Local Volunteers Help Move Dolphin Bookshop

On Sunday, children and adults of all ages came together to help move one of Port Washington's greatest treasures, The Dolphin Bookshop. After 21 years of being a staple on Port Washington Boulevard, a team of movers and volunteers came to relocate the bookstore to 299 Main Street, in a day of marathon packing.

"This whole experience has been just miraculous," said Patti Vunk, owner of the bookshop. "So many people came and the volunteers were totally engaged in helping. We are getting so close to the end, but it seems like it just keeps growing. I feel as if we are between worlds."

Nearly the entire store was moved on Sunday, but an abundance of sale items were left behind and sold on Tuesday at a clearance sale in the store's old location. Vunk everyone involved in the process has been working extremely hard to make this move a success and that she hopes to reopen and have everything up and running by Wednesday, July 7.

Vunk said she believes that this relocation is meant to be a chance for the bookstore to reach its potential.

"This will truly be a new chapter in the Dolphin Bookshop's history," Vunk said. "I am really excited about being right by the water. It's like everything is falling into place."

After moving to Port Washington Boulevard 21 years ago from Main Street, Vunk said the bookstore endured many difficulties. With the lease expiring, Vunk took the chance to move her store into what she called "the heart and soul of the arts and cultural district."

Along with the new location, Vunk said she is fulfilling her dream of adding a café, an aspect that she has thought about for more than 30 years.

"The café is going to be nested inside the store, and offer a dynamic environment where people can openly play music and read poetry," Vunk explained. "It's going to be very casual."

Sam Bombardiere, head of publicity and promotions for The Dolphin Bookshop, said she is very excited about the new offers the bookshop has in store.

"The café is going to sell organic juices in season and healthy snacks," Bombardiere said. "We are going to have an eye towards local foods."

Vunk is adamant about maintaining the accessible environment that The Dolphin Bookshop offers to children. "This is a place where children can come and learn and not feel the pressure that other bookstores may offer," Vunk said. "This move is a opportunity for the store to redefine the arts district."

The storeowner said she has a great event schedule lined up to accompany the store's re-opening. Vunk added that details about book clubs and author readings are not confirmed yet, but are in the works for the new bookstore after all permits are finalized.

"It's really happening," said Robin Ryan, Vunk's partner and driving force behind the move. "We have had an amazing outpouring of volunteers and a great community effort. Everyone is so excited for the new store, but it's going to be a work in progress for a few months."