Discovering the Wheelwrite Imaginarium Bookshop
- Corey Stottlemyer
- Sep 23, 2025
- 3 min read
On my travels to Vermont, I love stumbling upon a new-to-me place I know I will return to. It is like finding a beach scattered with polished pieces of glass and rounded stones. Each place I find leaves me with something to carry home, and the promise of new treasures the next time.
I discovered the Wheelwrite Imaginarium Bookshop on social media as I was exploring activities for a brief weekend getaway to Manchester Center. In June of 2023, I needed an escape and started looking for weekend activities, when I came across the grand opening poetry reading event being held at the Bookshop. The post gave the address as Palmer Place saying it was behind the Ye Olde Tavern, a restaurant along Main Street. The post shared they would have five poets doing readings and a recent award-winning author reading his short stories. I was sold and made my way to Manchester Center for the reading.
Housed in one of the region’s only surviving 18th-century wheelwright and blacksmith buildings, its old wood exterior gives way to a warm and inviting space with a variety of books and memorabilia. I was struck that books covered the walls from floor to ceiling. It had a one-of-a-kind eclectic vibe that was unique, but also familiar.
They offered guests popcorn and ice cream, as well as other refreshments. I arrived near the start time to a standing-room-only crowd. I found a good place to stand on the side. There was a table with chairs at the front. The featured writers included Brian O’Hare, Caleb Abetti, Ralph Culver, Rob Hunter, Marjorie Ryerson, and Bookshop owner Tim Rhys.
After the readings, the authors stayed to speak with attendees and sell some of their books. I bought a half dozen books and had some great conversations with the readers, especially with Tim the owner. He shared with me his vision for the Bookshop and that he moved back to New England with his family during the pandemic after a career in journalism and publishing. I was not the last one to leave, but I left with my new books and great memories.
A year later in June 2024, I attended a poetry festival in Woodstock and saw that once again, the Wheelwrite Imaginarium Bookshop was hosting another poetry reading. This evening included a personal favorite Camille Guthrie, Gillian Osborne, and a couple others. I had found Guthrie’s book of poems, Diamonds, at the nearby Northshire Bookstore a couple years before.
A couple months later, I returned with Cade and Liberty. I have mentioned this trip in previous posts covering the Lye Brook Falls, Woodstock, and the VINS Institute and several other stops. We saw the A-frame welcome sign along Main Street and went back to the Bookshop. Tim showed us around and then we started browsing the shelves. We all found at least a book and headed to check out. As we were doing so, Tim shared a little background on some of the authors.
Each visit offers its own experience, always leaving me with something new to learn or consider. I look forward to returning to the Bookshop to add to my bookshelf and my memories. If you are in the Manchester area, I encourage you to keep an eye out for the A-frame sign near Ye Olde Tavern and enjoy a visit.
