Notes from the Pond

It's July and summer is rolling here on the Outer Banks! Both of our stores are open 7 days a week and are vigorously following all social distancing protocols and the Dare County mandate that masks be worn inside and outside when social distancing isn't possible.

This has been a roller coaster ride and we thank everyone for their patience as we have sailed into the wind, upstream, in the dark, through a dust storm... lol. We are so grateful for your support and thank everyone who continues to support us both in person and online.
The Summer of the Mask
Before you get to the Outer Banks, it is important to know that Dare County has mandated that masks be worn in indoor or outdoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained. Both of our stores are following this mandate to the letter and require all of our employees and customers to wear masks. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe and to try and help reduce the spread of Covid across our beloved Outer Banks. During your visit, please remember the three W's...
W ear your mask.
W ait six feet apart and avoid close contact.
W ash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

Upcoming Events

SO many great new books by local authors. Writing and publishing a book is a big accomplishment, and we didn't want this to pass without an opportunity for them to meet fans, promote and sign their books. We are having socially distanced book signings at Downtown Books this summer. Books can be purchased at the store and then attendees will be directed to an off-site location where the author will be signing. Masks will be required of all attendees who will also be asked to stay six feet apart. We will have plenty of hand sanitizer available as well. We love our local authors and don't want them to miss out on the excitement of releasing a new book into the world!

FRIDAY JULY 10: 12 - 2pm
Elizabeth Cooper: Historic Hotels & Motels of the Outer Banks

In the mid-1800s, wealthy farmers and businessmen began bringing their families to North Carolina’s Outer Banks to escape the blistering inland summer heat. Soon after, the region’s first hotel was built with accommodations for 200 guests. By the mid-1900s, hotels such as the Carolinian, the Nags Header, and the Arlington as well as smaller motels and cottage courts like Journey’s End, the Sea Foam, and the Cavalier dotted the coastline. Most motels were independent, family-run operations. Many guests returned yearly, reuniting with the motel owners and other visitors. However, by the end of the 20th century, many of these mom-and-pop establishments had become a distant memory, lost to wrecking balls and replaced by large beach houses. This book recalls these hotels and motels and their impact on the Outer Banks and its visitors. Order here!

FRIDAY JULY 17: 12 - 2pm
Wesley Snyder: Journey Through the Outer Banks

This will undoubtedly be one of our top best-sellers for 2020. A stunning collection of Outer Banks scenes by one of the areas most popular photographers, don't miss this chance to get a signed copy!! Whether a keepsake for yourself or a gift for someone special, a personalized copy of this book will be treasured forever. Order now!

FRIDAY JULY 24: 12 - 2pm
James Charlet: Shipwrecks of the Outer Banks

More than 6,000 ships have met their doom in the waters along the North Carolina coast, weaving a rich history of tragedy, drama and heroics along these picturesque beaches. Men have lost their lives and fortunes, and heroes have been made where the combination of mixing currents, treacherous coastline and shifting underwater sandbars spells disaster for even the most seasoned sailor. These are the stories of daring rescues, tragic failures, enduring mysteries, buried treasure, and fascinating legend. Click here to order!



Signed books will be shipped after the event.

THIS MONTH'S
VIRTUAL EVENTS!!
Reader Meet Writer is back in July and better than ever! We're bringing FIVE great writers into your very own living room to talk about their new releases, latest titles, surviving a shutdown and more! Spend time with Silas House, Jill McCorkle, Lara Prescott, Marian Keyes and Kristin Harmel! Visit this page to learn more information about these writers and their phenomenal books. Plus, we've made it easier than ever to sign up for these Zoom events! The purchase of any of these author's books will automatically get you the link to the event OR just email manteoreads@gmail.com with your email and let us know which Reader Meet Writer event you would like to attend! The Zoom link will be sent to you the day of the event if not before.


This Is How We Do It...
Masks required of customers, staff and authors... six feet social distancing.. hand sanitizer upon entering.. we are doing everything to keep our customers and employees safe. We hope as this reaches you it also finds you and your loved ones healthy. We look forward to welcoming you to both stores upon your next trip to the Outer Banks. We're all in this together and our goal is to provide you with a little bit of normal here at the beach even if from six feet away and behind a mask. As always, we thank you for your friendship, your loyalty and your support.

Notes from the Pond is the semi-regular newsletter of
Duck's Cottage Coffee & Books located on the pond at the Waterfront Shops in Duck at 1240 Duck Road, Duck. ph 252-261-5510; and Downtown Books located in beautiful downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island at 103 Sir Walter Raleigh Street. ph 252-473-1056.