The Write Stuff
There ’ s a new bookstore in town and its shelves are crammed with golden oldies . By Jessica Abbiati
Kelly Kujawski has always loved to read ; it ’ s a passion that led to her esoteric career in bookbinding ( think classes in leather longstitch and paper conservation ) before it was time to turn the page . In September , she introduced an updated version of her studio , Rarities , to the wider world of book lovers . Its new incarnation is now Rarities Books and Bindery , a small , welcoming space in downtown Wakefield .
Chances are you won ’ t find Rarities ’ inventory on any massive e-commmerce site ( you know , that one ). Kujawski offers new works by local authors , occasional live music , antique books as well as other merch including cute cards and candles . Last-minute holiday shoppers should check out the woolly shawls and scarves by artist Kate O ’ Donovan , along with vintage , out-of-print and gently worn works by writers such as Stephen King , Christopher Hitchens and L . Frank Baum .
Kujawski also acquired several hundred old editions from
Allison Goodsell before she shut Kingston Hill Books , a longtime antiquarian business . “ Customers will come in and talk about how many times a year they would visit Allison ’ s and how they ’ re so glad Rarities is now here in town ,” says Kujawski , who still does bookbinding in her original , appointment-only location in the Shady Lea Mill in North Kingstown . “ I know I will never be able to compare myself to how amazing she is at what she does , but to follow in her footsteps is an honor .” 396 Main St ., Wakefield , 379-9970 , raritiesonline . com
Kelly Kujawski , owner of Rarities Books and Bindery , sells a selection of new and vintage books and unique gifts .
PHOTOGRAPHY ( THIS PAGE ) COURTESY OF RARITIES BOOKS AND BINDERY : ( OPPOSITE ) JAMIE COELHO .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l DECEMBER 2021 15