Millrace Books Closing After 40 Years

For 40 years, Millrace Books, tucked into the old grist mill overlooking the Farmington River, has been a quiet haven for literature, writers, reader and ideas. Today, Jan Owens, owner and caretaker of the store, announced she and her cat Pearl will be leaving the building and Millrace behind.

The announcement comes just two weeks after the Grist Mill Restaurant, which long shared the old mill space with Millrace, is moving to Avon. Miss Porter’s School is reportedly interested in buying the building and using it for academic space.

But according to Owens’ announcement, the Farmington River Literary Arts Center, which used Millrace’s space to host writing workshops and literary programs, would be welcomed to continue use of the building.

The final day of operation for Millrace Books will be July 1, Owens said, and will be preceded by a half-price closing sale beginning June 24.

Hours will be noon to 4  p.m. and Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All day on Saturday, June 30 a celebration event for the community and the many volunteers and friends of Millrace Books will be held.

“We are confident that an exciting new chapter in the life of Farmington's historic Grist Mill is being envisioned by the prospective new owners,” Owens said.

Millrace Books is at 44 Mill Lane in Farmington center.