Congratulations to McIntyre's Books at Fearrington Village, Pittsboro, N.C., which will celebrate its 30th anniversary this Saturday on Independent Bookstore Day with cake, Prosecco, live music, readings and giveaways.
Store manager Keebe Fitch observed that the three decades "have blown by in a flash with this family business. Seems like yesterday that my father, R.B. Fitch, was designing the building that my mother (Jenny Fitch) famously decorated and named for my paternal grandmother. Jane Bradford, librarian from Ohio, and Jean Harper, formerly from the Charles Scribner's Sons, formed our opening team. I have been quite fortunate to have Pete Mock working alongside me for 25 of those years, and Sarah Carr has been here almost 18. We are proud to be so connected to Chatham County schools, and to have helped get so many young readers into books. We host hundreds of events every year--from storytelling times for kids to nationally recognized authors sharing their writing with free readings and book signings. We host special literary luncheons with authors, and throw fun barn events to celebrate cookbook releases. Something fun is always going on, and it has been such a pleasure to continue to flourish after three decades. The middle of a cow pasture might have seemed an odd place to open a bookstore, but it has suited us just fine. It seems as if Chapel Hill and Pittsboro almost merge these days where we are. We love being a part of Chatham County."