The Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop in downtown Damariscotta has been closed since March 16 due to the pandemic and remains closed for now. However, according to Rosie Bensen, co-manager of the shop, “We are in discussions about the timing of our re-opening. While we have not set a date yet, we are hopeful we can re-open sometime in July, with appropriate safety protocols in place.”

She added, “Our volunteers miss each other and the shop, and we all miss our customers. But the safety of our volunteers and customers is utmost in our minds. We’re proceeding cautiously, following the  lead of the library as it very gradually re-opens.”

In the meantime, she said, customers may now purchase books from the shop’s table at Main Street Grocery, which donates the space for the benefit of the shop and the library. Book shop volunteers did not re-stock the table during the early weeks of the pandemic, but are now adding books on a regular basis.

She expressed gratitude to customers who have inquired about the status of the shop, and to the many volunteers who have agreed to return as soon as the shop opens.

Bensen also acknowledged that donors probably have books that they would like to donate to the shop. Volunteers are not processing donations right now, but they’re working on a plan to resume accepting them. In the meantime, they ask donors not to leave books outside where they can be damaged by the weather.

The book shop is a major source of funding for Skidompha Public Library. All items are donated, all staff are volunteers, and all proceeds support the library’s collection and programs.

For more information about the shop, please visit skidomphabookshop.org

Contact bookshop@skidompha.org with questions.