New Book Haven Opens in Westfield Downtown

A fresh spot for book lovers has appeared on Elm Street. In May, a local graduate named Colin McGrady launched Margin Books in the historic H. S. Eaton Building. The shop sits on the second floor, reachable by stairs or elevator. McGrady grew up in Westfield and went to the local high school before studying at American International College. He spent months hunting for a space, finally securing the current location in April. “I love books and I want to share that joy, ” he says. The store offers a wide range of used titles, mostly priced between four and six dollars. Readers can find general fiction, thrillers, historical pieces, sci‑fi, fantasy, classics, poetry, drama, graphic novels, comics, children’s and YA books, biographies, true crime, art, science, spirituality, philosophy, and activism. Local authors get a commission‑based platform. McGrady believes that selling their works helps both the writer and his shop. He also welcomes donations for store credit, especially in genres like comics, poetry, activism, LGBTQ+, African American and Native American voices, true crime, science, spirituality, philosophy, and mythology. Paperbacks fetch about fifty cents each, while hardcovers earn one to two dollars.

The shop has a “no‑no” list: books in poor condition, heavily annotated or with damaged spines, certain children’s titles, outdated science books, cookbooks, romance novels, textbooks, bestseller fiction and some hardcovers. Anything else is usually accepted. Besides books, the shop sells framed author quotes printed on tea paper with a typewriter and postcards featuring classic sci‑fi covers. Recently, a display highlighted maritime adventures, from mutinies to shipwrecks. A July donation added superhero comics from Marvel and DC, including Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America and the Avengers. McGrady says there is still plenty of space for non‑superhero comics. To blend with downtown life, the store partners with Westfield on Weekends and hosts art shows in Elm Street Plaza. A large wall displays local artwork, currently featuring prints by Mary Ellen Correia available for $30 each. Artists are encouraged to contact McGrady about showcasing their pieces.

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