Beloved Sudbury Bookstore Begins Next Chapter Under New Ownership

SUDBURY, MA — Longtime bookstore Bearly Read Books in Sudbury came under new ownership this fall. Now called Athina Books, its new owner still hopes to keep the store's spirit alive, but with a twist.

Athina Books, which officially opened on Oct. 18, 2025, offers a wide range of used or antiquarian books, including affordable paperbacks and rare collectibles. Katina Fontes purchased the bookstore from Betty Ann Sharp and Jim Ellis, who ran the business for 36 years.

Fontes, who has served on several boards in Sudbury, started a nonprofit a few years ago, Athina Education, and plans to incorporate it into the new business.

“The idea was to build community dialogue through programs that bring people together to have discussions in a structured format," Fontes told Patch. "Most of the programs are free...it was hard to grow that organization without a dedicated space."

Athina, as Fontes said, was named after the goddess of knowledge and supports open dialogue. The nonprofit hosts programs and events that promote a sense of belonging and community.

Classes at Athina are open to everyone. Right now, a group meets regularly to discuss “Democracy in America,” a novel by Alexis de Tocqueville, written in the 1830s. The nonprofit also offers a Silent Book Club for those who want to read together without an assigned reading.

On Sunday, Athina Books hosted its first children's storytime event. It will host its next storytime on Feb. 1.

Fontes told Patch that she hopes to add author talks and book signings to the store's events lineup.

Athina Books is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, and offers primarily used books, but Fontes said they feature new books from local authors.

"I really believe in promoting local authors, so that's something I hope to continue to do, and generally you do that through new books," Fontes told Patch.

Most of the books sold at Athina Books just "walk through the door," Fontes said. People can donate books or even trade books for store credit. She said most of the store's merchandise comes from exchanges.

Fontes told Patch that the most meaningful moments since opening have been those of people who are thankful she is keeping the spirit of Bearly Read Books Alive.

“I really do love going in every day," Fontes said. "Being surrounded by books all day long, and there’s something really wonderful about that."

See Also:

• Sudbury Cookie Company Serves Up Allergy-Friendly Treats For Everyone
• 11 Open Positions For Office In Sudbury: Select Board, School Committee And Others