Jerry and Eileen Spinelli Lend Hands to Towne Book Center's Grand Opening

Although the doors to the have been open to the public since Feb. 18, its official grand opening events, including a ribbon cutting, kicked off around 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29.

Joined by owner P.K. Swindani and family as well as Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce's Renee Blomstrom and Bruce Zanar, authors Jerry and Eileen Spinelli cut the red ribbon at the store's entrance. The husband-and-wife team then took their seats at a table inside the store to sign books and greet fans. Their work spans decades and includes "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch," "The Best Story," "Maniac Magee," "Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush?" and their co-written tome, "Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself."

During their respective turns at the table, children rattled off their favorite titles and recalled the school visits the authors made. Teens, parents, grandparents and college students joined the younger readers in line, and had their own stories about discovering the Spinellis' work and which family members were big fans.

When friends William and Brayden stepped up to have their books signed, Jerry Spinelli asked William, who was donning a Phillies T-shirt, if he was a Phillies fan.
"Yup," William responded, "and I'm a 'Maniac Magee' fan!"

Eileen laughed and said that was a good answer.

William went on to discuss the TV movie version of "Maniac Magee," saying, "The book is way better." As they wrapped up their conversation, William told Jerry, "You're the best author."

"Thanks, kiddo," Jerry replied with a grin. "You're the best reader. And your friend Brayden is the second best."