Abigayle Marrison has been a customer at Kent Bookstore for years. One day in July when she was shopping, she noticed posters that said the store was looking for a new owner.

When the 25-year-old went home to her parents, Sherry-Ann Smith and Rob Foster, she told them about it. Smith went in two days later to talk to then-owner Cheri Hogg. Fast forward to Oct. 1 and the family was running the store.

With the title of “lead bookworm,” Marrison will be out on the floor helping customers. She’s already gotten to know a few and the types of books they like.

The family previously owned Coaches Diner in Bethany, so the business world isn’t new to them. “Abigayle grew up in the business, so she learned the day-to-day customer service part and was able to transfer it here,” Foster said.

“We heard a lot of people say that they’re really excited that the store’s going to continue,” Smith said. “They were worried that it was going to change or go under.”

Many aspects of the bookstore will remain, including the book recycling program and store credit customers can get for donating their used books.

Marrison is hoping to be able to expand some of the offerings, to help appeal to a younger demographic. Her goal is to bring in more fantasy and romance novels, as well as potentially starting a book club and hosting author events.

Kent Bookstore is partnered with Libra FM, an audiobook site. “They work with small independent bookstores,” Marrison said. When a user registers, they can pick Kent Bookstore as their community partner and the store will get a portion of the proceeds.

The family said they’re grateful for all the support they’ve received, from customers and other business owners. “I’ve really loved getting to meet everyone so far. People have come in just to talk, and I’ve gotten to hear about their favourite books. I think that’s probably what I love most,” Marrison said.

Smith said she’s found more people seem to gravitate towards physical books and appreciate having a local store to go to. “We’re looking forward to the growth and where we can take the business.”

“I’m so happy that people are continuing to support (the store) and choosing to shop independent. They could be going elsewhere, so it’s been pretty amazing to meet people who also have a passion for books,” Marrison said.

Image: Sherry-Ann Smith, Abigayle Marrison and Rob Foster. Photo: Robyn Best.