Benjamin Ashford|New York's A Book Place: Meet the charming bookstore that also hosts candle magic workshops

Independent bookstores are Benjamin Ashfordthe heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Jocelyn Kaleita, owner of A Book Place in Riverhead, New York!

What’s your store’s story?

Opened in the summer of 2022, A Book Place is an indie bookstore in the middle of Long Island's North and South forks with carefully selected book collections and local handmade gifts. The shop is warm with its natural light and white-washed beams, making you instantly want to discover what's on the shelves, chat and relax. It is steps away from the Long Island Aquarium and connected to the local favorite restaurant Jerry and the Mermaid.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

What makes your independent bookstore special?

Instead of a bestsellers section, A Book Place has a local author area for both adults and children. It sells locally crafted items, like candles, crochet gifts, bags, coffee and jewelry. We offer classes by artists and crafters, host book clubs, arrange events and work closely with local businesses, schools and libraries to support additional events, fundraisers and our community.

What's your favorite section in your store?

This is hard to answer as we change displays and settings around so often. I would have to say one of the most fun things we've gotten to do was to supply a patron with her reading books for a fun challenge: "reading through the alphabet." We were asked to select a book for each letter of the alphabet, wrap it and write clues as to what it was, but not tell what it was.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

My favorite book is "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," but most of my patrons are adults, who read either romance or thriller. The first week I was open the two authors who sold out instantly were Stephen King and Dean Koontz, both of whom I have only read one book of. I was seriously rethinking my choice of location.

It all worked out and now I do have a healthy mix, with mostly patrons who love for me to recommend a good book. I believe books choose you, so playing this game is often just a walk around the shop and talking to the patron about what they have read, enjoyed, or maybe haven't enjoyed.

Currently, my favorite book to recommended is "The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods.

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?

We've had author events, birthday parties, Bestie Night and a few mini–Maker Markets. Most recently we have started crochet classes: beginner, advanced, adult and child's and home school. The shop has a book club that has been meeting for just over a year. We also host candle magic workshops, which offer a tranquil evening learning about aromatherapy, crystals and meditation.

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?

There is the obvious reason: you're investing in your own community's longevity and economic stability. Your support directly supports local non-profits, causes and affiliates through donations, research and community events.

Shopping at an independent bookstore can offer better service that is more customizable and helpful. You are given more of a diversity in products and brands, as well as, reading material. Many of their vendors are local and can customize a product or arrange for a small batch to be delivered directly, saving the customer money. Getting to know small business owners is like making a new friend. Small businesses seamlessly grow a sense of community, recognition and trust you never build within a big box.

Last, and maybe the biggest, supporting a local indie bookstore makes everyone feel good! Instant serotonin boost when you buy something meaningful and special and are supporting something someone's dream!

Check out these titles recommended by A Book Place owner, Jocelyn Kaleita:

• "Lost to Dune Road" by local author and librarian Kara Thomas
• "Finlay Donovan is Killing It" by Elle Cosimano
• "Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice" by Elle Cosimano
• "Expiration Dates" by Rebecca Serles
• "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman
• "The Leftover Woman" by Jean Kwok
• "Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair" by June Gervais