We are very excited for our latest addition to the blog, Bookstores We Love, a feature dedicated to our independent bookstores! Our next store featured is Phoenix Books!
With four locations in Vermont, two of which were added within the past year, Phoenix Books defies the myth that indie bookstores are dead. The business originally opened in Essex, in 2007.
In 2012, co-owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner opened a second location in Burlington, using the community-supported enterprise model (similar to a farm CSA, supporters pre-buy books or invest in the business to help fund startup costs.)
In September 2015, following a recruitment effort by Green Mountain Power in collaboration with the City of Rutland, Downtown Rutland Partnership, and local residents and businesses, Phoenix Books opened a bookstore in Rutland. The location is co-owned and managed by Rutland local Tricia Huebner.
Just this May, DeSanto and Reiner added a fourth store when they purchased Phoenix Books Misty Valley (a.k.a. Misty Valley Books) in Chester, Vermont. The four locations each engage with the community in a variety of ways, for example:
- A busy schedule of author events, featuring both local authors (e.g. herbalist Rosemary Gladstar) and touring authors (e.g. our upcoming event with RWW’s Laurie McCammon, author of Enough!)
- Themed events, like Hobbit Day, Harry Potter Book Night, and the upcoming 12-Hour Comics Day
- Storytimes, including a Whole Book Approach Storytime (using a method of guiding children through reading a book that has proven successful for a wide range of ages, reading levels, and learning styles) in Essex and collaborations with City Market, our local co-op, in Burlington
- Phoenix’s involvement with Rutland Welcomes (an organization whose aim is to create a warm, safe, inviting atmosphere for the refugees arriving to the city)
- Donations to local schools, libraries, and charitable organizations
- Choosing to carry and feature local products, including books by Vermont authors
- And more!
Connect with Phoenix Books
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | RETN (Local Public Access Channel)
Phoenix Books Locations
Phoenix Books Essex
21 Essex Way #407, Essex, VT 05452
802.872.7111
Phoenix Books Burlington
191 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401
802.448.3350
Phoenix Books Rutland
2 Center Street, Rutland, VT 05701
802.855.8078
Phoenix Books Misty Valley
58 Common Street, Chester, VT 05143
802.875.3400
