Breakwater Books Reopens in Downtown St. John’s After 13 Years

BREAKING: After over a decade away from the heart of St. John’s, Breakwater Books has officially reopened its doors in a brand-new location on Duckworth Street. The grand opening, celebrated on Saturday, marks a significant moment for Newfoundland and Labrador’s oldest publishing house, which was forced to close its downtown location following a devastating fire in 2010.

Rebecca Rose, president and publisher, expressed her excitement about returning downtown, stating, “This is where we really kind of started, this is where we were best known. It’s really important to be in the downtown.” After years of operating from Stamps Lane, Rose emphasized the importance of being back in the area that has long been associated with the publisher’s identity.

The fire that struck Breakwater’s previous building over a decade ago left a void in the local literary community. Rose, who took over the family business founded in 1973, recognized the need for a location that could accommodate retail alongside publishing, storage, and distribution. With the addition of a secondary warehouse, the company is now positioned to serve its community better than ever.

“We certainly feel like we’re back home again,” Rose remarked during an interview on CBC Radio’s The St. John’s Morning Show. With the reopening, Breakwater Books is set to fulfill the growing demand for locally authored and published titles, which Rose noted have often been overshadowed in the larger marketplace dominated by multinational publishers.

“The void we’re filling is locally authored books, local published books that are often lost in the traditional marketplace,” she said. “People want to support local, but we’re so hard to find in the marketplace.”

As the literary landscape continues to evolve, Breakwater Books aims to spotlight the voices of Newfoundland and Labrador authors, ensuring they are not lost among mainstream offerings. The reopening is a testament to the resilience of local businesses and the enduring appetite for homegrown literature.

For those eager to support local literature, the new Breakwater Books location is a must-visit. The excitement surrounding this grand reopening is palpable, and the community’s support has never been more crucial.

Stay tuned for more updates on Breakwater Books and local literary events. Download the free CBC News app for push alerts and sign up for the daily headlines newsletter for the latest developments in Newfoundland and Labrador.