Couple finds new home at Curiosity House Books
Curiosity House Books has new owners.
Rina Barone and Chris Dunk have taken over the Creemore bookstore as of today, Oct. 31.
The couple has purchased the business from Ralph Hicks, who has owned it for two years.
“We didn’t want to see it close. We thought we could continue to do what Ralph has done,” said Dunk.
“We feel like we’re stewards of the bookstore because it’s been in so many hands,” he said acknowledging the contributions of those who started the business and managed it over the years. Now the bookstore is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the spring.
There aren’t any big changes planned for the store in the immediate future.
Barone commended the talented staff who will remain working at the store, including former manager Jennifer Hubbs who will continue to plan events that have been known to attract well-known authors to the area.
Exhibitions of artwork will also continue with Martha Bull in the month of November.
Barone said the store will also continue to support local authors and be engaged in the community.
Having visited the area for most of their lives, Barone and Dunk purchased a house in Lavender more than three years ago with the intention of one day making it their primary residence.
In June they made the move from Toronto and in the summer started talking with Hicks about purchasing the bookstore.
“It’s not the impossible dream but a far fetched dream, we always thought it would be great to have a bookstore,” said Barone.
The couple has some experience in retail but they are new to the bookstore business. Barone has a journalism background and spent most of her career working in television. Dunk has worked as a contractor.
They plan to keep a steady stream of new stock at the store and Barone said books can be ordered in if they aren’t in stock. She said they are open to suggestions.
The bookstore hosts a book club the first Wednesday of each month and can order books for other book clubs.
“The support from the community has been great,” said Barone.
People are invited to come to the store Sunday to meet the new owners. An open house will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Curiosity House Books is organizing two events in November.
Children’s author Jon Klassen will be at the Collingwood Public Library on Monday, Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. promoting his new book Sam and Dave Dig a Hole. Admission is free but reservations are required by calling the bookstore at 705-466-3400 or the library at 705-445-1571.
Authors Michael Winter and Linden MacIntyre will be at Avening Hall on Monday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20 ($10 for students and members of the armed forces) and are available at the bookstore and online at ticketscene.ca.
Curiosity House Books is located at 178 Mill St.
