A Special Message from Lynn

Although I have personally tried to thank the editorial cartoonist, all media reporters and customers, old and new, who have expressed their concern, caring and sadness at the closing of the Tudor Book Shop, I do want to publicly thank all of you for your outpouring of support. Closing the Tudor was a very difficult and painful decision, but the kind notes, e-mails and these expressions of shared sadness are making it more palatable.

In reminiscing with reporters, staff and so many recent visitors to the Tudor, I have been reminded of all the wonderful opportunities I have had to meet hundreds of authors and attend unique and interesting events in the Tudor. How could I forget the excitement of the two Tasha Tudor Teas at the Westmoreland Club? Then there were the ten author Mystery Writers’ and New Millennium Living Better: Book by Book Authors’ Brunch as well as several Author Fests. How fortunate I have been to be able to meet a different nationally-published author every other month through the TLC Book Club. What fun it was to have a Children’s Bad Hair Day Contest and raise money for the SPCA with spirited competitive voting in the Best Looking Cat, Dogs and Pet contests. Almost 15 years of giving books to hundreds of underprivileged children through our customers’ generosity to the Tudor’s December Angel Project have made me so proud of this community.

In 1999 the Tudor created Our Valley’s Greatest Generation Album filled with letters and personal records of local World War II veterans. We would like to give the Historical Society this album as well as the 2002 Remembering Agnes Scrapbook created by students to honor the 30 year anniversary of the Agnes Flood.

It has been a joy sharing and selling books to so many of you for over 30 years. Hopefully the Tudor has helped to create generations of lifelong readers. What I would also love is that the Tudor legacy inspires local entrepreneurs to create exciting, viable and unique locally owned businesses. I hope some day there is a community supported independent book store which will reflect the tastes, interests and institutions in this community. What is in that store, the color of its walls, and what programs, events, and projects it initiates and supports will all be decided locally. Thus it can be a book store with the mind, heart and individuality of this Valley with a Heart.

How can I convey to all of you in our unique and beautiful Wyoming Valley the gratitude I feel for allowing me to do something that I have loved doing for over 30 years? Owning the Tudor Bookshop & Cafe has been a wonderful adventure that all of you made possible.

Thank you,
Lynn Gonchar