- Attraction: BookTowne
- Location: 171 Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://booktowne.com
Picture a place where the smell of fresh pages mingles with shore air, where every corner invites discovery, and where your next favorite read waits among carefully curated shelves.
Founded in 2007 over Memorial Day Weekend, BookTowne emerged from founder Rita Maggio’s lifelong passion for literature and her belief that every town deserves its own community bookstore.
Before opening, she trained at established bookstores, took specialized courses, and connected with fellow booksellers across New Jersey to ensure she created something truly special.
The result is a beloved Main Street fixture that has earned recognition as the Best Bookstore in Monmouth County. Located in the heart of Manasquan and just minutes from the beach, this independent gem draws book lovers from across the Jersey Shore region.
Whether you’re a year-round resident or a summer visitor, stepping through BookTowne’s door means entering a space where literary passion thrives and where the tradition of neighborhood bookstores lives on.
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Keep Exploring →What You’ll Find Inside
Extensive Book Selection: The shelves are thoughtfully organized by category—fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, young adult titles, and more—making it easy to navigate even though space is maximized throughout the single-level store.
You’ll discover both current bestsellers and timeless classics, with inventory that reflects both popular demand and hidden literary treasures. The selection caters to readers of every age and taste, from board books for toddlers to the latest literary fiction for adults.
Maisy’s Corner: This dedicated children’s section holds a special place in the store, named after the founder’s mother. Young readers gravitate here naturally, drawn to the wonderful collection of illustrated picture books, engaging chapter books, and young adult novels.
The space creates an inviting atmosphere where kids can explore and parents can browse, often leading to those magical moments when children fall in love with reading. The corner regularly inspires excitement, with kids leaving the store expressing genuine love for the bookshop experience.
Literary-Themed Gifts & Treasures: Beyond books, you’ll find delightful sidelines that make perfect presents for bibliophiles.
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Discover MoreBrowse through artwork, calendars, greeting cards, puzzles, games, and literary-themed accessories like tote bags, bookmarks, and mugs adorned with quotes from beloved novels. These carefully selected items add an extra layer of charm and give you gift options that go beyond traditional books.
Current Releases & Signed Editions: BookTowne stays current with the publishing world, stocking the latest releases and bestsellers as they hit shelves. Thanks to the store’s active author event calendar, you’ll often find signed copies of new releases—special collector’s items that make treasured gifts or additions to your personal library.
Author Events & Community Programming
Robust Event Schedule: The store hosts an impressive lineup of author signings, readings, and book discussions throughout the year. Writers travel from across the country and even internationally to connect with BookTowne’s engaged readership.
The store can accommodate intimate gatherings of up to 25 people in-house, and for larger events, they’ve cultivated a strong partnership with the local public library and venues like the Algonquin Arts Theatre and Manasquan High School’s Jack Nicholson Theatre.
Weekly Storytime: Every Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM during the school year, preschoolers gather for storytime sessions that nurture early literacy and foster a love of reading in the youngest community members.
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Keep Exploring →This regular programming creates consistency for families and builds connections between the bookstore and local parents.
Book Clubs & Discussions: The store supports reading groups and hosts book club events, creating spaces where readers can share insights, debate interpretations, and connect over shared literary experiences. These gatherings strengthen the sense of community that defines BookTowne’s character.
Store Atmosphere & Layout
Cozy & Inviting Space: The store exudes warmth from the moment you enter. The single-level layout feels intimate rather than overwhelming, with every inch thoughtfully utilized to showcase books and gifts.
While the space may be compact, this creates a treasure-hunt quality where browsing feels like genuine exploration rather than navigating endless aisles.
Small-Town Charm: Located on Main Street in the heart of Manasquan, BookTowne embodies quintessential small-town America. The building itself sits where bookstores have operated for many years, continuing a literary tradition in the community.
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Discover MoreYou’re in the kind of neighborhood where business owners know each other and customers become friends—the type of place where word travels fast and support runs deep.
Reading Nooks: You’ll find spots where you can sit quietly and preview your selections before committing to a purchase. This encourages leisurely browsing rather than rushed decision-making, perfectly capturing the unhurried pleasure of book shopping.
Prime Location: Being steps from other Main Street businesses means you can easily combine your BookTowne visit with other errands or treats. Sweet Tease Cafe & Bakery sits directly across the street—perfect for grabbing a latte and pastry to enjoy while diving into your newly purchased book.
Shopping Experience & Practical Details
Special Orders Welcome: Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for?
The store happily takes special orders, ensuring that even readers with eclectic tastes can access the titles they want. This flexibility makes BookTowne work for families with diverse reading preferences and individuals seeking specific books.
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Keep Exploring →Reasonable Pricing: Book prices follow standard retail pricing for new books, putting BookTowne in line with other bookstores.
The value extends beyond just the purchase price though—you’re supporting local business, gaining access to knowledgeable recommendations, and experiencing the pleasure of browsing physical books rather than scrolling through online listings.
Convenient Hours: The store operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making it accessible throughout the week for both locals and weekend visitors.
Street Parking: You’ll find street parking along Main Street and surrounding blocks. The downtown Manasquan location means parking typically remains manageable even during busier periods.
Family-Friendly Environment: This bookstore welcomes readers of all ages. Parents appreciate the dedicated children’s section, while older readers enjoy the adult selections. The atmosphere remains appropriate and inviting for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Newsletter Subscription: Sign up for the store’s regular newsletter through their website to stay informed about new arrivals, upcoming author events, and special happenings. This keeps you connected to BookTowne’s community even between visits.
BookTowne
📍 171 Main St, Manasquan, NJ 08736
