CLAREMONT, N.H. – According to the computer at Violet’s Book Exchange, a cozy independent bookstore on Opera House Square in downtown Claremont, 55,000 books fill the shop’s many stuffed and mismatched bookshelves.
Owner Denise Best is always rearranging books, adding more bookshelves, and coming up with new ways to display items and highlight authors. Finding space for all those books can sometimes feel like playing the game Jenga, but Best enjoys managing every detail.
Before taking ownership of the shop on April 18, Best had worked with Violet’s previous owner, Laurel Eaton, and they had discussed her taking over once Eaton was ready to retire. When, after running the store for almost 20 years, Eaton stepped away from the business, Best began her learning adventure as the new owner.
Best was a physical therapy assistant for many years until a 2021 wrist injury stalled her career and gave her a minute to consider an alternative lifestyle. “After raising kids and grandkids,” Best related, “at 55 years old [I was] coming to terms with the fact that I continue to learn and grow. It was a complete shift that took me out of my comfort zone.”
Best admitted she likes owning her own business, and a bookstore does feel within her wheelhouse. “I was an avid reader as a child,” Best said. “I had a book with me all the time.”
Best said she has learned so much in the nearly three months she has owned the store. She had been a customer for years and understood how loyal Violet’s regulars were. Mindful of their concerns, Best kept the store credit and exchange system as it was and continues to honor all gift certificates purchased before she owned the store.
The store’s overall layout remains unchanged. Best laughed, “You know when you go to your grocery store, and everything is moved around, and you can’t find anything?” She wanted to spare her customers that frustration.
One thing that makes Violet’s Book Exchange so special is the credit policy. Customers can trade in their used books for store credit at 25% of the original price for paperbacks, and $2 to $3 for hardcovers. There are some restrictions, but the program makes book buying more affordable for people and gives them a way to get rid of used books. It allows students to exchange textbooks when they no longer need them, and customers can choose to donate credits, which go to support the school system or the senior center.
The store has two levels chock full of hardcovers and paperbacks, both new and used, with everything from children’s books and books for young adults, to true crime, romance novels, mysteries, and so much more. The shop also has a good selection of tote bags, puzzles, greeting cards, and reading-related accessories. Best is the friendly face found somewhere between the shelves or behind the counter, always willing to help with a smile.
“It is important to me that this bookstore be welcoming to everyone,” said Best. “This is like neutral territory; you can come in, browse with your friends, ask me questions, [or for] suggestions.” Her goal is that people leave the shop happy.
Although Best said she is not a “social media person” she runs the shop’s Facebook page, keeping customers current on what’s new in store. Best said she is planning a few upcoming in-person author events and is trying to figure out a way to host a book club without having to bring on a second employee.
Currently, the store’s hours are Wednesday-Friday, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.