A recent Cease and Desist Notice from the Frenchtown Borough has ordered the Frenchtown Bookshop to stop all events that are not “directly related to the sale of books” and to immediately stop hosting events of any kind in its outdoor garden space. This means that many of the Bookshop’s most cherished events will no longer be allowed, like local children reading their award-winning stories and poems, outdoor gatherings of book clubs, and intimate concerts by jazz, folk and classical musicians.

We believe that a thriving bookstore isn’t just about the sale of books. It is a cultural hub that can strengthen a community beyond measure, bringing people closer, encouraging tourism and commerce, and providing an escape from the constant bombardment of internet click-bait, online games, and social media that we all experience. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Frenchtown Bookshop invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to create just such an escape, providing great solace for anybody who wanted to gather safely--not just to buy books--but to be a part of Frenchtown’s incredible community. As always, the Bookshop's events are totally free or involve an incredibly modest donation, with 100% of the net profits going directly to presenting artists and writers.

We also believe that in the past decade, as mammoth online booksellers have decimated independent bookstores, the definition of a bookstore as a mere “seller of books” has become completely obsolete. In fact, according to the American Booksellers Association, over 1 in 5 independent bookstores across America has closed since 2020 due to economic pressures. To survive these challenging times, it's crucial that our bookstore can provide cultural programming both indoors and outdoors.

The Frenchtown Bookshop is arguably one of the best things to happen to our community in decades. We urge you to support our plea to preserve the rights of the Frenchtown Bookshop to hold events in its spaces. The Borough's order has been appealed and a final ruling could come at any moment, so please show your support by signing this petition today. It's not just about preserving a business; it's about maintaining an essential part of our town’s culture and community spirit.

Please sign and add your comments to show your support!

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone for signing the petition and for your passionate support. As the process unfolds, please 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!