Portrait of Tom Martin by Evie Baskin
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot will travel to Chestertown to honor Tom Martin’s The Bookplate at a presentation on Thursday, October 3 at 4:15 p.m. The Cornerstone Award for Local Business Excellence is presented in all 24 jurisdictions throughout Maryland to recognize small and family-owned businesses that celebrate the guiding values of independence, innovation, and investment, while becoming part of the community fabric.
The Bookplate, the only independent bookstore in downtown Chestertown, was opened by Martin in 2004. He carries a large inventory of books across many genres and hosts numerous book talks and signings with well-known authors. Martin also co-founded the Kent County Poetry Festival, held every April since 2008.
Melinda Bookwalter says
According to Tom at the Book Plate Peter Franchot will be arriving at 4:15 (confirmed in an email from Peter Franchot) with remarks and presentation until 4:45.
Feel free to arrive at 4pm.
Peter Heck says
Thanks, Melinda — correction made.
Michael H C McDowell says
This is truly well deserved. My wife, Susan Flanigan, and I, moved to Chestertown in late May 2017, and one of the greatest attractions of the town was The Bookplate. We lived in Washington DC for almost 30 years and patronised many good bookstores, especially the famous Politics and Prose Bookstore in upper NW DC, near our Chevy Chase (DC side) home and still return there now and then. The sheer SIZE of the Bookplate impresses and the extraordinary richness of offerings in every subject under the sun. Plus latest publishings, author talks, the use of the spacious public space during the National Music Festival….all of this is wonderful in a small town. Tom is always welcoming and witty (well, comparatively, Tom) and we like to pet Kiki, the Bookplate kitty, and chat with the friendly young people who pinch hit for Tom. Tom, you are a treasure….one day far ahead, when your spirit leaves for the great library in the sky, I suggest, like Jeremy Bentham at University College, London, that you leave your body behind, have it pickled, and displayed as a pay per view offering at your creation. It definitely would be a big attraction at….Hallow’een!
Alexander says
Michael:
By the time you mentioned for Tom to have his body “pickled”, the hairs on the back of my head were standing at attention. Luckily, I read through to the part about Halloween! before my head exploded.
Tom, Congratulations and thank you for all your great work and enthusiasm.
Jenifer emley says
Indeed, Tom, you are a treasure. Thank you for all you do. xo
Deirdre LaMotte says
Fantastic!! Love the Bookplate and Tom is amazing!!
Karen O'Connor says
What well-deserved recognition. Congratulations Tom!