N.J.'s Booktowne Changes Hands

Rita Maggio

Rita Maggio, who founded Booktowne, Manasquan, N.J., in 2007, is handing over the reins of the store to staffer Peter Albertelli, effective March 1.

In an announcement, Maggio called it "a glorious 12 years" and said she is making the move "with a touch of sadness, a heart filled with gratitude and a mind exploding with beautiful memories." She thanked her family, both current and former staff members--"the best people"--and the "great community... I love that you love BookTowne."

This coming Saturday, February 23, Booktowne will hold "a special celebration" at which Maggio intends to share treats and memories with customers. And from 4 to 6 p.m., people can "join me and Peter to toast the new beginnings."

Maggio said she has no firm plans but will likely work part-time at the store and become more active politically "in whatever form that takes."

More than a dozen years ago, after retiring from a career in education, Maggio decided to fulfill a dream and open a bookstore. "I have always believed every town should have their own community bookstore, a place filled with good books, the type that get people to feel, to think, discuss, laugh and enjoy," she wrote. She earned our unstinting admiration for going about her bookselling education in a methodical, smart way, working for a time at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, attending industry events, and touring bookstores and meeting with booksellers. Don't miss this video celebrating Booktowne's first 12 years.

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