by Carolyn Webb

Welcome to new AAUW member Linda Foulsham!

Linda’s route to the Bennington Bookshop took a long and circuitous path, starting in Hanover, Massachusetts where she was born. Linda says she has always wanted to own a bookstore, and she and husband Phil Lewis made that dream come true.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Linda attended Suffolk University Law School in Boston. Her law career took her back to New Hampshire, working as a lawyer for the state colleges and universities, specializing in employment and higher education law.

She was asked if she’d be interested in accompanying a university-led tour to Australia for three weeks, and who can say “no” to that? The tour guide on the Australia side was Phil, who had been living there for 20 years, and running a cattle farm. The rest is history, and Linda moved to Australia. After several years, she says she missed being around people (the cattle farm being in a rural location), and they started looking for a place to live in the US. Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina was looking for a lawyer, so they moved to Boone. Linda specialized there in cases of equity and diversity.

The dream of a bookstore was still on her mind, and she and Phil explored bookstores for sale, looking especially for those not in cold climates! But, the Bennington Bookshop was too interesting to overlook, and they decided to buy the oldest independent bookstore in Vermont. They have been the friendly and welcoming faces in the bookstore since March, 2015.

Over the last seven years, they’ve had numerous book talks, promoted local authors, and ordered countless books for customers. Covid provided a challenge, but books could still be ordered and either delivered by Linda or Phil, mailed, or picked up outside the store. They survived Covid, and their on-line service is now a large part of their business. Last year, they moved from Main Street to 109 South Street, to one of the storefronts in the newly renovated Pennysaver building. The store is a cheerful place that feels sunny even on a grey, overcast Vermont day. They have a selection of pretty much anything a book-lover might be looking for, from books on Vermont to fiction, history, crafts, poetry, politics, non-fiction, and a wonderful selection of books for children and teens. In addition, there is a lovely collection of cards and book-related gifts. Asked what her favorite reads are, Linda likes reading memoirs and fiction, especially by women writers. She enjoys learning about the internal lives of people.

The new shop location has an outdoor area behind the building, and Linda and Phil will be offering book talks and events outside when the weather is warmer. There is also ample parking behind the shop, and a new coffee shop next door.

So, AAUW members, if you have not been to the Bennington Bookshop of late, do go, introduce yourself, pick up a book or two, grab a coffee next door, and start reading! To Linda, welcome to the Bennington Branch of AAUW, and we look forward to seeing you at one of our events.