Frenchtown Bookshop

The bookshop’s building, on the main drag of Bridge Street, was originally a Victorian mansion constructed in 1863. The first bookshop there, Book Garden, sadly folded two months into the pandemic. Scott Sheldon, an attorney, and his wife Barbara deWilde, neither of whom had ever planned to open a bookstore, saw the community’s need and decided to step in. They undertook a major interior renovation that opened up the previously multi-roomed first floor, and the Frenchtown Bookshop opened on July 30, 2021.

Barbara and Scott’s emphasis on classic literature and literary fiction struck a chord with the Frenchtown community and the shop quickly became a community gathering place. Three years ago they turned the back yard into a “Reading Garden” where, weather permitting, you can hang out peacefully for free (reading encouraged but not required). The shop is also particularly strong in the areas of history, local interest, science, and nature. They sell only new books, and have an eclectic selection of gift items. Scott produces a weekly online newsletter, “The Constant Reader,” in which he writes small essays about new books that have attracted his interest, as well as news about upcoming events at the shop.

~ Bill Hemmig, author of Americana: Stories and Brethren Hollow

Read the rest of “A Day in Frenchtown” on Bill Hemmig’s substack

Bookstore Specialty: 
Classic Literature and Literary Fiction

Frenchtown Bookshop is a staple in this charming NJ town. It’s very easy to get lost for the day in Frenchtown where the bookshop is surrounded by other boutiques and restaurants. If you cannot make it in person just yet, we recommend subscribing to their email newsletter, “The Constant Reader,” which fills you in on the booksellers’ current conversations and must-reads.

Learn More
You can find more information about Frenchtown Bookshop through their website. You can learn about bookstore events, staff recommendations, and new releases. Thanks to a generous grant from American Express Shop Small Grants Program, Frenchtown Bookshop is hosting a literary festival filled with celebrated writers. It began in June, but is continuing through October 2026 [https://frenchtownbookshop.com/literary-festival].

We are so excited to feature Frenchtown Bookshop in our upcoming Indie Bookshops of New Jersey 2027 wall calendar. Preorders are open now. Calendars are printed with a limited print run, so preordering ensures you get a copy before they sell out. Calendars will ship out on August 25th. Or you can contact the store directly to get your copy!