By: Reece Kovacs
At the edge of Neptune Beach sits The Bookmark Bookstore. The business has been a landmark of Neptune Beach since its opening in 1985 and then found its forever owner with Rona Brinlee in 1990.
Since then, Rona has faithfully served the store and its community by keeping the spirit of reading alive through opportunities for authors and customers. The shop frequently hosts local journalists and authors for reading and discussion nights.
Two of the bookkeepers at the shop remember these readings fondly. Brittany, the assistant manager, has been an avid reader since childhood and recalls being a precocious child wanting “to ask the authors all my questions.” Another bookkeeper, Kirsten, had the chance to interview one of these authors for an article during undergrad.
These meet and greets bring in all kinds of authors who write for all kinds of audiences from young adults to children. In fact, The Bookmark has a vast children’s book section, filled with books, toys and school supplies, dedicated to future readers. The store also has curated stands with items like journals, stickers, postcards, and pens.
For those who need a little guidance for their next read, The Bookmark is the place to go. The staff consists of bookworms, all of whom read weekly. The team keeps track of what is being read, and who prefers what genre, to give customers the best experience and book possible. The store also sends a list of their most popular reads every week to the New York Times Best Sellers list.
The store keeps in contact with their customers through weekly newsletter. These newsletters also give these titles, while providing information on what is happening at the store that week. Here, information about author readings and other events can be found.
The Bookmark stands as a daily reminder that local shops and bookstores are going nowhere. The store continues to see readers of all ages with events like author reading nights that bring in a crowd showing an eagerness surrounding all things books. Despite constant rumors that small businesses, especially bookstores, are declining in numbers, Rona and her team are proof that these rumors are false.
To get your own book or learn more about the store, go to bookmarkbeach.com