Stoneweaver Books Sweeps Into Town

By Jessica Jenkins

Atlantic News, Friday, August 19, 2005

[The following article is courtesy of Atlantic News.]

BY THE BOOK — Stoneweaver Books owner Rob Pondelli (pictured) recently opened the doors to his new bookstore, located in downtown Hampton. Stop in and browse, sit a spell, and bring home the latest bestseller or re-discover an old favorite.
[Atlantic News Photo by Jessica Jenkins]
Special to the Atlantic News:

HAMPTON -- Tucked in between Marelli's Market and Colt News on Route 1 is a great new addition to downtown Hampton — Stoneweaver Books.

Opening for business on Sunday, July 17, this cozy, new bookstore has a great selection of both popular and hard-to-find books, and comfortable recliners in which to browse them.

The store is welcoming and organized, and with beautiful photography of New England scenes for sale by Monique Rockwell adorning the walls. A morning or afternoon would be well spent perusing the shelves at this cutting edge book nook.

Owner Rob Pondelli has always had an interest in books, and like many book lovers, has always loved to be surrounded by them. A native of Tewksbury, Massachusetts with a degree in Anthropology from UMass Boston, Pondelli always dreamed of having a bookstore of his own. Taking much care in picking quality selections for his customers, he offers a wide range of topics that appeal to all walks of life. He is happy to find books and order them if they are not on his shelves, and truly wants his customers to come in, spend time, relax, and enjoy.

Currently, three of his most popular sellers are a book about the history of Hampton (in postcards) entitled "Hampton and Hampton Beach", by Elizabeth Aykroyd and Betty Moore; "My Sister's Keeper", by Jodi Picoult; and, of course, the latest phenomenon by J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

Some of the other sections to check out include biographies, fiction and non-, cooking, children and young adults, self-help, mystery, science fiction, best sellers, religion, philosophy and health, just to name a few. Pondelli pays special attention to local authors and makes a point to highlight their works as well.

Carrying both new and used books, Rob plans to reserve one weekend a month for a used book swap, where customers can bring in already read selections from home to exchange for other used books. He also plans on starting a book club in the fall to meet right at the bookstore to discuss favorite selections. Customers are welcome to sign up now and will be contacted when it begins.

There will be a lecture held in early September by author and Hampton resident, Jeanine Tanner O'Donnell. She will speak on her book, "Find Your Career Path" and will cover such topics as common career mistakes, what the best fit is for an individual, creating a résumé and looking for satisfaction in the wrong career. This is a great opportunity for new graduates or anyone looking to change career paths. Stay tuned for a date and for more scheduled lectures in the coming months.

Stoneweaver Books is located at 461 Lafayette Road in Hampton. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (603) 926-0408.