The Book Center – Cumberland, Maryland
In all my bookstore explorations to date, I may have found a first with The Book Center in Cumberland, Maryland. In addition to a nice selection of books on the shelves, the shop doubles as a premier cigar and pipe tobacco retailer.
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The more I thought about it, the more of a natural fit it seemed, conjuring images of Sherlock Holmes in his wingback chair, smoking a pipe and poring over a dusty old leatherbound volume.
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The family-owned shop began more than 65 years ago as a magazine wholesaler and newsstand. Today, it carries a large selection of new and used books, gift cards, postcards, magazines, newspapers, and of course the cigars and tobacco.
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Another unique aspect of the shop is its love of cats. While bookstore cats are a common phenomenon (the shop’s cat is Alice), they also work with local cat rescue groups and are an off-site adoption center for the county animal shelter.
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Books, tobacco, and cats – it all combines to make The Book Center a unique and memorable bookshop experience.
The Book Center Cards and Gifts is located at 15 North Centre Street, Cumberland, Maryland. Open daily.