13/10/2023
Dear customers,
I will be retiring from PSB in 2024. We are not sure of the exact date yet, but we should be here through early Summer. I feel that I am slipping mentally and physically and just can’t put in the energy that the store deserves. You have all given me tremendous joy. I hope the store has brought you joy.
I have been lucky to work with the best booksellers this side of the Charles. Katherine, Karen, Jill, and Nesse, thank you for making the store so welcoming. Katherine, thank you for always telling me what I needed to hear. We have had the honor of working with over 100 high school students in their first jobs. I am amazed by your creativity, intelligence, dedication, and leadership. The future is in great hands.
Thank you to my daughter, Dr. Courtney James-Mcgonigle. You grew up in the bookstore. You worked so hard to make the store a magical place.
Thank you to Teresa James for being the rock and supporting the store when it wasn’t profitable. Your strength is inspiration for me and many others.
I am proud that in our twenty years, we donated over half a million dollars and thousands of books to schools and other local organizations. We decided to donate instead of advertise. The only advertisement we ever did was with Community Kangaroo, which is a great source of info on community events and well worth supporting.
Thank you to all of our wonderful customers from so many towns. You saw the importance of an indie bookstore in our community. You supported us, even though there are online options that are often more convenient.
I am grateful for all of you. I hope you will reach out if you ever want to talk about books, toys, or life, the Universe, and everything.
We have some fun activities planned in the coming months. I will keep you updated on the goings-on. I am not sure what retirement will bring. We are hoping to keep a little pottery studio going if we can find the right location.
- But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. - Robert Frost
Love, Jim
