My first photojournalism editorial piece.

Lift Bridge Book Shop Lifting Spirits Since 1972

Krista Carpenetti

It’s difficult to simply pass by the Lift Bridge Book Shop on 45 Main Street in Brockport, NY. The large window storefront teems with varying items from new book releases to trinkets and puppets. Directly above lies a colorful 20^th-century themed summertime mural with delicate line work depicting playful outdoor activities like swimming in a pond, running in the grass, and riding a horse and buggy.

And that’s just the outside.

Anyone who enters the Lift Bridge Book Shop will agree that the atmosphere is as pleasant as it is welcoming. The wide open floor space filled from floor to ceiling with shelf upon shelf of books would make any bookworm fall in love at first sight. An ocean of colors spreads as far as the eye can see. The soft instrumental music playing overhead provides a calming and intellectual air, encouraging browsers to pick up and skim any material they find appealing. The knowledgeable employees are never found without a smile, adding to the friendly environment.

The Lift Bridge Book Shop is the collaborative dream come true of Archie and Pat Kutz, married thirty-five years, ten of those as a store-owning team. Archie Kutz, 63, a Brockport native, opened his original Lift Bridge shop on 71 Main St. in 1972 after graduating from McGill University in Montreal. Boston native and fellow McGill graduate Pat Kutz, 65, ran her own Lift Bridge Kids’ bookstore down the road at 53 Main St. for eleven years before merging with her husband’s store in 2001 and moving to their current location on 45 Main St.

The store started out mainly selling college textbooks, but soon began to expand its merchandise selection to increase revenue and customer appeal. The expansion included books on wedding planning, cooking, children’s books, sports, health, classical and new literature, theater, politics, and science, to name a few. The expansion also embraced new types of products altogether, including art supplies, toys, science kits, greeting cards, calendars, and puzzles. The couple refuses to follow suit of many bookstores across the country by opening a café in their shop because “There’s a great one across the street, and besides, we didn’t want to make coffee.”

Lift Bridge offers more than just a great shopping experience by offering a wide range of clubs and activities for a variety of prospecting customers. A history book club, eclectic women’s club, graphic novel club, technology seminars, publishing seminars, writers’ groups, and many more meet at the store periodically, drawing in people with all tastes and maintaining Lift Bridge’s upbeat and friendly vibe.

Archie and Pat make it obvious that they enjoy what they do. Lighthearted and smiling, they are always eager to help customers, no matter what their age. “When you see a child come in and open a book and then just light up, it’s amazing,” Pat says. “I call it the power of story.”

Lift Bridge stands out on Brockport's Main Street.

The Lift Bridge Book Shop offers a kid-friendly environment.

Lift Bridge holds a variety regular book club meetings.

The pleasant storefront adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

Pat and Archie Kutz may be the happiest business owners in New York.