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A new store, Pamlico Books, is coming to downtown Washington with plans to open during the summer of 2021.

Demolition began on December 11th to renovate the former Miracle-Ear office into a more open floor plan and restore some of the historic features of the building located on North Market Street. Owners Tom and Deb Ryan are newcomers to Washington and cannot wait to join the community. 

“We wanted to do more than just live in Washington. We knew we wanted to really immerse ourselves in the community,” said Tom Ryan. “Now with main street being done and with COVID-19 hopefully soon to be in the rear view mirror, the timing just seems wonderful.”

The Ryans are both former teachers and have a passion for reading and literature. 

“The renovation of the building is starting now and that’s very exciting for us,” said Ryan. “It seems a long way away, there’s a lot of work to be done between now and then but our vision for what this bookstore can be is so much more than just a place that has books.” 

In addition to books, Pamlico Books will also offer gifts, toys, and community-inclusive activities like college counseling workshops and reading groups.