LAKE PLACID—The announcement in late October that North Country Books would close at the end of January 2021 sent dismay through the ranks of authors, publishers, and retail accounts who’d come to depend on the Utica-based company to distribute books and related products with an Adirondack focus. The company, founded in 1965, had been a bridge between small specialty publishers and authors and their markets for Adirondack-themed books, maps, and sideline products and there was no other entity to fill the gap.
Enter Sarah and Marc Galvin, owners of The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, who have established Blue Line Book Exchange to distribute an outstanding line of Adirondack literature, including guidebooks, local history, art books, fiction and non-fiction, children’s titles from board books through young adult, as well as maps, calendars, posters, note cards and more. It’s a natural extension for the bookselling couple, as The Bookstore Plus is widely known for the extensive Adirondack offerings in the Main Street, Lake Placid store.
Working with Rob Igoe, Jr., who’d purchased North Country Books in 2005 after working there since 1989, the Galvins have quickly put together a plan to have the business operational by late February 2021, locating warehouse space in Lake Placid and hiring Nick Gulli, long-time manager and buyer at The Mountaineer in Keene Valley to manage the business.
“We knew first hand the necessity of having a supplier of Adirondack materials for independent stores in the Adirondack Park, from museums to outdoor gear suppliers to general stores,” said Sarah Galvin. “Rob has been wonderful in helping make this a smooth transition to meet that need. We look forward to working with North Country’s customers and suppliers.”
Marc agrees: “We’re excited about this opportunity to offer exceptional customer service and on-time delivery, while striving for a carbon neutral footprint in our operations.”
Blue Line Book Exchange’s first catalog will be available late February. For more information, call 518-637-5647 or email bluelinebookexchange@gmail.com.
