'A Book Place' - A Place with More Than Books

When Jocelyn Maningo Kaleita was just 14, her dad helped her get her first job at Open Book (book store), in Westhampton, and she knew then that her dream job would be to one day own her own book store. Well, after getting the "push" she says she needed from her husband, Kevin, and their friend and proprietor of the popular Riverhead-based Jerry and the Mermaid Restaurant, on July 1, 2022, Jocelyn became the proud owner of 'A Book Place.' "It's a dream-come-true; I looked at so many places - in Patchogue Village, Sayville, and even Port Jefferson, but they just didn't feel right," Jocelyn explained. Until, that is, she was pointed in the direction that led her to the quaint, 750 square foot building on Riverhead's Main Street that was already retrofitted with book shelves. "It's the perfect place and it just felt right," Jocelyn recounts. "This was a dream come true because I've worked in and around books since I was 14, and this is something I have always wanted to do."

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The busy mother of three (ages 8, 6 and 4 years old), points to her family support group, in part, for her success, where her mom, a retired East Moriches Schools teacher and Westhampton Beach Public Library librarian, Jane Maningo, pitches in to watch the children, either at home or at the store. "We're a very family affair-run store," Jocelyn, herself a certified librarian said.

There's something for everyone at any age inside the eclectic book shop that, with its white-washed beams and "shabby chic” look, Jocelyn describes as looking like a 'beach shack.' "In addition to books, I love to feature a lot of stunning artwork and crafts from local artists and craftsmen, and I sell things like cards, candles, ornaments, sea glass bracelets, earrings, towels, bathing suits (created by a Medford designer), items from not-for-profits, jewelry, and crocheted animals made by local artists; so, we really are a generic book store with so much more than just books," Jocelyn said.

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Book store patrons are treated throughout the year with story time, meet-and-greets featuring local talent who mix and mingle with the book store patrons, a back-to-school bead bar for mommy and me with this year's theme being 'I love you to the moon and back.'" Jocelyn even features a book club for adults which meets during the third week of the month, a coffee test tasting featuing coffee from the Center Moriches-based Deep Roots Roasting . . and, patrons can start checking off their holiday gift lists, too. "We do personalized shopping and gift wrapping here," she added. "Just call and tell us who you're shopping for, or what you're looking for, and we'll personalize it for you," Jocelyn said. Gift wrapping comes in either clear wrapping or signature brown paper with twine ribbon.

A Book Place is making plans for a big upcoming holiday season with an array of activities on tap throughout November and December, Jocelyn noted. Birthday parties and candle making parties are also activities that are featured at 'A Book Place.'

Jocelyn has coined the phrase, and she describes the ambiance at her store at A Book Place's set-up as 'Carefully Curated Chaos'. "There are no signs, but everything has been carefully situated where you might find a candle next to towel, and our books are also carefully placed. I feel people should pick a book based on what they would like to learn, not just because its listed on the New York Times best seller list; everything here is done with love, which people will see as soon as they enter the store, " Jocelyn explained.

A Book Place is located at 489 East Main Street in the heart of Riverhead. Patrons can visit daily seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. now through the holidays. For patrons interested in booking a party or special event, Jocelyn can be reached at (631) 405-7902, or by email at abookplaceboutique@gmail.com.