Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Stauch.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I didn’t grow up dreaming of owning a bookstore — but I did grow up loving books and the way they quietly shape our lives. Reading has always been where I’ve gone for curiosity, escape, and connection. Over time, I realized that what I loved most wasn’t just the books themselves, but the conversations around them — the way stories bring people together.
Main Street Reads grew out of that. I wanted to create a place that felt welcoming and human, where readers could linger, talk, discover something unexpected, have FUN, and feel seen. A space that belonged to the community as much as it belonged to the books on the shelves.
Like most small businesses, the path here hasn’t been linear. There were plenty of moments that required learning on the fly, trusting my instincts, and taking risks — especially opening an independent bookstore in a world that doesn’t always make it easy for small, local businesses to survive. But each challenge clarifies what matters most: engaging readers, creating community, supporting authors, and building something rooted in connection rather than convenience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Like many small businesses, one of the biggest challenges came during COVID, when we had to pivot quickly and rethink almost everything about how we operated. We adjusted how we sold books, how we connected with readers, and how we stayed visible.
But the challenges also revealed something incredibly meaningful. Our local customers showed up in powerful ways—choosing to shop local, spreading the word, and intentionally supporting independent businesses when it mattered most. That support wasn’t just a boost to businesses in our town; it was a reminder of why Main Street Reads exists in the first place.
The challenges pushed us to be more creative and intentional, and the encouragement from our community turned a hard moment into a defining one. We’re here today because of that shared belief in supporting local, independent businesses—and we don’t take that for granted.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Main Street Reads is an independent bookstore rooted in community, conversation, and the belief that reading should fit your life — however and wherever you read. The “Reads” in the name is both a noun (great reads) and a verb, because yes, Main Street reads! We specialize in thoughtfully curated books across genres, with a strong emphasis on fiction, book club favorites, debut and diverse voices, and titles that spark discussion and connection. We’re known for hands-on bookselling, personal recommendations, and creating a space where readers feel welcome to linger, ask questions, and discover something unexpected.
What really sets us apart is that we’re more than a retail space — we’re a gathering place. Author events, book clubs, writing groups, storytimes, the Summerville Book Festival (coming Feb 27-28), and partnerships with local organizations and spaces (Hutchinson Square, Flowertown Players Theatre, Summerville Dream) are a core part of who we are. We build experiences around them. Our shelves are carefully curated, but just as much care goes into the conversations that happen between them.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust our readers place in us. People know that when they walk into Main Street Reads — or shop with us online, or attend one of our events — they’re supporting something intentional, local, and people-centered. We champion authors and publishers, support multiple ways to read (print, ebooks, audiobooks), and actively work to keep literary culture vibrant and accessible in our community.
What I want readers to know is that Main Street Reads exists because of — and for — its community. Every purchase supports local jobs, author events, and a space where stories are celebrated. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, rediscovering your way back to books, or a young reader just beginning the journey, we want you to feel like this is your third space.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
On the work side, I rely heavily on Granola, a meeting app that helps capture conversations, decisions, and next steps so nothing gets lost. When you’re juggling events, partnerships, and a small team, having clear records makes a huge difference. Superhuman is another essential — running a community-focused business means an enormous volume of email, and Superhuman helps me stay responsive.
For books and recommendations, Bookshop.org is a daily tool and a big part of how we extend Main Street Reads beyond our four walls. It allows us to create thoughtful online book lists, share staff picks, and support authors and indie bookstores while meeting readers where they already are online.
Beyond tools, reading itself is still my most important resource. Books — across genres — help me think differently, stay curious, escape when needed, and recharge creatively. I constantly have one non-fiction and one fiction book next to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mainstreetreads.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetreads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetReads
- Twitter: https://x.com/mainstreetreads
- Other: https://linktr.ee/MainStreetReads
