New Owner Takes Over Town Book Store Of Westfield
WESTFIELD, NJ — After 17 years of owning the Town Book Store of Westfield, Owner Anne Woodward Laird is entering a new chapter of her life. She will be retiring at the end of the month and passing on her beloved business to her employee Lisa Schwartz.
“It’s a mixed bag of emotions,” said Laird to Patch, who referred to the Town Book Store as her “baby for the past 17 years.”
It was in 2000 when Laird began working at the bookstore, which was situated across the street from its current location.
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She worked there for six years before taking it over from the previous owner in 2006. Laird put her personal touches on the store when she moved it to its current location at 270 E. Broad St. and designed it.
“It’s always been a labor of love,” said Laird. “Everything was my decision. All the books in here are my choice. The way it is set up was my choice.”
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When her husband retired after 40 years in June, Laird decided it was time to join him. She plans to spend time with her grandchildren, travel, visit their summer home in Cape Cod, and just relax.
“I think I am ready to see what the next chapter holds,” said Laird.
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While the decision to walk away from her store is scary, she said leaving it to Schwartz gives her peace.
In 2009, Schwartz began working at the Book Store.
“She made it clear from the beginning that she wanted to open her own book store one day and ever since then she was my right-hand man,” said Laird.
Schwartz will be the 8th owner of the Town Book Store and officially takes over on April 1.
“It’s great to be part of a legacy, it really has been an honor,” said Laird. “I am proud to say I owned the Town Book Store. But now it’s time to see what the next chapter holds.”
For more information on The Town Book Store of Westfield visit townbookstore.com or facebook.com/townbookstore or call 908-233-3535.
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