Belleville Books opens downtown with stocked shelves and a full slate of literary events

Belleville Books celebrated its grand opening Tuesday, Sept. 24. It was a day I — and many others based on the attendance — have looked forward to for a long time.

“What a treat to have you all here today,” owner Rob Eckman told the crowd.

He and his husband, Steve Mathews, came to Belleville because they have family here.

The store is very much in their hearts, second only to their grandchildren, said Eckman.

Eckman spent years working in the independent bookstore industry . I consider myself lucky to see the progress they made with the building since February and the love they put into it to bring the store to downtown Belleville.

The couple bought the former Bridgeman Insurance building in late January and remodeled the interior. Work included removing an old drop ceiling, insulation and duct work to reveal the high ceiling of the building, which was built in 1912 .

Mayor Patty Gregory publicly thanked Eckman and Mathews at the grand opening for all of the work they put into revitalizing the gorgeous building, which included fresh paint, new furnishings and restoration of the exterior lights.

More than a place to buy books

In addition to providing a treasure trove of books, Belleville Books will hold regular events featuring authors, readings and book signings.

Grand opening week events include:

• Singer Jan Marra Performance, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26;

• Author Cynthia Correll: “The Land of Ampersand,” 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27;

• Author Dave Lange: “Year One: St. Louis CITY SC,” 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

Additional author readings and book signings are scheduled for the following week.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, Kazuko Blake will discuss her memoir , “Kazuko: Sixth Grade in World War II Hiroshima.” There will be a Q&A and signing.

Then at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, Andrew Bridgeman, of Bridgeman Insurance and previous owner of the Belleville Books building, will celebrate the launch of his debut novel , “Fortunate Son.” (I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.) Bridgeman will share details of how he went from longtime Belleville resident to a published novelist.

Both Blake’s and Bridgeman’s books are available for purchase at the store.

As an independent bookstore, Belleville Books also partners with organizations such as the Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) to provide books for kids who need them.

Through Oct. 26, net proceeds from purchases of Belleville Books apparel on bonfire.com benefit MELP.

Belleville Books’ opening day included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with city officials, members of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce and downtown Belleville business owners.

I saw many familiar faces, including Belleville Historical Society President Larry Betz, who pointed out that the last time we met was at Belleville Books .

“I’m really happy for this, for them” he said of the store and its owners as he waited in line to purchase a book on bridge architecture.

I made a purchase of my own while I was there (because of course I did), and it will certainly not be my last.

About Belleville Books

Belleville Books is located at 20 E. Main St. in downtown Belleville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information about the store and its events, visit facebook.com/bellevilleillinoisbooks .

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