Maine Coast Book Shop & Café, the 50-year-old bookstore in Damariscotta that was put up for sale last spring, has a new owner. The Lincoln County News reported that Jeff Curtis, owner of Sherman's Books & Stationery, which operates five stores along the Maine coast, plans to make Maine Coast Book Shop the sixth.
"Putting what amounts to my life's work into the hands of a new owner is a pretty emotional process," said Susan Porter, owner with her husband, Barnaby, "but because it's Jeff Curtis, I am very much relieved. And we are thrilled to know he will be honoring our name by running his strong team of six independent stores under the new name of Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops."
Curtis commented: "Joining together, we look forward to bringing the best of the Maine Coast Book Shop to the other Sherman's stores and the best of Sherman's to the Maine Coast Book Shop to ultimately create the best of the best local, independent bookstores ever."
Noting that the acquisition of the bookstore will increase his company's annual sales by approximately 20%, Curtis added: "I feel strongly that a bookstore is the soul of a vibrant downtown, and we will do everything in our power to make sure the Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe remains the social and cultural center of Damariscotta. We do not intend to make any significant changes."
Curtis will also acquire the Porters' interest in historic Lincoln Hall, a downtown landmark. The Porters will continue running the store through the Christmas season, with Curtis and his team assuming daily operations on January 1.
