Store gives free book appraisals

WINSTED — The recently opened Colebrook Book Barn at the Whiting Mills Building held a free book appraisal on Thursday, July 9. 

Co-owners Robert Seymour and Mignon Smith, both of Colebrook, said they were encouraged by the turnout for the welcoming event. Smith has been working on developing ideas to inform the public about the new store’s presence and also increase interest in the Book Barn’s products and services. 

Smith and Seymour visited the DeMars photo exhibit benefit for the Beardsley and Memorial Library at the Whiting Mills Open Studios in August 2014. 

“That was when we came up with the idea to open a rare book, antique and collectible store featuring an elegant library atmosphere, which included all of the furniture I couldn’t put up with in my house anymore,” Smith said. 

One local resident brought in an antique “History of France” volume dating back to 1682. 

Another resident, Kelly McCarthy, let Seymour look at some of her mother’s old books. 

“I like old books because they look cool,” McCarthy said. 

Smith said the Colebrook Book Barn at Whiting Mills will begin hosting cultural events soon, such as a book discussion and signing in August by acclaimed author Janice P. Nimura, writer of “Daughters of the Samurai.”

For more information call 860-965-9894.