Former Book Revue Employee Aims For Bookstore's 'Next Chapter'

HUNTINGTON, NY—Many in Huntington Village and beyond were sad to see Long Island's largest independent bookstore close its doors in September after 44 years of business. But one former manager from the Book Revue has launched a campaign to crowd-fund the beginning of a new independent bookstore in Huntington.

"Book Revue: The Next Chapter" was created by Mallory Braun with the blessing of Richard Klein, a Book Revue owner. As of Wednesday, the Kickstarter has raised $50,937 of a needed $250,000.

If the campaign fails to raise the full amount in 43 more days, the pledged funds return to the donors. If Braun is successful, she will open The Next Chapter, to "reincarnate the spirit of Book Revue."

Braun is a Huntington native who managed the Book Revue for five years before it closed on Sept. 10.

Her plan for an independent bookstore is inspired by the front section of the old store, with tables of used and remaindered books, rare books, zines, art and vinyl, with a curated selection of new books. Just like the Book Revue, she envisions author signings, readings and events at the new space.

Braun writes that she wants to give Long Islanders the experiences of visiting a physical bookstore.

"I would like for their children to be able to sit in a quiet corner of a bookshop, pull a book off a shelf, give mom or dad a bit of a rest, and learn something absolutely new. I think my own mom, who was a kindergarten teacher for 32 years, would agree that it's one of the best ways to grow up."