Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am writing to say thank you to Nancy Halstead for the excellent service she has provided to our community as the proprietor of Twice Told Tales. Gloucester County has been privileged to have such a wonderful, independently-owned bookstore right on Main Street in the Court House and we will most certainly miss having such a valuable resource in our county when Twice Told Tales closes its doors at the end of the year.

Twice Told Tales has always provided a professional, comfortable, accessible venue for authors, art groups, and various community groups, quietly supporting the arts for years. We will miss the various art displays and author signings which Nancy hosted so graciously.

Most of all, my family and I will miss Twice Told Tales, as run by Nancy! Each of my children has taken turns climbing the nicely carpeted steps and leaping off the top landing. I think my youngest once wiped out the entire poetry section! I know that at least one of my children has been extracted from the front window display. And yet, despite all their wildness, the children have developed a kind of reverence for this delightful place where great stories are all around and people are always kind to them. They don’t have this level of respect for Amazon, I can tell you this.

Nancy’s warmth, professionalism, and knowledge cannot be replaced. Gloucester County will lose a treasure when Twice Told Tales closes up shop. Nancy, thanks so much for all you’ve done to give great books a wonderful home in our little town.

You will be missed more than you know.

Jennifer James

Dutton, Va.