Bunch of Grapes

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The Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven is well-known as one of the best independent bookstores in the country, and it's certainly a favorite Vineyard destination for bibliophiles like me and the rest of my family.  I remember thinking it was about the coolest place ever on my visits there as a child, and we always went back whenever we were on the island.  I took this picture last week...I love this "Time to Read" clock.  I want one for my library!

Sadly, as I was reading through my blog subscriptions this morning, I found out some horrible news via Chappysmom.  A fire yesterday morning destroyed the Cafe Moxie restaurant next door to Bunch of Grapes, and badly damaged the bookstore, which shared a common wall with Cafe Moxie, possibly beyond repair (they razed the restaurant and are still determining whether the bookstore is salvageable).

If you haven't been to Vineyard Haven, Main Street consists of a dense row of wooden buildings.  If the fire had happened at a different time of day (and had been reported later in its progression), or with high winds present, it's conceivable that the entire street could have gone up. 

It's a tremendous loss (as a librarian, the very idea of fire and water present in a place full of books makes me shudder), and I know I'm not the only person hoping that the bookstore can be salvaged and that the restaurant owners are able to rebuild. 

Comments

[Joan]

OMG. Chappysmom is a good friend of mine from high school - we just reconnected last month via Ravelry (Jersey Represents!) - I can't believe you read her blog. It *is* a very small world, indeed.

And I've been sad to read all of the bookstore updates ... as far as I'm concerned there's nothing more depressing than a fire in a bookstore or library - even worse than one in a yarn store.

[--Deb]

I agree--it's worse losing all those books than it would be losing a store full of yarn. (sniffle) And I feel terrible for the couple who just bought Cafe Moxie, too, but ... it's all those BOOKS that are making me weep.