Our local bookstore, Harleysville Books, recently celebrated their 6th Anniversary.  Harleysville Books is a hidden gem at 674 Main St. in Harleysville, just a few blocks past Wal-Mart, in the Salford Square Shopping Center.  Located right next door to Harleysville Books is Your Best Image, a women's clothing and jewelry boutique featuring dressy and casual clothing that is extremely affordable in today's economy.  The owner of Your Best Image, Meredith, also has an $8 jewelry wall that will blow you away. I recently stopped by for an outfit for a wedding and Meredith helped me pick out jewelry to accessorize my basic black dress.  She is also an authorized BeautiControl rep and offers makeup application services along with fashion advice.

Many of you in Montgomery County have probably never heard of either of these stores.  Since I live in Harleysville and it takes me 20 minutes (in non-rush hour traffic) to get to Montgomery Mall or Plymouth Meeting Mall, I do my best to shop locally whenever possible - e.g. Ace Hardware instead of the big box hardware stores; Rand Drugs; as well as the bookstore and the boutique when I need gifts or want to buy something new to wear at an upcoming event.  I also do my best to support the local economy and bring jobs to the community in which I live.

Like most small stores, Meredith and Shelly, the owner of Harleysville Books, face increased competition from Amazon.Com and other online resellers who sell merchandise at cut-rate prices.  To coincide with the 6th anniversary of her store opening, Shelly asked all current and potential customers to consider purchasing one book per month from her, rather than ordering online.  She even has a pledge poster in her store where you can sign up that you will agree to do this. Just one book per month will help keep this wonderful store alive for many years to come.

I would like to ask all Patch readers to consider signing the pledge wall at Harleysville Books.  And you will see on the website at www.harleysvillebooks.com that you can also order books online without visiting the store in person.  When you go to the store, you will see my family's name on the pledge wall and may even see me in the store.  I find it very calming and relaxing and often stop by when I am at the Giant or Wal-Mart.  Of course I also go into the boutique next door to check out what new fashions Meredith has unpacked since my last visit.  Would love to hear from those of you that do stop by either of these local businesses.  More info can be found here - www.harleysvillebooks.com and www.yourbestimagepa.com