Hosted by the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by a number of local dignitaries and Chamber members.
Pages and Parchment celebrated its grand opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I can’t remember when we had a bookstore in town,” said Skippack Township Supervisor Karen Lynch. “It’s been a while, so we’re so excited about it.”
Hosted by the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by a number of local dignitaries and Chamber members.
“Small business owners truly are the backbone of our economy, society and community,” said Steve Hunsberger, Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “I want to make sure you understand how much we value you.”
“Books are near and dear to my heart. I grew up in the library, so I’m so excited,” said state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, who presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Senate. “We always love new businesses. I wish you all the well wishes and lots of profit.”
Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce board members and local dignitaries offer their well wishes to store owner Becky Fuhry.
State Senator Tracy Pennycuick presents store owner Becky Fuhry with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Senate.Store owner Becky Fuhry, a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, expressed a deep passion for reading since childhood and has long dreamed of opening a bookstore. The opportunity fell into her lap after discovering that the Old Village Barn bookstore was up for sale.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ This is our opportunity right here,” said Fuhry.
Fuhry jumped at the chance, purchasing the inventory and relocating the store to the larger retail space down the hall.
“It’s a little bigger and designed to have a homey feel for people to browse and hang out in,” said Fuhry. “I love it.”
Pages and Parchment owner Becky Fuhry expresses a deep passion for reading since childhood.Pages and Parchment offers a broad selection of genres, including biographies, romance, horror, mystery, sci-fi and more. There are several table displays of bestsellers as well as books from local authors. The store also offers special orders for books that are not in stock, said Fuhry.
This week, in honor of Banned Books Week, customers will be greeted by a sizable banned book display, featuring books that have been challenged or banned across the country.
“It’s so important to read books that are banned or challenged and stop censorship,” said Fuhry.
In addition to its inventory, the store hosts regular events, such as a book club that meets every other month and a kid’s storytime and art workshop in partnership with Hastakala, a local art studio.
Pages and Parchment offers a wide selection of genres as well as bestsellers and books from local authors.
The small independent bookstore boasts a cozy, inviting atmosphere, with wooden bookshelves and comfortable nooks.Since its opening on July 20, Pages and Parchment has drawn a steady crowd, said Fuhry. She expressed excitement at the opportunity to encourage reading in the community, noting that books can both broaden one’s horizons and provide an escape.
“I think reading opens your mind to a whole new set of ideas, maybe ways you haven’t thought before, and that’s really important, especially now,” said Fuhry, adding, “Even if you just need it for an escape, it’s a lovely way to break off, have some quiet time and take a little escape from life.”
Asked about her recommendations, Fuhry lists “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker and “Sunflower House” by Adriana Allegri. With the upcoming Halloween season, she also recommends “Incidents Around the House” by Josh Malerman.
“It’s a really spooky, paranormal book,” said Fuhry. “So if you’re looking for a good scary story for Halloween, that’s a great one.”
Pages and Parchment is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit pagesandparchment.com
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