Summer is coming. But at R.J. Julia in Madison, CT, winter made one last appearance this week as Jon Snow himself, Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington, paid a visit to the famed seaside bookstore. Perhaps he was looking for a good book to distract him from the heartbreak of the show’s series ending that evening?

Next year will mark 30 years that R.J. Julia has been welcoming bibliophiles of all ages, from well-known authors to celebrities, summering tourists to devote locals. The two-story bookseller, located in the center of Madison’s throwback downtown, feels like stepping into someone’s seaside cottage. Small, but well-organized, books are neatly displayed with summaries, reviews and recommendations from staff and other experts hand-written on a tag below. These “shelftalkers” offer customers a tour of sorts  through the stories lining the shelves. 

Young readers can wander up the steps to the children’s section, complete with a cozy reading room tucked away in the back. In addition to a large selection of books conveniently organized by age, the independent bookseller also offers excellent children’s programs from creative writing to local scavenger hunts. Perhaps the most inspiring thing R.J. Julia does to cultivate its avid young readers is offer a children’s ARC (advanced reader copy) group for kids ages 8-18. Participants get special access to books before they are out and are able to write reviews that may end up being used as “shelftalkers” in the store! 

Visitors who have worked up an appetite hunting for books, or who simply want to enjoy arguably the best cappuccino in town, can head to the R.J. Julia Cafe & Bistro in the back of the store. With a smattering of tables and a small menu of soups, salads and sandwiches, it’s an ideal spot for a mid-day beach break.