The Little Point Bookshop, established in 2019, is a hidden gem in downtown Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Not only are books available for purchase, but they also have a nice café inside called The Second Cup. This bookstore creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere the moment you walk through the door. There is a vast selection of all the books you can think of. There are many charming gifts, such as journals, candles, book-themed merchandise, and toys. 

The owner of the bookshop is a woman named Kelly Coyle. Kelly is a great bookstore owner, thanks to her strong business sense and deep love of literature. The reason she opened this bookstore was because of her late father. Kelly stated how her father was an “incredibly smart and well-read man who had so many friends from all walks of life and always made everyone feel comfortable.” Like her father, Kelly’s objective was to create a place where people feel welcome and comfortable. She hosts fantastic community events like author signings and book clubs. Almost every week, Kelly has something planned. 

“The best stuff happens over by The Second Cup,” Kelly says, and describes it as a great extension of the shop that they have for students who want a quick snack for lunch. They have muffins, waffles, cookies, granola bars, yogurt, chips, and all of the coffee and teas you can think of. Kelly, the owner, does collaborations with other local stores, such as Joe Leone’s and Mueller’s Bakery. There is a bunch of comfortable seating you can choose from; you won’t want to get up. Especially with the relaxing background music and the overall unhurried atmosphere. This part of the store makes it feel like a “third place,” a place where you find comfort outside of home and work.

Another aspect of this place that makes it ten times better would be the family element. Even though Kelly does run the shop, she gets help from everyone in her family. This reinforces the cozy, community-focused feeling. This connects to the bookstore’s unique role as a safe space for people who are new in town, just visiting, and all locals. The family of the store has a strong connection to the store, which makes the store ten times more inviting. The store’s purpose is to have a feeling of healing and connection. Coyles’ staff, all family members basically, work to foster a sense of community, listening to other people’s stories and recognizing that everyone experiences both joys and sorrows. This personalized approach of Kelly’s has led to many new friendships, where staff and family are able to use their knowledge of books to help customers. Coyle noted the community’s need for the store was greater than she initially realized, and it has become more than just a shop, representing a relationship with the community.