Other Tiger Introduces a Cub

Other Tiger Bookstore in Westerly, Rhode Island (above), will soon open a summer annex near the Atlantic shore.

The owners of Westerly, Rhode Island's Other Tiger Bookstore, siblings Katie Utter and Robert Utter, and Robert's spouse, Constance Kilgore, are poised to open an annex -- OT 2 -- near the Atlantic shore in a few weeks. The annex opening comes less than a year since the trio opened Other Tiger in early September 2003 in a turn-of-the-18th-century farmhouse in downtown Westerly.

Robert Utter spoke to BTW about the decision to expand. He described the influence of a varied group of resident philanthropists who are quietly working to upgrade the fading historical town of 25,000. Behind the scenes, with no official backing, they seek to convince the owners of the town's 18th and 19th century buildings to refurbish them to their original glory. They visit business owners and explain the advantages of an improved shopping area. By example, Utter told of a 19th century hotel and a former vaudeville theater that will be fully restored after the owners had discussions with these downtown advocates.

According to Utter, a local landlord sought the independent bookstore as a tenant in Avondale, a village shopping area located midway between ocean beach resorts and the store's downtown location. Utter explained, "He told us that he loved our store and that he had a few empty spaces left in Avondale and he thought we'd be the perfect tenants. He really wanted us to open a small store there. The space is 17' x 17' so we will create a miniature selection of our bestsellers, summer titles, and gift books. Our store is customer driven so now we'll sit and watch -- see what people are interested in. We will be installing a tent with tables of used books."

Opening the new location has meant hiring new staff. "We want to stay open late and need more staff," Utter explained. "We are planning some author signings in a restaurant across the way. We want to keep the store growing and meeting the needs of the community."

When the days grow shorter and the tourists and other beach lovers leave, the owners aren't certain that OT 2 can weather the fall and winter. Utter told BTW that he and the other two owners are planning to close the annex for the season by Columbus Day, the second Monday in October.

For a previous article about Other Tiger Bookstore, click here. --Nomi Schwartz