We are working with Spencer Copeland, a senior at Middlebury High School, who has started a business called Local Trove ( more info to follow). Over the summer, Spencer started a series of interviews with our local businesses, and Becky was the first person he spoke to on our behalf. We hope to feature Spencer’s articles in our monthly blog and newsletter over the next year, before he moves on to college! Thank you Spencer, and we hope you all enjoy reading about one of our most significant businesses on Main St.
An interview with Becky Dayton by Spencer Copeland.
Founded in 1949 by Dyke Blair, the Vermont Book Shop has been a literary cornerstone in downtown Middlebury for more than 75 years. What started as one man’s vision has since passed through generations of ownership, each adding a unique chapter to its story. In 2005, the store found its current owner, Becky Dayton, a lifelong reader with no retail background but a determination to carry the bookshop legacy. Nearly two decades later, her commitment to both books and community has cemented the store as an essential part of Middlebury life.
Welcome to the Vermont Book Shop, a downtown staple that goes far beyond shelves and sales. It’s a place where stories, people, and community meet. Located in the heart of Middlebury, the shop is alive with the rhythm of readers coming and going. Restocked daily with new titles and staffed entirely by women, it’s a space where literature never sits still. Every book on the shelf carries not only a story within its pages but also the energy of a team dedicated to keeping the shop fresh and inviting.
Step inside, and you’ll feel the hum of a business that has grown alongside its town. Conversations at the register, familiar faces at the grocery store, and the warmth of recognition create connections that extend well beyond its walls. December is an especially magical time when more than 20% of annual sales happen during that single month, with Christmas Eve marking both a joyful culmination and a promise that the best is still to come.
What truly sets the Vermont Book Shop apart is its role as an anchor of downtown Middlebury. Through decades of change, from the rise of online shopping to shifting retail landscapes, the store has remained steady, helping to keep the heart of town vibrant and alive. For its owner, the mission extends beyond selling books; it’s about protecting the pulse of downtown and ensuring that community always comes first.
The Vermont Book Shop thrives because of the people who bring it to life, the staff who stock the shelves, the customers who return year after year, and the small-town spirit that makes everyone feel known. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a Middlebury College student, or simply passing through, you’ll always find a warm welcome here.