Thank you to everyone for signing the petition and for your passionate support. As the process unfolds, let's remember that everyone who works for the Frenchtown Borough is there because they care about our community. They deserve our respect and gratitude for the hard work they do every day! 

Meanwhile, here's an update from the Bookstore's Facebook page: 

This is Barbara from the Bookshop, writing in with an update. Thank you all SO MUCH for your support and concern. We are so very moved by your kindness.
Many people have asked us to explain what is happening and what they can do to help.
Here is the background: Last month, the Zoning Office that serves Frenchtown Borough, sent the Bookshop a letter. The letter instructed the Bookshop to stop holding any concerts, on the basis that concerts are a "Public Assembly," which is not permitted in the downtown area. It also instructed the Bookshop not to hold any events at all outdoors. Finally, it stated that the only events to be allowed in the Bookshop are "activities that are normal and accessory to the permitted retail sales use of the property." To be clear, this letter was from the Zoning Office, and not from the Frenchtown Borough governing body.
Here is the status: We have appealed that letter to the Frenchtown Planning Board. The Appeal we submitted is detailed and supported by several sworn statements from community members and bookselling-industry professionals about what the Bookstore programming means to Frenchtown and why concerts and author events and book clubs are part of the permitted use of a "bookstore." It also makes the case for using our outdoor space for these events.
That appeal is pending; the Board has 120 days to consider it. In the meantime, the Borough is aware that many Frenchtown businesses have indoor and outdoor events, and it is carefully and thoughtfully working on a uniform way to regulate those events. The Borough also is aware that the letter's reference to events that are "normal and accessory" to bookselling is not completely clear, and that more clarity on that issue is required. Finally, they are aware of local residents' frustration and concern about the Zoning Officer's letter.
We fully expect that the Council and the Planning Board will come to a reasoned and fair approach to the town wide issue of public events; this may involve the passage of an ordinance, which will take a bit of time. The bottom line: They are on it.