Indie Bookstore Feature: A Great Notion

 

I was lucky enough to visit A Great Notion on Saturday, an absolutely beautiful new independent bookstore located in Auburn, Massachusetts. Full of both new and used books for all ages and interests, the bookstore also offers an incredible selection of gift and household items (bookish and otherwise), all sourced from local artisans and small businesses far and wide. In addition, the store offers refreshments, a cozy lounge area, youth book clubs, a Kid’s Club, educator discounts, loyalty cards, staff picks, personalized custom gift baskets, and more.

 

Beyond these offerings, A Great Notion supports the community through educational opportunities, including after-school assistance for students aimed at fostering an appreciation for and love of reading and stories while improving the social skills, writing abilities, and literacy vital to both personal and community-wide success.

I have never received as warm and sincere a welcome as I did in this bookshop. Courtney Galicia, who owns A Great Notion with her husband, Tyler, took the time to introduce herself, gave me a tour, and was an absolutely sweet, kind, and welcoming presence, which was wonderful.

  

I enjoyed browsing the shelves, which were filled with a variety of titles both contemporary and classic, and I came away with a gorgeous edition of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, a vintage V.C. Andrews novel for $1.00, a “Writing Desk” Novelly Yours candle I’d long been eyeing on Etsy, and a handmade bookmark. This is a truly special place, one where anyone can seek, explore, learn, escape, and feel welcome — a bookstore that supports, reflects, and bolsters its community in the best ways possible.

❤Amanda