From the beginning, Connie Brooks, the owner of Battenkill Books in my town of Cambridge, has in many ways supported our efforts to get reading material to the Mansion residents and the students and refugee families at Bishop Maginn High School.

This is the 13th year of operation for Battenkill Books, which is thriving and has defied just about every convention wisdom regarding independent book stores. First of all, Battenkill is in a small town in upstate New York.

She draws on the loyalty and connection the people who live here have with her, not from discounts or a large population or fancy marketing tricks.

Maria and I loved going to Connie’s story to sign books when I wrote them. We had great fun.

She set up a table for Red and us. I’ll always be grateful to Connie for hosting a reading of my e-book, The Story of Rose: A Man And His Dog, even though there were no paper books to sell.

Connie is our extraordinary miracle, a bookstore that is a blessing and a refugee for people. This isn’t supposed to be happening.

Connie said this winter was one of the best winters ever for her.

I need to thank her for all of the help she has offered in our Mansion and refugee work and congratulate her for her 13 terrific years here. She is needed and appreciated.

Yesterday, I called her and asked for help in choosing books for Meg, a prolific reader and a fan of novels, romances, and mysteries. I posted a portrait of Meg, and she told me how much she loves to read.

Connie had a stack of books waiting for me this morning when I stopped by the store. Good choices for Meg, and I’ll bring them over to her this afternoon. I also ordered Peg a light stand by her bed when the lighting is dim.

Connie is the perfect model for small and independent bookstores – as strong selection, excellent customer service, a knowledgeable and friendly staff, and serious attention to the community.

She is a book lover and a savvy businessperson. It works.

I don’t know how many times I’ve called or e-mailed Connie for help in choosing books for refugee children, teachers, the Mansion residents. She has always been there to help, cheerfully and competently.

Her store is always full of people from our small town.

Amazon can’t lay a finger on her, neither can any of the chain stores.