Ann Saville, the founder of Taylor Books in Charleston, W.Va., died earlier this week following an extended illness, the Herald-Dispatch reported. She was 90 years old.
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"We are so grateful to have known you," wrote the Taylor Books team in a tribute posted to Facebook. "You had a tremendous effect on this world and on the lives of many. Thank you for bringing Taylor Books into existence. Your voice, your generosity, humor, intellect, perseverance, curiosity, and independent spirit will guide us forever. Thank you Ann. Thanks and condolences to the Saville family."
Born in London, England, in 1934, Saville moved to the United States in 1958 with her husband, Dr. Paul Saville. They became U.S. citizens in 1964 and eventually settled in Charleston in 1975. In 1995, she purchased a neglected building in downtown Charleston and, with the help of her son, fixed it up and turned it into Taylor Books.
Per the Herald-Dispatch, the opening of Taylor Books "marked the beginning of Charleston's downtown renaissance," and the shop went on to become not only a cafe and bookstore but also an "art gallery, micro-cinema, bakery, and gathering place."
Gina Puzzouli, the owner of an antique shop in Charleston and a friend of Saville, told the Herald-Dispatch that she "single-handedly changed the face of downtown Charleston with her 'little bookstore.' I honestly believe she did more for the downtown than any other one person. She was proof that retail spaces make a difference. She was my role model for living on Hale St. and opening my shop."
"Known for her unwavering dedication to the arts, local business, and the people of Charleston, Ann was a pillar of our Capital City and our downtown business community," said Amy Goodwin, mayor of Charleston. "Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the many ways she helped shape and strengthen our community."
In 2021, she sold Taylor Books to current owner Dan Carlisle, who started working at the store as a bookseller in 2009.