South Windsor Resident Opens Book Club in Broad Brook

At one time, Cynde Acanto used to gather a group of friends into her living room, hosting book clubs and delving into discussions. But she began thinking about opening a store, a kind of living room that she could welcome everyone into. When the previous bookstore at 100 Main St. in Broad Brook closed, Book Club was born.

Acanto, who lives in South Windsor, renovated the space and opened the store Nov. 1 in a historic building on Main Street. 

"We offer a place for people to buy books at heavily discounted prices. Because of all the changes in the book industry, there are very few places to buy books," she said. 

Book Club is a space to meet and discover books – both new and used and to buy an eclectic assortment of gifts. Many of the authors and artisans showcased in Acanto’s store are local.

“I like to highlight authors that live in Connecticut and we offer books and cards from Connecticut. I’m trying to work with other small businesses so we can all benefit,” Acanto said.

Acanto stocks the shelves with pre-owned and new books of all types – fiction, science fiction, biographies and autobiographies and a children’s section.

“The kids’ area is separate and open so parents can see their kids while they’re shopping and there are tables and chairs and mats they can sit on.”

The main attraction, besides a robust selection of books, divided by genres, is of course, the book club.

The store will host a monthly book discussion, starting in January. Anyone interested in attending is welcome to RSVP to the event. Each month’s selection will be available at the Book Club.

The first will be “The Art of Racing” by Garth Stein and Acanto said more than a dozen people have signed up.

“At this point it’s a pretty good range of ages so we’ll get a feel for our attendants and the types of books they’re interested in,” she said.

Acanto is also open to inviting other groups to use her space, whether book clubs, knitting circles or something else.

"If someone wants to have a knitting circle, I don’t knit but I’m happy to have them here. There aren't a lot of places you can have a meeting space for free,"

In addition, the store hosts a free Sunday afternoon event for children. So far, there has been a Thanksgiving craft, card-making for the troops, a reading of Polar Express with hot chocolate and cupcakes. There’s also been a kids’ Rainbow Loom meet-up.

While the events are free, Acanto suggests participants bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Five Corners Cupboards.

Response to the store has been great so far and Acanto already has some loyal customers. 

“I'm thrilled Book Club has opened so close by. I love its location and atmosphere and the fact that it's a local small business,” Laurie Carty said. “There is a great selection of books for me as well as for my kids.  They love the playing and reading area while I browse. Cynde's attention to customer service is a welcome touch.”

"Book Club has been the find of the year for me and my family," said Melissa Gordon of South Windsor. "We have purchased many quality used books there as well as some new books from local authors. ... each time I go to Book Club, I find new gifts for purchase on display. Cynde really searches out unique artists to share their creations at the store."

Book Club is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the Book Club on Facebook here. And its website here.