Sherman's Books & Stationery
You were born in 1886—120 years ago. Is there anything from your first year in Bar Harbor that is still the same today? Is there anything you wish was still the same?
Sherman’s was a family run business back then, and it still is today, although the family who owns the business changed in 1962 to the Curtis family. Back then we sold books and stationery, and we still do today, although our inventory has expanded over the years to include gifts, toys, and office supplies as well. I love the old photo’s showing horse and buggy carriages waiting outside the store, but I wouldn’t want to go back to that way of life!
Situated in the middle of Bar Harbor, you must have a lot of visitors from other states and countries visit you. Do you have a lot of local friends as well? Tell me a bit about your guests—your favorites and least favorites.
We do have visitors from all over the world. This summer was particularly busy, being the Centennial year of Acadia National Park. We have a wonderful loyal local base, which is comprised of many friends made over the years, and new ones added every year. People who love books, I’ve found, generally like each other! We have many favorites, and fortunately I can’t think of any least favorites. Every year we have a pajama party sale in November (November 11th this year) and all dressed in pj’s and filled with mirth, we have a sort of giant family reunion with local friends. Many are too busy to shop during the summer, but they’re right back here once the season ends.
How do you choose which books you advertise and feature?
One of the nice things about working at any of the six Sherman’s stores, although the article is about the oldest one in Bar Harbor, is that we’re all encouraged to use our creativity in displays. Sometimes one person on staff comes with with a great idea, and we go with it. Often we collaborate with one another and have a lot of fun with it. Sometimes the whole store has a holiday type theme, and other times the theme is inspired by a whim. We advertise events on facebook, and we also advertise our favorite books by creating staff recommends. The staff picks are chosen because we love the books, plain and simple. I think the individual flavor this sort of attitude fosters is part of the reason why we remain unique and thriving.
Sherman’s Books & Stationery
56 Main Street, Bar Harbor*
207.288.3161
www.shermans.com
*With locations in Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Falmouth, Freeport, Portland, Rockland, Topsham, and Windham