House concurrent resolution congratulating Northshire Bookstore on 50 years of outstanding literary merchandising and promotion

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Bongartz and 5 co-sponsors

Vermont congrats Northshire Bookstore on 50 years of operation, honoring its history, community programs, and recognition as a cultural, educational asset.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b

Purpose

H.C.R. 280 is a concurrent resolution in the Vermont General Assembly congratulating Northshire Bookstore on its 50-year milestone of “outstanding literary merchandising and promotion.” The resolution honors the Morrows’ founding of the store, its growth, notable recognition, changes in ownership, and ongoing community engagement.

Key Provisions and Content

Recognition of Origins and History

Notes the original opening of Northshire Bookstore in 1976 by Ed and Barbara Morrow with a mission to provide “bookselling excellence in a safe, inclusive environment” on Main Street in Manchester Center.
Chronicles relocation in 1985 to the Colburn House (a landmark building), and expansion in 2003 under the Morrows’ son, Chris, adding 10,000 square feet.

Industry and Community Milestones

In 2006, Publisher’s Weekly named Northshire as Bookstore of the Year (then “Bookseller of the Year”).
Expansion to a second location in Saratoga Springs, New York, in 2013.
Change of ownership in 2021: Clark and Lu French purchased Northshire to continue its tradition; Lu French passed away in 2022.
Subsequent local ownership by Cathleen Ihasz, Nicole Ihasz, Ashley Ihasz-Austin, and Ashley’s husband Scott, who now operate the bookstore.

Staff and Community Engagement

Emphasizes a dedicated, long-tenured staff of bookselling professionals.
Highlights extensive community involvement: over 200 annual events (author talks, story times, school visits, reader/writer retreats, curated personal shopping), the annual Northshire Book Festival: A Weekend in Booktopia, and various donations and partnerships.

Policy/Legislative Action

The resolution conveys gratitude and formal congratulations from Vermont’s General Assembly.
Directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Northshire Bookstore.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Northshire Bookstore: Official recognition by state government; potential visibility benefits from the resolution.

Northshire’s Staff and Community Partners: Acknowledgement of their role and contributions in Vermont’s literary and cultural landscape.

Public Institutions: The Vermont Secretary of State, which would circulate the resolution to the bookstore.

Procedural/Timeline Considerations

Status: As of the last recorded action (April 30, 2026), the bill was on the Consent Calendar, indicating it passed through routine formalities without substantive opposition or debate on the floor.

No Fiscal Impact: The resolution does not include appropriations or budgetary provisions; its effect is ceremonial and ceremonial-diplomatic.

Bottom Line

H.C.R. 280 is a ceremonial measure that formally congratulates Northshire Bookstore on 50 years of operation, celebrates its history, ownership transitions, industry recognition, and extensive community programming. It underscores Vermont’s appreciation for independent bookstores as cultural and educational assets.

Bill