The Book Keeper
The Book KeeperA newspaper clipping from The Book Keeper’s grand opening on September 27, 1980 hangs on the wall in Susan Chamberlain’s office. The store’s history is often front-of-mind for her. The Book Keeper originally opened in Northgate Plaza and has moved to different locations within the plaza throughout the years. In 2001, Chamberlain purchased the store from owner Kathy Mitchell and in 2010 the store moved to its current location. Not every community has a thriving independent bookstore. “It says a lot about the city and the customer support that we’ve had over the years,” Chamberlain explains.
The Book Keeper carries a wide selection of books and places hundreds of special orders weekly. Customers can look up current inventory or reserve a book on the website: www.sarniabookkeeper.com. Each staff member brings a unique and extensive knowledge of books and they are especially good at making recommendations. Alongside the wide selection of books, the store also offers a variety of giftware, board games, and jewelry. Chamberlain saw the local demand for these items at Poppies, the gift shop inside Bluewater Health that she opened in 2010. “These additions have allowed The Book Keeper to become the ideal place to shop, not only for book lovers, but for anyone who appreciates a unique gift,” shares Chamberlain. During the recent pandemic, The Book Keeper was the go-to place to get puzzles, family board games and of course books to get through the quarantine.
The Book Keeper maintains a strong relationship with the community. Their current location allows them the space and flexibility to host many unique events. With the addition of an Adult Book Club as well as a Teen Book Club they’ve brought many new readers to their store. Preschool Storytime offers a chance for caregivers to bring the kids for some socialization and gives them an opportunity to introduce their love of reading to their children. Drag Queen Storytime has been a new addition and this encompasses The Book Keeper’s love of and commitment to inclusion and diversity. Chamberlain has invited several famous authors to Sarnia for book signings. Some of the most notable authors include Margaret Atwood, Mitch Albom, Commander Chris Hadfield, and retired NHL stars Darryl Sittler and Ken Dryden. When the events are too large to be accommodated in the bookstore, signings are often held at the Sarnia Library Theatre, and other local venues.
The Book Keeper is proud to support many local community organizations. They have run fundraisers for The Hub at Sarnia Lambton Rebound, Diversity Ed Safer Spaces Canada as well as donated profits from Orange Shirt Day to Hillside Elementary School and Aamjiwnaang Kinoomaage Gamig Elementary School.
At the heart of everything they do there is a collaboration between the community’s interests and passions and The Book Keeper’s commitment to contributing to and elevating the connections and conversations in our community. Chamberlain concludes, “Without the community supporting us we would not be able to thrive. We feel that it is our responsibility to also support the community that supports us.”
Related Stories
Great Lakes Refill Company
Sisters Lisa Ladouceur and Melissa Matthews think working together full-time in a business they are passionate about while doing their part to save the planet is a pretty good deal. Co-owners of the Sarnia-based Great Lakes Refill Co., Lisa and Melissa's store specializes in zero-waste bulk foods,
DeGroot's Nurseries
It was 1952, and with limited opportunities in Holland, John, and Atty DeGroot and their six kids boarded a ship for Canada. Within a few years of arriving, John landed his first real job at Dow doing janitorial work. For my dad, working at Dow was not terribly rewarding. Too often he was a
Mortgage Wellness - Sarnia
As a computer programmer, Tyler Yates was always working to help his IT clients. His friend Nick L'Ecuyer owned The Mortgage Wellness Group. I was living in Barrie and my friend Nick met with me about the mortgage for our first home. I was really interested in understanding the numbers. He answ
All Seasons Trophies
Peter Sparks started at the bottom and worked his way right up to the top as owner of All Seasons Trophies (AST). The business opened in Sarnia in 1975 and I started working there in 1999, Peter says. Then I purchased the business in 2007. Peter claims he didn't originally have designs
Related Stories
DOG EAT DOG
DOG EAT DOG, located at 161 Mitton Street South, features rustic-industrial furniture and décor created by local artisans. Owner Chrissy McRoberts wanted a store like no other in Sarnia, bending the rules and having fun. The store is filled with available work to purchase and every artisan is avail
Lambton Shores Nature Trails
The Lambton Shores Nature Trails (LSNT) organization was founded in 2011. The group of local outdoor enthusiasts was concerned about the ongoing destruction of some of the most environmentally significant lands in Lambton Shores due to off-road motorized recreational vehicles. They decided to get to
H. Moore and Son Windows & Doors
H. Moore and Son, located at 1578 London Line in Sarnia, is owned and operated by Bob and Nancy Bork. In 1952, Harry Moore started building and selling aluminum storm windows and doors out of his garage. A few years later, Moore e...
One Tooth: Active Wear
As a customer, Dan Little liked the clothing store One Tooth so much that when he heard it was being put up for sale, he bought it. "I took it over in August of 2021," Dan says. "My wife and I were customers of the store and we really liked it. We knew the previous owners so when we found out