Brogan: At Gibson's You'll Find More Than You Expect!

Growing up in Concord during the 1950's and 1960's, I found out quickly that you could get just about anything you wanted to buy in our city. By the time I was 10 or 11, one of my passions was buying and reading books. Our community of less than 30,000, had a healthy number of stores to satisfy my craving.

On Warren Street there was both the Apple Tree Bookstore as well as a used bookstore tucked in a basement location and run by Ella Anderson and Helen Young.

The used bookstore had a wealth of old books about New Hampshire history as well as local history. By he time I had made my fourth purchase in about a month, the owners told me to call them by their first name. "You're now one of our regulars", she noted with a chuckle.

Bookland on North Main Street became a popular weekly stop for me. They carried the publication, Variety, the self-proclaimed, Showbusiness Bible, and reading it gave me insight into all aspects of the entertainment industry.

My experience at Apple Tree was not as pleasant. Having saved up my allowance, I went in hoping to find a Christmas gift for my parents. I walked around until I found the section I wanted and picked-up a couple of books, perusing them casually. On a limited budget of money from my allowance, I wanted to make sure I got the right gift.

"Hey kid. This ain't no library. Put the book down if you're not going to get it", came a less than friendly voice. I hastily left.

At 11, I had never been to Gibson's which was then located in the Capitol Shopping Center. After a quick stop at Fanny Farmer for a pound of their chocolate nut fudge, I headed down Depot Street toward the shopping center. Gibson's was everything Apple Tree had not been.

A helpful clerk asked me what type of book I was seeking and I told them I wanted something in the gardening line for my folks.

She walked me over to a place where they were a dozen or more such titles and told me to take my time and make the right decision. I did and forevermore, the name of Gibson's Bookstore would represent friendly and courteous customer service and a place that wanted you to make a choice that satisfied you.

Michael Herrmann arrived as the new owner of Gibson's in 1994 and has not only continued the reputation Gibson's had, but built upon it and made it a store that is a community gathering place. From the moment you walk through the door, you feel you are entering a place that you don't want to leave. The decor and the displays, the selections and, most importantly, the staff, set such an instantaneous emotional response, that you want to linger and explore every aisle. It's a consummate experience and if they don't have it in the store, they'll find it for you.

For those of us who think we might be authors and have something to write and share, Gibson's is a veritable paradise. Gibson's treats every author with the same degree of respect and support that a world-acclaimed writer would receive. They help to inspire us to want to do our best and to share our story and reason for writing it, A Gibson's author event is the perfect launching for a book encompassing any topic or subject.

My good friend and the award-winning international best-selling author, Margaret Porter, has shared with me the same feelings about "our local gem".

Two years ago today (May 9, 2017), I launched my last title, The Concord Theatre and Concord's Love Affair with the Movies at Gibson's and the huge turnout was gratifying in itself and more a tribute to Gibson's than to yours truly. Here's a link to that evening which only goes to show the skill and expertise that Gibson's puts into everything they do. Paul Brogan Book Presentation at Gibsons Bookstore - May 9, 2019 - YouTube

Ten years ago last month, in their old location, they welcomed me and my first title, Was That a Name I Dropped? I didn't know what to expect but they were there for me as they are for everyone.

Next April when my new title is released, More Than Freckles: The Amazing Life and Career of Doris Day is released, I fully expect to be back at Gibson's and hoping that the third time is the charm.

Even during the difficult times necessitated by the pandemic, Gibson's has found creative ways of making sure they don't miss a beat in making available books and in celebrating authors. Whether with virtual events or curbside pick-up, Gibson's once again displayed their love for Concord and its people, who gave back their love and then some.

From those four bookstores 60 years ago, only Gibson's remains and there is a reason who, for 123 years, that name has meant quality and service.

Thank you Michael Herrmann and your amazing staff for being there through the challenges and ups and downs of the economy.

In the weeks and months ahead, I hope to salute other parts of our greater Concord community and remind all of us, as we continue our recovery, why living here in the city by the river, is the best place anyone could want to be.