Susan Porter, owner of the Maine Coast Book Shop & Café, is seeking a buyer for the Damariscotta, Maine store. Founded in 1964, the store occupies 6,000 square feet in Lincoln Hall, an historic storefront in the town. Part of the transition will include 50% ownership of the building.
“Over the years, this community has been amazingly and gratifyingly supportive of the bookshop," said Porter. "Damariscotta is truly a magic town, warm, friendly, and where our fellow businesses up and down Main Street have become almost like family."
Porter noted that with the addition of a café 15 years ago, the shop has also become a social center in the community. "You should see this place during a big storm," she said. "We are their comfort and refuge. It’s wonderful! And fun.”
In terms of finding a successor, Porter, who has been in the book business for 40 years, said that she is being "very careful to find someone who is passionate about books and bookselling, and who has the talent and enthusiasm to keep this place going for many years to come." She added, “I feel it is our duty [to find the right replacement], as the bookshop is so important to the character of our wonderful town. I hear that every day.”
