Government officials joined small business owners, Ginny Jewell and Marie Shane, today to celebrate the grand opening of their independent bookstore, Acorn Books, in Dover.
“This is a small business with a big desire to serve the community,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “As with so many small businesses, it’s a dream‐made‐reality by its owners and people working together. We want to make sure when you have a dream to do something, we have an environment in Delaware where you can make it happen.”
The celebration marked a new chapter for the owners who worked together at a Delaware bookstore chain that closed last year. The veteran booksellers put their years of experience and market insight to work. They developed a new business model.
“We saw a need in our community, and felt a responsibility to do something,” said Shane. “There was no independent bookstore left where children, educators and readers could enjoy and purchase books. We needed to open the store – not just for ourselves, but for our community. We hope Acorn Books will become a landmark in the region and a reflection of what our customers are interested in. Yes, books are important, but it’s the people who read them that make a difference in the world. We hope the community continues to show their support and to never again let Dover be without an indie bookstore.”
A loan from the Delaware State Small Business Credit Initiative helped the owners start their business with capital to purchase equipment and initial inventory. The Dover Federal Credit Union participated in the underwriting for the loan and provided an additional line of credit. The total financial assistance was $80,000, of which $16,000 was awarded from federal funding.
Acorn Books, located at 1030 Forrest Avenue (Del. Route ‐8), in the Gateway West shopping center, will sell retail books and magazines to the greater Dover area. The store will feature special events every month, including book clubs, author signings, story time for children and new release parties. More information will be posted on the store’s Facebook page. (Photos courtesy of the Delaware Economic Development Office).
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