Small Business Saturday: The Little Boho Bookshop in Bayonne
Located in Bergen Point area of downtown Bayonne sits the Little Boho Bookshop, an independent bookshop that opened in 2017.
The heart of the Little Boho Bookshop is owner Sandra Dear who moved across coasts from San Diego, CA to Bayonne, NJ when she got a job in NYC. Sandra, who is an avid reader and lover of books, had spent her career in publishing with dreams of opening a children’s bookstore of her own.
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She discovered the space for her bookstore while volunteering for an Earth Day event with the Bayonne community. The small, vacant spot didn’t immediately seem like an ideal spot – but once she discovered that the outdoor garden of the space came with the property she was sold.
Setting up shop in a small space comes with challenges, but you’d never know it from walking in the door. The bookshelves of the store are floor to ceiling surrounded by the original molding and tall windows. Every space is utilized to give the store a big selection from children’s book, YA, adult books etc. The green walls make it a bright and happy place.
Pre-pandemic their garden spot offered mommy and me yoga, storytime, neighborhood parties, and seating for customers to read a book and enjoy a beverage/snack from neighbor Bake N Brew Cafe. Once everyone is vaccinated, the bookshop is excited about bringing back these events plus new ideas for the future.
Another event they’re excited to bring back in the future is their monthly book club, The Novel Bunch.
When the pandemic hit, Sandra admitted that they were scared they weren’t going to make it. She soldiered on like nothing had changed, returning to the bookshop by herself and being present. What she learned was that when you support your community your community gives back.
Because the Little Boho Bookshop had become such a part of the local community in such a short time, her loyal customers refused to let it shut down. They bought gift cards to keep the lights on and purchased books online from their website.
They pivoted by allowing customers to shop by appointment on Sundays from 11AM – 4PM to help people who had worries about leaving the house. Sandra plans to keep this going post-pandemic to allow customers to feel comfortable.
They also included virtual events like their “Read With a Cop” program.
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By getting to know the families who frequently visit her bookshop, Sandra has gotten a chance to become part of their lives and has made the shop a happy place to visit. Her bookshop exists because they love books and they’re excited to get kids excited about reading. They honor their “Star Readers” to encourage kids to continue reading and excel in school.
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Her future plans include setting up three “Little Free Libraries” in locations in Bayonne where the bookshop isn’t accessible, allowing children from all over the city to get access to great reading material.
In the end, a bookstore isn’t just about books – it’s about the community. It’s a place where people can gather. And at the Little Boho Bookshop, Sandra Dear has created a community and a family.
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For more information on the Little Boho Bookshop visit their Website, Facebook, and Instagram.
For more information on local New Jersey bookshops, click here.
