If you're looking for a brand new book to read on your getaway, here at Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast, pick up your next favorite title at Aaron's Books. Aaron's Books is an independently owned bookstore in the heart of downtown Lititz. I had the opportunity to correspond over email with Todd Dickinson, the owner of the bookstore. I loved hearing what he had to say about his own favorite books, running a bookstore, and the importance of a place like Aaron's Books in Lititz. (And he was gracious enough to let us use a few of his pictures of the bookstore!)1. How long have you had Aaron's Books? My wife Sam Droke-Dickinson and I opened Aaron's Books in July 2005, so we just celebrated our tenth anniversary. The store is named for our son Aaron, and he is now 12 years old.(Todd, Aaron, and Sam cut the cake for the tenth anniversary of the bookstore)2. What drew you to the book business? Have you always enjoyed reading? (Do you have a favorite book?) Sam and I have always loved to read, and we've passed that along to Aaron. Of course, we sometimes talk about how little time we actually have to read while we're running a bookstore, but we do find the time. I have many favorite books, but there are a few I return to whenever I can, including The Hobbit, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Watership Down.3. What do you love about running Aaron's Books?My favorite thing about running Aaron's Books is visiting with readers. I love finding the next perfect book for someone, and I am always learning about books that I want to read. And helping a young reader find that special book that makes them smile is a pretty great reward.4. What do you like about being here in Lititz? What do you think makes it such a special small town?Lititz is truly special in many ways. It is a town with a rich history that visitors can feel from the moment they arrive, but it's alive, growing, and changing, instead of being a museum. It has a variety of experiences for people of all ages and interests. With chocolate, pretzels, great places to eat, fun shops, ducks in the park, and books, what else could you want?5. What is the place, or importance, of an independent bookstore like Aaron's Books in a town like Lititz? An independent bookstore enriches the community it is in. It becomes a gathering spot, a place for people to meet, learn, and share ideas. There's a great quote in Neil Gaiman's novel American Gods: "What I say is, a town isn't a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it's got a bookstore it knows it's not fooling a soul." We know how lucky we are to be in Lititz. The community has embraced us, and we believe we've strengthened the community in return.(A great shot, courtesy of Todd, features the vintage store sign.)Be sure to check out Aaron's Books, right here in Lititz, and "Like" their Facebook page to stay up to date on book release parties, new arrivals, and fun in-store events!
