By Gina Gallucci-White Town of Mount Airy, MD Mount Airy, MD . March 1, 2022 | The Last Word, an independent book store, moved to Mount Airy in 2021 after 25 years in Glenwood. (They also have a second store in Savage Mill which opened in 2015).
As a part of the move to Mount Airy, the business’s name changed from Books With A Past to The Last Word. Owner Erin Matthews notes the store started out focusing on used books. Now, their merchandise includes a diverse offering of both new and used books as well as stationary, literary gifts and other items any book lover would want.
“The (name) The Last Word gives a little bit of that used book feel but it is not overwhelming,” she said. “It is still a cute pun. We just thought it was time to do something that was more representative of our current vibe.”
Some of their best sellers include books in the young adult, mystery, literary fiction and children genres.
The part that Matthews enjoys the most about her job is that there is something different every day. “There is nothing routine,” she said. “Some days I am talking to customers. Some days I am doing inventory. Some days I am creating orders for the the new things we are going to buy. It is really dynamic and there is a lot going on. …There is always something new and different.”
Matthews purchased the business from the previous owners in 2010. Owning a book store has been her dream since she was 12 years old.
As a co-owner of Mount Airy Commons, Matthews decided to move the book store to Mount Airy when a spot opened up on Main Street beside the boutique store. “(Mount Airy) is a great small town,” she said. “There is a really nice group of businesses downtown. We would love to see more businesses downtown. …There is a lot of community.”
Photos courtesy: The Last Word