SamI love small towns, port and beach towns especially. Sadly, so many small towns no longer have local bookstores. So I was thrilled when I came across Beach Reads in Port Dover! Not only do they carry a wonderful selection of both new and used books, but they also make a strong effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment within the shop.
Norfolk County hasn’t always been the most accepting area for LGBTQ+ people, but thankfully the community has slowly been becoming more accepting. It always makes me so happy to see business owners who do their part in making people with safe.
From the moment you walk up to Beach Reads you can tell by the large rainbow flag in the window that this is a safe space. The store also carries a great variety of LGBTQ+ books, both fiction and non-fiction.
Beach Reads isn’t shy about showing pride, and often carry pride bags and bookmarks that would make perfect gifts for the queer bookworms in your life. You can also find boardgames, puzzles, and other fun novelty items in the store.
Small businesses like Beach Reads are integral to our community. To me, a queer friendly bookstore is a beacon of hope, reminding me that ignorance will not win. They serve as a signal to queer youth that they are not alone, no matter what they’re going through.
So if you happen to be heading out to the beach in Port Dover this summer, stop into Beach Reads. The bright and friendly atmosphere will make you want to stay all day!
