One of the quaintest and most delightful book stores in Bermuda is “The Book Cellar” in St. George’s. Owned by Gill White for the last 25 years, it is located in the cellar of the historic Tucker House on Water Street.

It is obvious that Mrs. White loves the book business and her unique location. She is always happy to share her wealth of information and truly enjoys serving diverse readers of all ages.

Due to her vivacious and helpful nature she has many repeat customers both locally and abroad.

Mrs. White is quick to assist visitors with her popular selection of Bermuda Books and various popular books listed on the New York Times Best Sellers lists — both fiction and non-fiction.

Great mysteries from England are also popular and available.

Mrs. White knows the book business as she obtained her book seller’s certificate from England during the mid to late 1970s. Following this she worked for a brief period at Baxter’s Book Store, Hamilton, Bermuda.

“A different book store was in this location, owned by a woman from Kent, England. We met and I purchased the book store from her and have been here ever since,” explained Mrs. White.

Eclectic is how she perceives her lucrative business adding that she has bits of many kinds of literature.

When asked to describe her business role she said it makes her enthusiastic, focused, perky and helpful to those seeking books.

“Books are challenging and exciting! It is easier learning about new books and ordering is faster and easier for old and new books as a result of the Internet.

“However, I appeal to the book buying public to check with their local bookseller before purchasing online. Only yesterday I had two local customers who had recently purchased a Bermuda title online and found it at the Book Cellar!”

Mrs. White is excited about St. George’s status as a World Heritage Site and believes that in the future more tourists will seek historical books giving historical accounts.

“History abounds around every corner in St. George’s. Our town is a living museum. However, it continues to need more promotion as a World Heritage Site.

“Coming from Smith’s Parish, I love my drive into St. George’s every day! The views coming in are lovely and there are no traffic lights. It is a good way to start the day and I feel cheerful and relaxed and look forward to the business of books.”

The aspect of her work which she most enjoys is dealing with customers and introducing them to new books and authors.

“I enjoy sharing new authors with customers,” she said. “Young readers always interest me.

“Reading from an early age is a great asset to children. Reading with a very young child is a nurturing experience and stimulates their perceptions.

“I am always learning and I love sharing books with others. I have met so many wonderful people through my life with books!”

Asked about her personal favourite books, Mrs. White mentions “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell and “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, which she is a really superb book.

“Another excellent read that I have just finished is “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichel. She was The New York Times food critic and had to disguise herself on a number of occasions to do her critiques — it is highly amusing — this should be back in stock (hopefully) later next week same as “Shadow”, said Mrs. White.

The most popular selling Bermuda books are those that tell about our history, pictorial books showing the Island’s beauty and diversity and Bermuda cookbooks.

When asked where she sees herself a decade away Mrs. White concludes: “I have some mountains to climb but always I aspire to be in the book business. Perhaps I will have more time to trace down collector’s books.”

The Book Cellar is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to five p.m. It is open some Market Nights on Tuesday. The number is 297-0448.