Scituate Harbor bookshop changes hands

When Pam Giovannini took over the Front Street Book Shop in 1986, the Scituate Harbor neighborhood was a much different place. The Clock Shop had not yet moved to Hanover. A person could still get shoes fitted at Combs. The 5-and-dime was still a thriving commercial presence. But despite all the changes on Front Street and in the larger book-selling industry where retailing giants like Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles now dominate, the small, independent book seller has remained a constant in Scituate. There's a reason, said Peg Patten, who recently bought the store from Giovannini. "People don't have to buy books; they don't have to come into the store," she said. "All we can offer is personalized service: greeting a customer by name, remembering what they read, what they like." On this, Giovannini and Patten agree. Perhaps that is why the change of hands -- which might disrupt any other business -- feels more like a transition than a turning point to long-time customers. "There's a sense of community here that Peg and our dear Pam have provided us," said Scituate author and customer Kathie Lee. "Thank goodness Peg is continuing on with this beautiful tradition." Giovannini, who bought the store when it was located at 88 Front St., says she decided to sell to Patten for health and personal reasons. Patten, a shop employee for three years, jumped at the opportunity to further Giovannini's vision. "It means a lot to have somebody who's been so involved carry it on," Giovannini said. Walking into the store, which two years ago moved into a quaint, shingled building at 165 Front St., is like entering a personal library. Each book has been hand-picked, either from multiple reviews or an employee's own reading of it. But there is much more that distinguishes the readers' haven. "It's the gathering place for the town of Scituate," Lee said. "It's a vital place; it's an alive place. This isn't your mother's bookstore." The bookstore has been a staple of Heritage Days, the annual event that brings arts, crafts and hundreds of milling people to Front Street. Lee said the shop's front lawn is usually where people linger; Giovannini would often have a costumed book character outside to further the festivities. She also hosted an annual reading for "banned book week," highlighting titles that have been black-listed from stores or libraries -- often classics, according to Peg Turner, a customer of 20 years. "She did these things to explore literature, to support reading and encourage exploration," Turner said. It is not uncommon to hear laughter spilling out from the bookstore entrance. Employees will gift wrap at no charge. Giovannini and Patten made it a practice to deliver books for customers who have trouble leaving their homes. "I have enjoyed working with books, but even more than that, I have enjoyed working with people," Giovannini said. Patten said her goal is to maintain the niche that Giovannini established, while making it her own. She has worked in recent years to bring more authors in for book signings and expand the shop's presence on the Internet. Local authors are always highlighted at the shop, and often stop by for visits. Giovannini said a lot has changed through the years, particularly as technology competes with the traditional pastime of reading books. But in leaving, she is not worried about the future of the Front Street Book Shop. "I think there will always be books, and there will always be readers," she said.

Channel: News & Politics
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: patriotledger

Length: 02:01
Rating: 5.00
Views: 683

Tags: Front  ghsnevid  ghsvid  Giovannini  harbor  ledger  Pam  patriot  Patten  Peg  quincy  scituate  Street  

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