Over the years much has been published about our cozy book store. Click here to read the recent on line article from "Bookselling this Week".

Following is the article that was published in AmeliaNow (Winter 2003) that describes our store and philosophies best.

A lifelong lover of books, Shaw is often found sitting with a crony discussing the latest books in one of several comfortable chairs near the front of his shop. Children tugging at their parents' hands can be seen heading to the back of the store, where a gazebo with comfy cushions beckons. Surrounding the gazebo are walls of children's books. The small-town warmth and friendliness on the brightly lit shop draws the customers in. Locals come looking for the latest good read, and visitors find a complete selection of books that focus on the history and flora and fauna that make Northeast Florida such a fascinating place to live and visit.
The island is not only blessed with many wonderful bookstores but also resident writers and poets of all kinds. Shaw encourages the local creative community, and on any given Saturday you may find an author sitting at a table in front of the store talking about their books and promoting the virtues of Amelia Island and a community with Mayberry-like charm. It is no surprise that Shaw is a sponsor of the annual Book Island Festival held on Amelia Island the first weekend in October each year. The Festival features famous authors and offers programs and seminars for participants and attracts visitors from all over the United States and the world.
Ever ready with a friendly greeting, Shaw's freckled and friendly face will greet you when you enter the store, and he will quickly ask what you are reading and hand you something he thinks you might be interested in. Before you know it, you'll walk out with a book or two under your arm.
Proud to be an independent bookseller and not part of a chain, Shaw has created a shop with lots of personality and warmth.
Shaw is also an entrepreneur at heart. He actively promotes local publishing projects through Lexington Ventures. He has published regional literary works that cover the history of the island, county and region. Nassau County's only history books, "Yesterday's Reflections," and "The Historic Splendor of Amelia Island" were developed with author Jan Johannes. The third collaboration has resulted in "Tidewater Amelia", a coffee-table book with eye-candy pictures of historic homes in Coastal Northeast Florida.

Shaw is the distributor of two books by regional writer Ron Kurtz and photographer Roger Moore. The first: "Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach" is a popular book for visitors, with lots of useful information and beautiful color photographs of the island. The newest Kurtz/Moore book is one for children, "Arfie On Amelia" - the island adventures of a lovable dog who actually lives on Amelia Island.
The Shaws have two sons and two granddaughters. Don Shaw enjoys each and every day at his bookstore surrounded by his beloved books. He recently shared one of his favorite quotes:

"….Why are we reading if not in hope that the writer will magnify and dramatize our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom, courage, and the possibility of meaningfulness…."-Annie Dillard, The Writing Life