HARTSVILLE: Burry Bookstore’s new owner, Sandi Brown, and staff welcomed the community to the store’s grand re-opening celebration and ribbon cutting. It so happened to be the same date as the bookstore’s original opening 43 years ago by Charles Everette “Charlie” Burry Sr. the bookstore remained a family-owned institution in Hartsville until Brown purchased the store in August.
In January, Burry’s daughter, Emily Burry Phillips announced she was looking for a buyer. If one could not be found, the bookstore was set to close at the end of the year. “Wouldn’t it be marvellous if an enthusiastic entrepreneur showed an interest in purchasing the bookstore,” Burry wrote in a letter posted to the bookstore’s website.
Brown told the crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting that in January after hearing Phillips’ plans, it “pressed upon my heart that this bookstore couldn’t close.”So, she set about trying to make it happen. The bookstore treasured by so many in the community officially changed hands Aug. 7.
The store closed briefly for remodeling and additions, two of which include sharing its space with TinCan, owned by Bebe Chapman, and Shane Gottwals’ Georgia-based Walls of Books. Customers can now purchase and trade used books at Burry Bookstore.The TinCan paper boutique opened on College Avenue a few years ago. Chapman thanked her customers for their patience as she made the transition to Burry.
