Charter Books at 8 Broadway in Newport. Photo Credit: Charter Books Credit: Alexander Nesbitt

Charter Books, a local independent bookstore in Newport, is on the hunt for new employees as several current staff members are set to move on in the coming months.

Steve Iwanski, who founded and manages Charter Books, explains that the departures are friendly and unrelated. Most of the leaving employees are finishing up school or relocating to be closer to their families.

“We’ve been advertising these openings and talking to candidates, but we want to spread the word even further,” Iwanski told What’sUpNewp.

The bookstore is taking applications for frontline booksellers and an events and marketing coordinator. They’re asking all applicants to be ready to stick around for at least a year.

While they’d love to see candidates with bookstore or library experience, it’s not a must-have. What’s really important to Charter Books is finding people who are passionate about independent bookstores and eager to learn the ins and outs of the book business.

As their employment page puts it, “We’re looking for highly motivated individuals who are committed to providing great customer service and always striving to improve.”

Charter Books is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re interested in applying, you can find job descriptions and application forms on the store’s website. You’re also welcome to apply in person at 8 Broadway.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...