Used Book Nook: decade-long concept opened in two months
The owners of Wareham's newest used book store in Wareham Center have waited a long time to fulfill a childhood dream, and jumped on it as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
Amanda Souza, manager of a local arts and wellness center, and Sam DeFrias have known each other since they were little, earning the nicknames "bear" and "pup" while growing up in New Bedford. The two had an idea in high school to either open a book store or write a children's adventure book series titled "Bear and Pup."
It was only natural that their new store be named to commemorate their 20-year friendship and fulfill a 13-year-old idea: Bear and Pup's Used Book Nook.
The follow through on their concept has been in motion for "60 days, tops."
The store will open on May 7 and there will be an opening ceremony from noon to 3 p.m. Guest appearances from Mickey Mouse and Carl the minion will accompany prizes and games. All items will be 25 percent reduced for the grand opening.
"I've already had strangers come to volunteer," said Souza, who's thankful for the support shown by the community.
Souza and DeFrias hope the store will act like a "missing piece" in the town, connecting literary arts to other kinds of art in the area. They hope to host comic book writing sessions, poetry jams, adult coloring events and other programs catering to people of different ages. They will also implement a college book consignment where students will earn around 50 percent of their textbooks' values.
In addition to the bookstore, Souza's husband John Souza will have a computer and phone repair office set up in one of the rooms, called "SouzaTech."
A corner of the main room of the store will feature jewelry and recycled accessories designed by artist Katie Rose DeMedeiros. All of the items from "Really Rosie's Upcycled Bookcessories" will be made from books well worn for reading.
"Bear and Pups" welcomes donations of books of all kinds and in all conditions. They have a website up on Facebook, where they've posted updates on the "bookcessories" and the store.
