry? Though I didn't stop, I can heartily recommend Chip's Family Restaurant which is down the road. I've eaten at both their Fairfield and Orange locations and they truly do have the best pancakes I have ever tasted.

Pit Stop: Sweet Memories, Emmaus PA

Cake at Sweet Memories was a lovely way to end a fun day. One slice had cookie dough filling while the other had peanut butter crumble. Both were delicious. After we ate we spent a bit of time wandering as they also have gifts. I picked up some cards while Clare made a note to go back to buy birthday presents.

Sweet Memories has a blog: http://sweetmemories180.blogspot.com/

#21 Now and Then Books, Emmaus PA

              

Our last (bookstore) stop of the day was at Now and Then Books, right up the road from Let's Play Books!. This was another incredibly well organized shop. It's located in a house and the rooms just flow from one to another and you're never too far from a place to sit (see Dil above). I had a great conversation with the owner not only about the book I purchased (Miles of Mules, 2003 - a photo collection of a public art project created and organized by The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, The James A. Michener Art Museum, The Banana Factory and the Cultural Council of Luzerne County) but also about the local community in general and more specifically, where to find some cake (see next post).

Now and then Books can be found on the web at: www.nowandthenbooks.com

#20 Let's Play Books! Emmaus PA

Let's Play Books! is just a month old. Well laid out and carefully organized, it is a delightful children's bookstore.  I picked up Matt Phelan's Bluffon and a great t-shirt but even better - had a wonderful conversation with owner Kirsten. Upon hearing about my 50 by 50 quest she immediately told me I had to go to RJ Julia in Madison CT where she previously worked. It was nice to be able to tell her I had already checked that one off the list (#5) and would be up there today to participate in their attempt to break the world record for most people wearing a Cat in the Hat hat on Dr. Seuss' birthday (they did it). 

Let's Play Books can be found on the web at http://www.letsplaybooks.com/

#19 The Old Library Bookshop, Bethlehem PA

The Old Library Bookshop is a very homey used and rare bookstore that also has some antiques and prints. The owners were delightful and kind - offering us a cup of something warm as we perused the shelves and talking to Dil about his reading preferences. The store was well organized and easy to navigate. I walked away with a book of poems by Marge Piercy, The Twelve-Spoked Wheel Flashing.

The Old Library Bookshop can be found on the web at www.oldlib.com

#18 Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem PA

My sister Clare and her son Dillon, took me on a tour of Lehigh Valley bookstores yesterday. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. Despite being two hours away, I can see myself going back and visiting all of these stores again as the proprietors could not have been more kind.

First up was the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem. Run by the Moravian Church and in operation since 1745, its claim to fame is being the oldest bookstore in the world. It is so much more than a bookstore though as they seem to have gifts for all occasions. And it's comfortable - couches are scattered about and there is food, both sweets and heartier fare. I purchased a book by the local historical society -  One-Room Schools In Greene and Dreher Townships. I will also confess to buying some homemade truffles. Delicious.

You can find Moravian Book Shop on the web at: http://shop.moravianbookshop.com/