Bethel's Byrd's Books Moves On, Remains Faithful to Greenwood Neighbors, Volunteer Help Needed!
When Alice Hutchinson, owner of Byrd's Books on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, with her team, greets shoppers, visitors, and neighbors to her noteworthy store, she is always in motion, enthusiastically talking about her latest read, community news, or which August day is National Book Lovers Day. For serious (and not-so) bibliophiles, her shop is a maze of discovery; for families and children, a welcoming spot for crafts and coloring books, always stocking the most recent Caldecott Medal author on its shelves; for others, an influential regional resource with a special focus on Connecticut authors, poets, publishers and illustrators.
This month, Alice and her popular bookstore move on, while remaining faithful to their Greenwood Avenue neighbors. Byrd's Books is moving up the block, from 126 Greenwood Avenue across from P.T. Barnum Square to 178 Greenwood Avenue, taking space adjoining The Toy Room in the landmarked Opera House building across the street from the Bethel Public Library.
The new shop at 178 Greenwood Avenue will be open by Saturday, September 1st (Labor Day weekend), so packing is already underway, while Byrd's Books at 126 Greenwood Avenue remains open, keeping summer reading books available and continuing blow-out sales in the store throughout the migration down the street.
Volunteer help is needed to make the move easy and successful. The shop is signing up packers, handy folks, painters, movers, and others at https://conta.cc/2vMTRNA or by calling (203) 730 BYRD (2973). For a complete list of help needed, visit byrdsbooks.com Stay tuned to Facebook for day-to-day details.
"Thank you for all that you do," says Alice, "to keep this little independent bookstore alive. Your support and encouragement is impactful. We strive to bring quality reading materials and the culture of a neighborhood bookstore to Bethel and the surrounding area. It is no secret that online sales have changed the face of most downtowns in the country - and ours is not immune to the effect that Amazon has on our business, and others here. Nevertheless, we feel we bring something meaningful to share, and will continue to strive to make it work. Shop local is not just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle."
Except for a few days in which computers will be transferred, Byrd's Books will remain in operation, always in motion, enthusiastic, and welcoming. Byrd's Books is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 12:00 noon to 4:00pm. For more information, visit byrdsbooks.com or call (203) 730 BYRD (2973).
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