Linda O'Hara: A Little Bit Of Everything

Nestled into a cozy shopping center, Book Trader has a quiet presence on the outside, but as I entered last week, a Native American who build dream catchers was looking at books on tape while an older gentleman was chatting with owner Linda O’Hara.  The store was buzzing with customers from all walks of life, looking for a deal on books, movies and music. 

Although Book Trader’s doors have been open to the public since 1976, current owner Linda O’Hara bought the business six years ago and continues the legacy of carrying a little bit of everything. 

O’Hara, wife, mother of three and book aficionado, was raised in Montville but remembers as a child coming to Groton often to the Commissary as well as the former drive-in called Topsey’s where Kohl's is now located. 

Out of high school, O’Hara worked for Pfizer, got married and started her family and with a focus on raising her children.  She frequented Book Trader, becoming friends with the owner. 

“As a fluke, the previous owner mentioned to me she was considering selling and retiring.  I mentioned I loved books and would be interested,” says O’Hara.

O’Hara purchased the store and six weeks later, moved into the adjacent space which is now the current location. She gave the space a complete overhaul into a well-lit maze of paperbacks sprinkled with stools and step ladders.

“I’ve met some amazing people here from all walks of life.  I used to have a group of young gothic kids who were brilliant, well read and well spoken,"  she says. “They were huge classics readers (like) Homer.  My first introduction to not preconceive what people should be reading.”

She’s met doctors who like a good Harlequin Romance and non-formally educated customers who want academic books.  She’s learned sum up people with her ears rather than her eyes.  Asking questions, getting to know her readers and building a rapport with  customers is her talent, and what makes Book Trader a hidden gem in the community.

“I think there is a real need for this store in this area.  I have a lot of senior citizens come in on limited budgets and military (residents) able to walk here, and our customers find that we are often much cheaper than Kindle,” says O’Hara. 

As both a business owner and home owner in Groton, O’Hara is pleased with the area.  Fitch has provided a solid education for her children and the coastal landscape and accessibility are insurrpassable, she says. 

“We’ve lived here 30 something years and it’s home to me," O’Hara says. "We have all our connections. I see old teachers and good friends come in the store and this is just home.”

Because of the digital age, O’Hara says the business has taken a small hit, but she’s now seeing a resurgence back to books.  She’s paying close attention to trends, but says there's no replacement for a large print book or inexpensive paperback one can hold. 

“The store has become an integral part of our family," O'Hara says. "It’s the glue between us all: family, friends, teachers, my husband.  The economy is tough and I’m always on the stage, but I’ve met some great people.  It’s definitely been worth the time and energy.”