Island Bookstore, which operates three bookshops on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, has been sold by owner Bill Rickman to staff member Susan Sawin.
Rickman purchased the original Island Bookstore, located in Scarborough Faire Shops in Duck, in 1996, eventually adding locations in Corolla and Kitty Hawk. Before moving to the Outer Banks, he had started his bookselling career at Kroch's & Brentano's, which at one point had 19 bookstores in and around Chicago. He worked his way from the mailroom to president and CEO.
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| Bill Rickman and Susan Sawin | |
His decision to sell was first shared with publishers in April. "Due to aging and health reasons, it is time for me to pass the baton," Rickman observed. "Being a bookseller for the past 50-plus years has filled my life with joy, challenge, and inspiration. Thank you all for being part of my adventure."
He added that new owner Sawin "will be a wonderful addition to the bookselling community. She brings a wide range of knowledge as a school librarian and practicing attorney. She also comes with great enthusiasm, good bookstore experience and passion for building community."
In addition her work at Island Bookstore, Sawin is the librarian at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills. Her involvement with education and reading made the purchase an easy decision for her.
"I first came to Island Bookstore as a devoted (and frequent) customer," she said. "Bill has developed each of the three stores as vital components of the three coastal communities they serve. I hope I can continue to grow our presence and community contributions. Bill's are very big shoes to fill!"
She also noted that with "an increasing year round population, I think we have a lot of opportunities to offer events and programming that will enrich island life and bring our readers together."