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| Annie Philbrick | |
After almost 20 years of ownership, Annie Philbrick is selling Bank Square Books in Mystic, Conn., to two longtime employees: store manager Douglas Riggs and bookkeeper Robert Lee.
In a message to customers and community members, Philbrick wrote: "For years, I have thought of the bookstore 24/7 and begun writing blurbs in my head as I read new releases, and while I will miss many of those habits and patterns, it has become clear to me that selling the store will usher both me and your beloved community bookstore into their flourishing next chapters."
While the sale is effective immediately, Philbrick will remain involved as a consultant for approximately six months.
Robert, she said, "will continue to pay the bills and curate his own relationships with the publishers and vendors while wearing one of his many kilts and bringing in donuts and coaching Little League. Douglas is a champion of the small presses, making the selection in the stacks even more eclectic.
"In these past 18-plus years, together with our thoughtful and creative staff, we have grown Bank Square Books into what it is today, bringing us great satisfaction and respect for the work. I have complete confidence in Douglas and Robert to continue to ensure that Bank Square Books remains one of the most well-known, locally owned and fiercely independent bookstores."
Philbrick noted that she prefers the term "rewiring" to "retiring." She has relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where "the next chapter will come to me as it came to me when the time was right in 2006 to buy the bookstore in Mystic."
She thanked Riggs, Lee, and "all of our past and present creative staff for their hard work and dedication to our bookstore; Dan, in particular, as the longest employee of Bank Square Books. Thank you to the publishers, credit reps, sales reps, publicists, and editors who have supported our store through the years. Everyone in this ecosystem of independent bookstores makes the magic happen. No one can do this alone."