March 3, 2025 – Booklovers’ Gourmet is pleased to announce the landmark celebration of 30 years in business. The independent bookstore, gift shop and coffeehouse is located at 72 East Main Street in Webster, MA. Plans to mark the occasion throughout the month of April include: Customer Appreciation Days on April 4th & 5th, where patrons can spin-the-wheel for raffle prizes, contribute a leaf to a Memory Tree and enjoy complimentary cupcakes and cookies from 10am-5pm both days. A book release party for local poet Robert Eugene Perry and his newest release “I Dreamt I Was Water” will take place on Saturday, April 5th at 1 p.m. followed by an Open Mic. Throughout the month of April, “The Promise of Spring”, photographs by Don McCallister of Oxford, MA will be featured in the cafe art gallery.
The store will co-host an After Hours Networking Event with The Webster Dudley Business Alliance on Tuesday, April 8th from 5-7 p.m., with state & town officials and members of the local business community in attendance. An author appearance by Brad Timm, wildlife biologist passionate about education and conservation, will take place on Saturday, April 12th from 2-4pm.. Brad will talk about his new book Wildlife Out Your Window. For more information about any of these events or to sign up for the Open Mic, email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.
Since the beginning, events like these have been an important part of bringing the community together for varied cultural experiences. Monthly book clubs and writers’ groups, along with performances by local musicians, creative workshops and other special events are also offered and can be found on the website events calendar, https://bookloversgourmet.com/events/list/
Collaborations with local schools, libraries and other organizations have been mutually rewarding experiences and are an integral part of the business model, according to owner Debra Horan, a Webster native. The shop is run with help from family and part-time employees. “I am grateful and fortunate to have such a wonderful, dedicated support team keeping the store in top shape and serving our customers in the best possible way,” said Ms. Horan. “Whether you are a ‘regular’ or coming in for the first time, you will always be greeted with a smile and friendly “Hello!”. Patrons may sit and relax in the café while enjoying a homemade pastry and organic, Fair-Trade coffee beverage, chai latte, or other specialty drink or leisurely browse around the bookshelves.
Booklovers’ Gourmet offers a curated selection of new and used books, greeting cards and other unique, hand-picked gift items-many from local makers and vendors. The shop also has a strong online and social media presence. Through Bookshop.org, new books and e-books are offered. Alibris.com features used & collectible books and Libro.fm offers digital audio downloads. All of these platforms support independent booksellers across the country.
Future plans are to continue developing and enhancing the vision of the store as a welcoming place for all, where people can connect in meaningful ways and enjoy various cultural happenings in a local, community space.
Booklovers’ Gourmet is a member of The American Booksellers Association and The New England Booksellers Association. Debra serves as a Board Director of The Webster Dudley Business Alliance and committee member of One Book One Community at the Gladys E. Kelly Library in Webster. Current store hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6. For more information visit bookloversgourmet.com.
