watchung booksellers

watchung booksellers 

Where authors meet their public,

Friends meet each other,

And all find good books. 

watchung booksellers is a vibrant, independent community bookstore located in the heart of Montclair NJ.  We are a general bookstore, with a fine collection of literary fiction, biography/memoir and history, with strong sections of travel, education, poetry, and the arts.  Our children’s room is a a picture book space for all ages – from the smallest reader sitting on a parent’s lap to the happenin’ Teen Corner. 

We feel very strongly that our bookstore reflects our unique community.  The books on our shelves have been carefully chosen by the staff and with valuable input from our readers.  We hope the selection challenges, nurtures and inspires you. 

watchung booksellers is proud to be the home-base bookstore for a thriving literary community, including over 60 published local authors, and uncountable publishing and media professionals, all contributing to the ever-entertaining and inspiring atmosphere.  We are fierce supporters of the community, contributing to and working with the public and private schools serving our children, the Montclair Public Library, the Adult School of Montclair, and civic, political and religious institutions. 

We offer a full schedule of author events, poetry readings, storytime for toddlers, inhouse book groups and special programs for writers and readers of all ages.  Even with the buzz of exciting events, our favorite time is to meet with our readers and introduce them to new books.  We thrive on the challenge of helping a reluctant reader, enjoy the thrill of suggesting a new discovery to a voracious reader, and look forward to helping you find the perfect book as a gift.  We also offer our expertise to schools -- book fairs, author visits, enhancing and supporting curriculum. 

watchung booksellers was founded in 1991 by Kathy Linsk at 33 Watchung Plaza, on the second floor above the old Bradner’s Pharmacy.  In 1996, Margot Sage-EL and Trina Rogers became new owners and started to rebuild and reach out to the community.  Margot became sole owner in 2000.  watchung booksellers moved into our current, beautiful home on Fairfield Street in August 2001.  

Our amazing staff has over 70 combined years of bookselling experience, and offers you the best possible customer service.  While we, of course, try to read every book in the store (!?), we do each have our favorite genres.  We also use our individual talents to make up the collective success of the store. 

Margot Sage-EL came up through the ranks of educational development publishing and created Great Owl Books in 1993, a mail order children’s book catalog and became owner of watchung booksellers in 1996.  She handles author events and public relations, as well as bookselling.  She is a voracious reader of new fiction and memoirs. 

Marina Cramer, former owner of Cup and Chaucer Books, brings a wealth of bookselling experience to us.  She is responsible for our Poetry Events and developed the new Writing Matters Panel series with local author, Jenny Milchman.  Marina is incredibly well versed in the Classics, Literary Fiction, Poetry and History, and reads widely in many subjects. 

Nicole Ban came to us after many years at Montclair Book Center.  Nicole is in charge of our young readers program, writes the kids stuff newsletter, and loves Young Adult books, especially fantasy.  She is also fond of quirky, off-the-beaten-path fiction and mysteries. 

Jeanne Such is often found commandeering the front desk and is most helpful in finding the books you ordered or that we have misplaced.  Jeanne can recommend the very best cookbook and enjoys reading many kinds of nonfiction. 

Carolyn Anbar is in charge of the Children’s Room and is the one who helps each child find the perfect book.  She brings her artistic talents to the bookstore through thoughtful displays and whimsical gifts.  She is a dedicated reader of current fiction.