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09/04/2024 08:30 AMSarah Borgnis-Tobin may have left the Henry Carter Hull Library after 10 years, but she is not leaving the books. Sarah is the co-owner of Montgomery & Taggert, a unique bookshop which opens in Chester on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Located at 26 Water Street in Chester, Montgomery & Taggert is a new store co-owned by Sarah and her friend, Elizabeth Tucker. The store is not just a regular bookstore.
“We are actually the first romance-themed bookstore in the state of Connecticut. Our shop has an immersive and romantic vibe. Everywhere you look, you’ll see something different,” Sarah explains.
Though they may seem niche at first, according to Sarah, romance novels are actually one of the fastest-growing book genres currently on the market.
“It’s something I have always felt is a fun genre, and it really has a lot of overlap with other genres, too. There are sci-fi romance novels, fantasy romance, historical romance—you name it,” Sarah says. “We’ll find a way to find a book for everyone no matter what your preference is. And we’ll be happy to put in orders for books if we don’t have it.”
Even the name of the store is a nod to one of the stalwarts of the genre.
“It’s the name of two of the families in novels by Jude Deveraux. She’s someone Elizabeth and I both really enjoy and respect as an author. We thought it was representative of the roots of the romance genre,” Sarah says.
A grand opening for the store will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 21. More information about the store can be found on its Facebook page and Instagram account. A crowdfunding page has been set up on indiegogo.com to assist with start-up costs. Search Montgomery & Taggert to donate and receive select perks at the shop.
In addition to selling books, Sarah says the plan is to hold events at the store, including potential signings, book talks with local authors, and seasonal parties.
The story of Montgomery & Taggert began almost a decade ago, when Sarah befriended Tucker, who was her library co-worker at the time. The two became friends and, even when Elizabeth left the library to pursue a different career, the pair stayed in touch. About six months ago, the two began to talk seriously about teaming up together to open a store.
“Things moved pretty quickly once we started daydreaming and doing research,” Sarah says.
It was no small feat to get the store up and running, and Sarah is quick to highlight the partnership between herself and Tucker as a major factor in making it happen.
“She’s so well read and knows so much about the genre and is just such a great person. This is very much a partnership with Elizabeth,” says Sarah.
The pair attended classes from the Women’s Business Development Council of Connecticut to help them with the ins and outs of starting a new business.
“They have been an incredible resource for us,” Sarah says.
While Sarah says that working with Tucker has been the best part of starting the store, she’s also been touched to see the interest from the community.
“I’ve been really heartened by the recognition we’ve received from the Chester community and the interest they’ve shown us,” Sarah says.
It is nothing new for Sarah to be working with books. For the past 10 years, Sarah worked at the Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton, most recently as the adult program coordinator. In her role, Sarah was responsible for planning lectures and programs, as well as advertising, writing press releases, and creating posters for the events.
As someone with a passion for books, it’s not a surprise that Sarah has fond memories of her time there. “It was a wonderful experience. I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for the library. But I was ready for new challenges and a new experience, and I’m looking forward to the bookstore and learning new things. And I know they’ll continue to do amazing things at the library,” Sarah says.
Besides her years at the library, Sarah might be known by some area residents from her time as a volunteer and board member at The Estuary in Old Saybrook. The Estuary works to provide services to seniors living in the area, a mission which resonated with Sarah.
“In 2020, I realized that there was a lot of overlap with the community we serve at the library. I thought it would be a good way to get involved more,” says Sarah.
Sarah has served on the board as the Clinton representative for the past four years and, although she no longer works in Clinton, Sarah is eager to stay with The Estuary in some capacity.
“I’m pleased to see the progress they’ve made over the years, and I hope to stay with them in any way I can,” Sarah says.
Sarah grew up in Clinton and graduated from The Morgan School. Sarah, who now lives in Old Saybrook, has positive things to say about her hometown and the surrounding shoreline, particularly when it comes to the community and natural beauty of the area.
“My favorite part is the people, the supportive community around here and, of course, being close by the ocean,” Sarah says.
As for hobbies outside of work, Sarah enjoys visiting museums and libraries, going to concerts, traveling, going to the beach and, of course, reading.