LEGACY
a gift, something of value that is received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
The Origin
Legacy is the offspring of Beannacht: Words Well Used. The Beannacht founders, Robin Grubby and her daughter, Emily, loved “discovering the amazements contained in books.” They shared this love by filling a charming century-old space with an eclectic collection that grew into a trove. They spiced the books with a warm welcome and inspiring and fun conversations. Juliet Born, the current owner, found her way to this trove when she moved to the area in 2017, and bought the store in 2021.
The Legacy
The books live in a space that was originally an apothecary. The shop has been reincarnated many times over the decades, but retains original wooden cases, glass-fronted cupboards, pressed tin ceiling, and even a couple of library ladders to reach the highest shelves.
The books themselves, of course, are a gift from the past. Mostly they are inexpensive and because reused they are environmentally thoughtful. Some are treasures, rare and special. Together they form an odd and useful collection, numerous and varied, like any strong community. They come and go (and sometimes come back again), like the seasons.
The bookstore also represents a family initiative, which in itself speaks of legacy. While Juliet is usually the one behind the counter, we draw strength and ideas from both older and younger generations. The family’s experiences in many cultures, languages, countries, and careers, and an abiding love of learning shared across the generations, are now part of the legacy as well.
The Intent
A legacy is a thing to appreciate, care for, preserve, and share. In that spirit, we aim to provide:
• A warm welcome with an invitation to browse or sit and read to heart’s content
• Attentive service, including help to find a book, gift wrapping, book mailing
• An ever-changing yet always varied collection, including books for children and teens
• Good conversation for those who wish it, quiet for those who seek it
• A resource and partner for the community
Legacy Used Books Owner Juliet Born
Always Here, Ever Changing
We continue to support the weekly, all-volunteer, and delicious Bethlehem Community Dinner with every dollar from our dollar sale cart and the donations jar on our counter. More information available in store or on Facebook.
Store hours change seasonally, and we occasionally have extended hours or unplanned snow days. Follow us on Instagram (@legacyusedbooks) or email us (legacyusedbooks@gmail.com) if in doubt.
We’re always excited to help celebrate Bethlehem’s town-wide events, such as Christmas in Bethlehem (first Saturday of December) and Summerfest (second Saturday in August). This year’s August 10 Summerfest coincides with Bethlehem’s 250th Anniversary multi-day doings. Details at bethlehemsummerfest.com and bethlehemhistoricalnh.org.
Legacy Used Books will be deeply happy if we can help the books – and by extension the ideas, the art, the fun, the mysteries, and the knowledge that fill them – keep flowing into, around, and out of Bethlehem. Welcome to all.
P.S. Beannacht means blessing; Scottish poet John O’Donohue’s poem, Beannacht, includes in part these wishes:
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.