On Tuesday morning I awoke with a keen sense of anticipation. It was tantamount to what I felt as a child when I would first open my eyes on Christmas morning, knowing something special was about to happen. It did then and it certainly did on Tuesday.
It was opening day for Concord's beloved independent bookstore, Gibson's, at their new location on South Main Street. While I certainly had high expectations for the new store, they were vastly exceeded when I walked through the doors at 8 PM.
I deliberately waited till evening to make my first trek because I didn't want to share the first time with the hundreds of others I knew would be packing the store all day. I wanted time to absorb the new setting, wander around checking everything out, and breath in the wonderful energy that has been a hallmark of Gibson's for years.
It does indeed seem as though Gibson's has always been a part of Concord and in a way they have, having first arrived on the scene at the end of the 19th Century.
Growing up in Concord we had three bookstores in the downtown area - Gibson's, Apple Tree on Warren Street and Bookland. Each was blessed with a distinction and uniqueness all their own. I supported them all at one time or another.
The new Gibson's, however, sets a standard for what an independent bookstore should be and easily ranks as the best indendent bookstore I have ever been to, and I've been to quite a few.
Owner Michael Herrmann would modestly claim that the new store is due to the hard work of many and he would be right. However, it was Michael's dream and vision when he took over the store a number of years ago, that has taken Gibson's to new levels and made it a destination stop downtown. In an era when chains were putting an end to the era of smaller, more personal stores, Michael took a risk and has made the store the envy of many.
Credit too goes to the public who have supported Gibson's by recognizing the value of the personal touch that Michael and his staff provide in abundance. The new store will further expand upon their Platinum Service!
I spent nearly an hour wandering through the new store and around every corner were more shelves stocked full of books, magazines, cards and an assortment of items for every taste and budget. It's a place to spend a large chunk of your time and there's more to come. New books continue to arrive and there's a cafe waiting in the wings so you'll be able to grab a bite while you search for just the right title.
As an author, I salivate at the prospect of completing my next book (due out in 2014) and seeing it share space with a seemingly endless array of authors - local, national and international.
The store has expanded its hours to accommodate everyones' needs, so I would urge you to make the first of what will certainly be many trips to Gibson's. Even if you're not a regular reader, it's unlikely you'll leave empty-handed.
