A new chapter for the Kennett Square community began on February 14, 2024, with the grand opening of Forage Books at 121 West State Street. Owner Tamlyn Ancone envisions the bookstore as a vibrant hub for local residents, emphasizing the importance of community connection through literature. With an enthusiastic response on opening day, which saw a queue stretching down the street and wait times of up to two and a half hours, the community’s excitement for the new venture is palpable.
Ancone expressed her desire to integrate deeply with Kennett Square, stating, “I am looking forward to integrating with the Kennett area community by providing another town business and a third place to meet.” The store, aptly named Forage, aims to spark imagination and foster learning through a diverse selection of books. The name also resonates with the town’s agricultural roots, particularly its association with mushrooms.
Community-Centric Initiatives
To celebrate local preferences, Forage Books features a dedicated section called “Kennett Square Neighbor Picks,” showcasing titles favored by community members. Ancone has also introduced a monthly survey on the store’s website, inviting readers to submit their book suggestions. Each month, ten selected titles will be highlighted, encouraging local engagement.
As an avid reader, Ancone understands the transformative power of literature. She shared, “Reading has helped me be more empathetic by opening my views to other perspectives.” Her passion leans towards fiction, which she believes provides a unique platform for understanding diversity and personal experiences.
In the spirit of collaboration, Ancone has reached out to the nearby Kennett Library, emphasizing their shared goal of promoting literacy. “We are not in competition because we share the same goal—fostering literacy,” she stated. Ancone looks forward to future discussions with library staff to explore ways they can support each other’s missions.
Diverse Offerings and Future Plans
Throughout February, Forage Books is celebrating Black History Month with a curated selection of relevant titles, alongside books written in Spanish. Ancone is actively seeking a native Spanish speaker to review translations, ensuring they cater effectively to the local Spanish-speaking community. Additionally, a special section for children’s literature allows parents to explore reading options with their young ones in a tranquil setting.
Beyond books, Forage Books offers a variety of local artisan products, including candles, ceramic mugs, greeting cards, and bookmarks, providing a perfect complement to a book purchase. Ancone has plans for the bookstore’s second floor, which will undergo renovations to create a welcoming “third place” for community gatherings, book clubs, and social events.
With strong ties to the area—her husband being a Unionville native and her son attending school in Kennett—Ancone’s enthusiasm for her new venture is infectious. She aims to cultivate a sense of community around Forage Books, sharing her dream with the townspeople.
Readers can also support Forage Books beyond the physical store. Through platforms like Bookshop.org and Libro.fm, customers can select Forage as their local bookstore, ensuring a portion of their online purchases benefits the shop. Updates and further information about the bookstore can be found on its social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as its official website, www.foragebooksksq.com.
As Kennett Square embarks on this new journey with Forage Books, the potential for community engagement and connection through literature appears boundless. With Ancone at the helm, the bookstore stands as a testament to the power of reading and community spirit.
