As a frequent reader, I am constantly on the hunt for new books. While some prefer to read on a Kindle or tablet, I have always been addicted to the way pages feel against my fingertips as I flip through chapters at a time. Plus, who can resist that new book smell? Of course, there is the wonderful option of going to the library, however I find it nearly impossible to part with a book one I am attached to it. Thus, I tend to buy most of my books, keeping them in my possession in case I want to read them again in the future.
As soon as I heard a new bookshop was coming to the downtown area, I anticipated its opening. For me, supporting local business is important, and ordering from any of the bigger named stores can take the fun out of picking up a new book.
An eclectic mix of books
Located at 10 Canal St, Westerly, Savoy Bookshop and Café is new, locally owned, and independent. After parking my car by the train station, I walk into the charming store, immediately taken by its beautiful design. With old-fashioned lighting, gorgeous wooden shelves, and comfortable seating right next to the windows, it is clear that another gem has come to Westerly.
I browse through the different sections and find a wide variety of genres, immediately noticing adult coloring books by the entrance. There is an array of cookbooks near the counter, and as I head towards the back of the store, I find a U.S. history sub-section within shelves of history books. Veronica Roth’s Divergent stands out at the bottom of Savoy’s staircase, displaying the Young Adult section. Then, I decide to turn the corner of one of the multiple aisles, looking through both travel and travel writing books. After making my way through the shelves, I see sports, fitness, spirituality, and many other genres, stumbling upon the classics section that faces the main windows of the store, and I peak through Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
No matter what you are looking for, chances are Savoy Bookshop and Café has it!
My excitement continues to grow as I see some of my favorite authors tucked neatly in the fiction shelves on the back wall. I head towards the counter with Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle in hand, a novel I have been meaning to read for a while, when I realize just how thirsty I am.
One major aspect of Savoy sets it apart from other bookshops: its café. Nothing can compete against a good novel paired with a cup of coffee of pastry. Today, however, I am craving something different, so I order a small iced mocha from an extremely friendly barista.
I scan the store once more as I wait for my drink. There are a couple of older women browsing through the U.S. history section, chatting to one another with smiling faces. A younger man standing by one of the aisles holds an opened book, intently reading through some of the pages. Just as another customer walks through the door, the barista hands me my mocha. With the amount of people exploring the store, it is safe to say that Savoy already seems to be popular!
A friendly staff member cheerfully says, “Come again!” as I exit the shop. I sip my refreshing iced mocha and open my car’s door, putting my next great read on the passenger seat. I know I will return in no time!
Be sure to visit Savoy’s Facebook page for their hours and COVID info. If you love books, cafés, and shopping locally, be sure to check it out!
