Chapter Ends for Lake Forest Book Store Owner

It’s the end of a chapter for Lake Forest Book Store owner Sue Boucher, who announced this week she’s leaving the store after 18 years.

But it’s not the end of the story for the shop, which will continue its operations under new leadership, or for Boucher, who will remain involved in the book business.

In a letter to subscribers of the store’s email newsletter, Boucher said Tuesday that she was new to the book business when she purchased Lake Forest Book Store with Louise Wood in 1995.

“Most of what I know about bookselling I learned from you, our loyal customers. When I needed to know the basics of cook books, there was a special someone who helped me. You shared what you loved to read and helped me to make choices about what to order,” wrote Boucher, who described the store as a “community institution.”

Wood retired after five years, according to Forest & Bluff Magazine. 

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During Boucher’s tenure, the store relocated within Lake Forest, nearly tripling its selling space when it took over the building previously occupied by B. Dalton.

In her letter to customers, Boucher expressed gratitude for their support.

“Your support of the Lake Forest Book Store is special; you have shared your lives with me and I have watched your children and grandchildren grow up. This has been a privilege and an honor. I have always felt that Lake Forest Book Store has a big heart. My wish is for this to continue and with your support it will,” she wrote.

She could not be reached by Patch for this story.

Boucher said in her letter she plans to work at an independent book store in northern Michigan. Lake Forest Book Store’s new owner is Eleanor Thorn, who has worked as the store’s bookkeeper for the past year and a half, Boucher said. 

Customers are invited to welcome Thorn during an open house scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 23.