By Staff
Love appreciates ‘wonderful’ 13 years of community support
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
After 13 years in the book business, Sally Love, owner of Sunflower Books in downtown Washington, is retiring.
The store is set to close April 26, coinciding with the conclusion of a prize giveaway promotion. The contest began March 27, and rewards customers for their loyal support to the store since it’s opening in 1994. Prize points are awarded each day to store visitors through a variety of ways, including trivia games, treasure hunts and family days.
Love officially opened Sunflower Books on Sept. 13, 1994. Love and her husband, Al Love, moved to Washington from Pittsburgh, Pa. An affinity for sailing brought the couple to Washington after Al Love took early retirement.
The couple’s retirement didn’t last long. Love began inquiring about the best bookstore in town. The only problem was there wasn’t one.
With an abundance of used books stowed away aboard their houseboat, the couple decided to open a bookstore in town.
The store gained customers through word-of-mouth and Love decided to expand and move the store to its present location at 238 West Main Street.
Love, who has a degree in elementary education and music, replaced the used books section of the store with a children’s section. The intimate children’s section has been a huge success, she said.
Over the years, Love has provided entertainment for children of all ages.
Sunflower Books also has held book signings in support of regional authors.
With an abundance of warm memories, Love said she is ready to enjoy her retirement.
Although Love won’t miss the workload, she said she will miss the friendly atmosphere of the store.
The toughest thing for customers like Wheelock to leave behind is the helpful manner of the store’s employees, she said.
Love also thinks her employees have done a great service to the store.
Sunflower books has become a small-town success story, and Love said she plans to leave it that way.