Shop Local: There’s Nothing Like a Good Book (Place)

Don’t be afraid if you feel things when you walk into A Book Place (489 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-405-7902)—curiosity, warmth, the urge to divulge deep thoughts or maybe even hug the owner, Jocelyn Maningo Kaleita. Don’t worry; she’ll hug you back.

“What I love is the store is inclusive and that was something that other people brought to my attention – it wasn’t on my radar as a word that describes my business, but it just makes my heart grow,” says Maningo Kaleita, who opened the store in July 2022. “I wanted you to walk in and feel home—feel joy.”

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., A Book Place’s white-washed walls, vaulted ceilings and mint green 1957 Ford truck made into a checkout counter does vibe a little like the film set of an ideal book shop/gathering spot. It’s the place where every time you walk in you see your favorite people, solve a conundrum, laugh out loud — like Central Perk on “Friends” but with books. 

Word of mouth helped to grow the business, bringing in not only loyal customers for the latest hot novel or biography or participants for her monthly events, like Silent Book Club, but for her deeply local-centric curation of unique items. 

“I love Long Island and I’m proud of it—and I love sharing it,” she says. “It’s generally things that make me feel good or I found at a street fair or farmers markets that are wholesome, family-oriented and good for the world. Good for us!” 

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Creations by Coo Junk Journal $40 Part journal, part craft book, Long Islander Maria Vega creates these books using discarded, antique Golden Books, keeping the stories intact but weaving in gorgeous paper to write on, pockets to tuck secret notes and thoughts, stickers, a detachable tassel keychain and more. (Photo credit: Doug Young) Sue Donelly jean jackets $125 These one-of-a-kind demin jackets, hand-painted with everything from angel’s wings to scenes of Alice in Wonderland, will turn your outfit into walking art. North Fork resident Sue Donelly uses acrylic paint to create wearable art, which can be washed (inside out on delicate is best) or spot-cleaned. She also takes custom requests. (Photo credit: Doug Young) Abundant Soul Apothecary Essential Oils 10ml, $16 These small-batch aromatherapy oils made by Marissa Phillips (who also works at A Book Place) are created to tune you into the mood you want to achieve via her four irresistible blends: Joy, Courage, Calm and Release. “I research effects of each individual oil and how it reacts, and formulate my own blends,” Phillips says. (Photo credit: Doug Young) Avery’s Home kitchen towels $15 Made from practical and absorbent flour sack material, proceeds from these hand-painted, watercolor towels is partially donated to causes like ocean conservation, ending human trafficking, improving foster care and saving the bees. (Photo credit: Doug Young) The Time Keepers by Alyson Richman $18.99 A recipient of the Long Island Reads Award, author Alyson Richman knows how to create emotional impact with her past and present-weaving historical fiction about two women whose lives are changed when a runaway boy is found in their Long Island town. (Photo credit: Doug Young)

Creations by Coo Junk Journal, $40

Part journal, part craft book, Long Islander Maria Vega creates these books using discarded, antique Golden Books, keeping the stories intact but weaving in gorgeous paper to write on, pockets to tuck secret notes and thoughts, stickers, a detachable tassel keychain and more. 

The Time Keepers by Alyson Richman, $18.99

A recipient of the Long Island Reads Award, author Alyson Richman knows how to create emotional impact with her past and present-weaving historical fiction about two women whose lives are changed when a runaway boy is found in their Long Island town.

Sue Donelly jean jackets, $125

These one-of-a-kind demin jackets, hand-painted with everything from angel’s wings to scenes of Alice in Wonderland, will turn your outfit into walking art. North Fork resident Sue Donelly uses acrylic paint to create wearable art, which can be washed (inside out on delicate is best) or spot-cleaned. She also takes custom requests.

Abundant Soul Apothecary Essential Oils, 10ml, $16

These small-batch aromatherapy oils made by Marissa Phillips (who also works at A Book Place) are created to tune you into the mood you want to achieve via her four irresistible blends: Joy, Courage, Calm and Release. “I research effects of each individual oil and how it reacts, and formulate my own blends,” Phillips says. 

Avery’s Home kitchen towels, $15

Made from practical and absorbent flour sack material, proceeds from these hand-painted, watercolor towels is partially donated to causes like ocean conservation, ending human trafficking, improving foster care and saving the bees.