As The Women’s Eye looks to celebrate those who make an impact in their communities, we spotlight Meg Flynn and Emily Welch, the co-owners of Black Rock Books in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
In 2023, TWE profiled these two moms who put their heads together and their love of books and professional experiences to establish their bookstore. They were motivated to bring the community together, bridge generations and provide an engaging space for all. Birthing and running a bookstore is never easy or simple, but they are pulling it off with great creativity!!!
TWE likes to honor enterprising women on Valentine’s Day for all they do to make the world a better place. We caught up with the busy entrepreneurs and were able to surprise them with a special cake and congratulatory certificate for what they continue to do for their town and community.
Of course, we had a few catch-up questions for them as well!
EYE: Where does your wonderful love of books stem from?
MEG: The love of books stems from a childhood spent in public libraries, and escaping into the pages of fantasy novels. Today, that love has only grown as I share books with my son, re-discovering old favorites and stories from newer authors as he takes his first steps as an independent reader!
EMILY: I have always turned to books as a source of knowledge, delving into self-improvement to broaden my horizons (with a healthy dose of escapism in the form of romantasy peppered in for good measure).
EYE: Have you seen much change in the bookstore arena since you started Black Rock Books?
MEG: Since we opened in 2023, we’ve continued to see independent bookstores rise in popularity as beacons of community in turbulent times. We’re continuously inspired by our fellow Indies to do more for our communities, local and national. That’s not something you’re going to get from some other types of bookstores.
The emphasis on events is something we think has increased as the loss of “third spaces,” or places to gather that aren’t home or office, has started to feel more and more real. But, in an increasingly difficult retail environment with tariffs, an uncertain economy, and the ease of online retail, all independent shops have been hit hard over the past year.
EYE: Do you feel like a bookstore now needs to include “experiences” to be successful as well as stocking popular books?
MEG AND EMILY: Yes, most indies have found that offering opportunities to connect with other bookworms strengthens their community and helps get folks in the door.
You might have your eye on that new thriller, and that book bedazzling class is just the thing you need to get out of the house on a Thursday night and stop in!
EYE: What books are you now delving into?
MEG: I’m all-in on the Heated Rivalry hype, I just started Game Changer by Rachel Reid. I’m the type of person who starts multiple books at once, across pretty much any genre, so I’m also looking forward to finishing Home Schooled by Stefan Merrill Block and Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.
EMILY: I am really loving The Favorites by Layne Fargo, set in the world of ice skating.
TWE: Continued success to you, Meg and Emily, and your great staff at Black Rock Books!!!! We were honored to present you with this certificate in recognition for all you are doing to make a difference in your community.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BLACK ROCK BOOKS:
Website: Black Rock Books CT
Facebook: Black Rock Books l Bridgeport CT
Instagram: blackrockbooksct
Some links in this post may be “affiliate links,” meaning TWE receives a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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