The Sparta Independent profiled Sparta Books, Sparta, N.J., "a staple in the community" that's celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Donna Fell, who bought the store in 2007, remembered that after several changes in ownership, the store had lost its solid reputation and many longtime customers. She said, "With the economy in a bleak state, the task of keeping an independent book store thriving was a huge undertaking, but I was determined to keep the store in business."
She had no bookselling experience but relied, the paper said, "on her determination, hard work and passion for reading. She also sought advice from fellow bookstore owners and publishers as well as the American Booksellers Association and New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association."
Fell commented: "I now consider these people my friends, and with their help the store began to come alive again."
In 2011, Fell moved into "a better, more visible" spot in the store's shopping center. "We remodeled, upgraded our computer systems and began to add some other items for our customers' shopping pleasure," she said. These included more gift items--"educational games and toys for children and popular gift items Alex and Anni and Natural Life"--that make the store more of a destination.
Sparta Books is planning a variety of events and promotions to celebrate its 50th. "I don't think there are a lot of bookstores that are 50 years old," Fell said. "For selfish reasons, I wanted a bookstore in my community, and I am happy to be a part of it."
