From Minnesota blizzards to martha’s Vineyard Bookstore: One Man’s Unexpected chapter
Escape the everyday and step into Edgartown Books, a charming bookstore on Martha’s Vineyard that’s more than just a place to buy books; it’s a community hub brimming with literary treasures and a warm, inviting atmosphere.From classic novels to contemporary bestsellers and local authors, the shelves are stocked with a diverse collection to satisfy every reader. A cozy lounge area offers a respite for bookworms and those seeking a quiet workspace, while the front porch buzzes with activity during summer author signings.
at the heart of this literary haven is Mathew tombers, the bookstore’s owner, whose journey to Martha’s Vineyard is as captivating as the stories within its walls.His dedication to his customers and staff is evident: “I’ve been so fortunate,” he shares, “The people who work here have so much love for it.”
Tombers’ path to becoming a bookstore owner wasn’t a straight line.A former high school English teacher in Minneapolis, he traded frigid Minnesota winters for the sunny shores of Los Angeles after one particularly brutal night. “One night, it was 73° below 0 windchill factor in Minnesota, and I said enough,” he recalls. “A month later, I was in Los Angeles.” His move west led to an unexpected career in advertising, working with KMPC radio and later at ABC Radio and the Revelation Network, a journey that eventually brought him to New York City.
Throughout his advertising career, Tombers maintained a friendship with jeffrey and Joyce Sudikoff, whom he’d met in Los Angeles. The Sudikoffs, Vineyard homeowners, invited him to visit in 2007, beginning a connection that would ultimately shape his life. When the Sudikoffs purchased Edgartown Books in 2012 to prevent its closure, a new chapter began.
In late winter 2016, Joyce Sudikoff reached out to Tombers for help staffing the store during the summer. What he initially anticipated as a three-week stint turned into an eight-week commitment. After retiring in 2018 and finding himself “really bored,” Tombers returned to the Vineyard, and ”They asked me to return in 2019, and I have managed never to leave.”
His transition into the role was gradual, guided by Joyce’s mentorship. “I’m a fairly well-rounded person, so I can talk to people about books, and I started as a high school English teacher,” he explains. “My sister breaks into laughter every time she thinks of it.She believes it’s the perfect job for my retirement.”
Tombers’ approach to curating the bookstore’s collection is a blend of intuition and research. “I listen to customers and note some of the trends,” he says. “Things have changed over the past four years.This is one of the things I find most hopeful and interesting, at least in Edgartown Books. There are a lot of young people in their 20s, post-college, who come in, and they are not looking for beach reads. They are gravitating to the classics, and books that are challenging.” He supplements this by reviewing industry publications and seeking recommendations from publishers and friends.
Tombers’ passion for Edgartown Books is palpable. “At night, when I leave and look around, it almost feels like it’s alive,” he reflects. ”All of us who work there put in a lot of effort to make it as vibrant a place as possible. I can feel that vibrancy in the air. When people come in, I think they feel its specialness. They feel the love that everybody who works here gives to it.” He concludes, “I feel incredibly privileged to be doing this at this time in my life.”
Edgartown Books, 44 Main St., Edgartown, MA. For more details, visit edgartownbooks.com or @edgartownbooks.
From Frozen Tundra to Literary Haven: How One Man Found His Calling on Martha’s Vineyard
Edgartown Books on Martha’s Vineyard is more than just a bookstore; it’s a beloved community hub known for its curated collection,cozy atmosphere,and passionate owner. We spoke with bookstore aficionado and author Brian Baumgardner about the factors that make independent bookstores like Edgartown Books so special and the unique story of how Matthew Tombers found his way to this island literary sanctuary.
The Magic of Independent Bookstores
World-Today-News: Brian, you’ve written extensively about the importance of independent bookstores. What is it about these places that draws people in and makes them so vital to communities?
Brian Baumgardner: Independent bookstores like Edgartown Books offer something truly special. They’re not just places to buy books; they’re cultural hubs where people connect over a shared love of literature.
They often have a carefully curated selection that reflects the owner’s passion and knowledge. Booksellers become trusted advisors, helping customers discover new authors and genres they might not have found otherwise. There’s a personal touch that you just don’t get at large chain bookstores or online retailers.
A Journey of Unexpected Chapters
World-today-News: Matthew Tombers, the owner of Edgartown Books, has an unconventional story. he traded a career in advertising and a life in bustling Los Angeles for the quieter pace of Martha’s Vineyard. What drew him to this island and ultimately to owning a bookstore?
Brian Baumgardner: matthew’s journey is a testament to the power of unexpected detours. A brutal Minnesota blizzard pushed him to seek warmer climes, ultimately leading him to Los Angeles where he found success in advertising.But his path took another turn when he reconnected with friends on Martha’s Vineyard.
He was initially drawn to the island’s charm and relaxed atmosphere. When the possibility arose to help at Edgartown Books, he embraced the chance to connect with his passions for books and community.
Matt’s experience reminds us that our lives are often a series of unexpected chapters and that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we least expect.
Curating a Community
World-Today-News: What struck me about edgartown Books is how it feels like a reflection of Matthew’s personality and interests.
Brian Baumgardner: That’s a key element of what makes independent bookstores so special.
Matthew’s passion for literature is evident in the bookstore’s diverse and thoughtfully curated collection.He’s not just selling books; he’s creating an experience that invites people to explore new worlds and ideas.
His dedication to his staff also shines through. They all contribute to the welcoming atmosphere
World-Today-News: It sounds like Edgartown Books is more than just a store; it’s a true community hub.
Brian Baumgardner: Absolutely. From author signings to book clubs, Matthew has created a space where people gather to share their love of reading.
He understands that a bookstore can be so much more than a place to buy books; it can be a catalyst for connection, conversation, and community.
