Photograph by Sarah McCosham
Is there anything better than happening upon a new-to-you bookstore? There is not. And happening upon a new-to-you bookstore whilst window shopping in the impossibly charming (and effortlessly cool) town in which you grew up? Magic.
This verbose preamble expresses the utter delight I felt when discovering The Bookmatters, an independent bookstore in the heart of Main Street Milford that’s a treasure trove of new releases, classic titles, and everything in between. Books fill floor-to-ceiling shelves throughout the historic building The Bookmatters occupies, with floating shelves adding visual interest to the shop’s charming stone walls, and bespoke bookshelf-lined steps setting a mood of magic and whimsy that’s palpable. In addition to the shop’s titular goods, The Bookmatters stocks the cutest array of book lover swag: tees, totes, cards, posters—be warned that you’ll find it impossible to leave empty handed.
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
However, if you’re anything like me, books get a free pass in your house—unlike toys or electronics, our book budget is generous and really, adding fresh books to the McCosham library, in all their delicious, new-book-smell glory, is one of my greatest joys as a parent.
It doesn’t hurt that, by shopping at The Bookmatters, I’m supporting a local, independent shop. Sure, it’s easy to fill a cart on Amazon and click “buy now,” but where’s the fun in that? When you shop local, you’re supporting the local economy in myriad ways, while also getting an experience that’s, frankly, priceless. (Oh, and it’s worth noting that the booksellers at The Bookmatters are an enthusiastic and impassioned bunch, eager to help with recommendations but also happy to let folks browse uninterrupted. They get it!)
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
March is National Reading Month and the last Saturday in April (which this year is April 27) is Independent Bookstore Day. The former is an homage to Dr. Seuss—he was born on March 2, 1904, and his books have taught many a child to read—and the latter is a one-day celebration aimed to bring awareness to independent bookstores, a true national treasure. So if you needed an excuse to (ahem) check out this independent book shop downtown Milford, there are two—but really, you never need a reason to visit a local bookstore, especially one as darling as The Bookmatters.
The Bookmatters, 6 Main St., Milford
Photograph by Sarah McCosham
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