Celebrate Books on Broadway's 30th anniversary throughout the month of November. Kids are invited to pick up a coloring page and then enter it in a raffle, which will be held near the end of the month. Nov. 3-10 daily drawings will be made from the store's frequent buyers list. Check out other specials happening throughout the month on their Facebook page, Instagram, or website or just stop by the store. It's always a fun place to be!
Books on Broadway, the delightful bookstore at 12 ½ W. Broadway, Williston, was started 30 years ago by Robin and, Williston native, Chuck Wilder. Robin was the force behind the store from its beginnings in 1993 until her passing away from cancer in 2000.
She moved to Williston when she married her long-time college friend, Chuck, after a lengthy career with the Bell Systems. Robin and Chuck began the process of opening their bookstore. It took lots of time and sweat. They were fascinated by the book buying process and got "A Cup of Christmas Tea", as one of the first books because it was highly recommended. They sold about 100 copies of that book that year! Another item that sold well that year were Farside Calendars! They sold about 100 of those as well. The store opened in the fall of 1993 and was embraced by the community which found Robin to be a delightful and knowledgeable source for books and gifts.
The Wilder's shared love of antiques meant many happy hours finding treasures and then decorating the store with them. They found the coffee bar's gorgeous back bar at an auction in Fortuna with the intention of opening a coffee bar. Unfortunately, that didn't happen until five years after Robin's passing, but it now boasts the best beans in Williston.
Many memories have been shared during the past few months of this anniversary year. By all accounts, Robin was a wonderful, nice, and considerate person who loved meeting the community and making friends. Robin would help customers discover new books and authors. When Beanie Babies were the craze, Robin would sneak them up from downstairs when they were requested by people to avoid a rush of people trying to buy the last one. Robin would hide little elves and figurines around the store, some of which the staff are still finding. They also find things that are for sale in random areas of the store where staff didn't place them! Robin's spirit is in the store.
Robin had started reading to her friend's students at St. Joseph School in 1996 and that has expanded to include all the elementary schools in Williston with the occasional addition of Ray, Trenton, Alexander, and sometimes daycare age kids during the holiday season. Local school children are invited for a story and a treat. Today this amounts to approximately 500 children.
After her cancer diagnosis, the community rallied around the couple, helping with everything from yard work to volunteering at the store and always encouraging Robin to get well and come back to the store she loved.
Since 2000, Books on Broadway has been in the capable hands of Chuck Wilder. Following Robin's dream and feeling that Robin's spirit is still in the store, he has not only maintained, but also added to the store's offerings and atmosphere. He and his capable staff are always happy to help a customer find the perfect book or gift.
In addition to thousands of books covering every taste, shoppers can find unique gifts, such as music supplies, rocks and crystals, antiquarian books, and the infamous Woolworth Table! And don't forget the coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate!
Please check out next week's Roundup for all the details of the 30th Anniversary celebration of Books on Broadway! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@booksonbroadwaywilliston) or visit their website at http://www.booksonbroadwaywilliston.com for more information.
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