Independent bookstores have a special way of bringing communities together, offering more than just books, they create spaces to explore new ideas, discover local stories, and connect with fellow readers. In the heart of Historic Downtown Washington, Pamlico Books embodies that spirit. This month's Small Business Spotlight features Jason and Lindsay Hall, owners of Pamlico Books, a locally owned independent bookstore at 149 N. Market Street
Jason and Lindsay Hall met a few years after college while Jason was stationed at Fort Bragg. Their love for North Carolina began during that time, even though neither of them originally called the state home. Lindsay grew up in Pittsburgh, while Jason was raised in a military family and moved frequently throughout his childhood. The Halls have three daughters--one born while they were stationed in Korea, the second in California, and their youngest in Northern Virginia.
While living in Northern Virginia, an opportunity arose in late 2019 to purchase Washington Crab, a seafood restaurant and market located just outside downtown Washington at 1212 John Small Avenue and 321 North Pierce Street. In February 2020, the Halls sold their business, moved to Washington, NC, and purchased Washington Crab, just before the start of the COVID pandemic.
As they settled into the community, both Jason and Lindsay quickly fell in love with Washington and looked for ways to deepen their roots. While Jason managed the day-to-day operations at Washington Crab, Lindsay worked as a third-grade teacher at Chocowinity Primary School.
In the fall of 2024, Washington's beloved independent bookstore, Pamlico Books, went on the market. As a lifelong book lover who had always dreamed of working with books, Lindsay saw the opportunity as a perfect fit. A few months later, the Halls purchased Pamlico Books and began their next chapter as downtown business owners. Located at 149 N. Market Street, offers a wide variety of selections, making it easy for readers and visitors alike to discover something unique and meaningful connected to the area.
What do you love most about Washington?
We love the small town feel of Washington and being located on the water. Many visitors to the store come in and tell me how welcoming the town feels and they are so right! As you walk around downtown, people smile, wave, and say hello. This doesn't happen everywhere, so I never take that for granted!
What challenges do you face as an owner of an independent bookstore?
I think the biggest challenge for me is the major competition I deal with from online retailers and larger book retailers. Independent bookstores are fighting an uphill battle with this every day. In addition, the prevalence of e-reading is a real challenge as less people are buying and reading physical copies of books and are instead using phones, tablets, or e-readers to read. I have to be very thoughtful about what books I'm choosing to stock in the store because of this. That's difficult in itself, because I'd love to have them all!! I'm always thinking about ways to raise awareness of the importance of shopping local and keeping that money here in the community.
What advice would you give to others looking to start their own small business?
Talk with other small business owners as you develop your business plan to ensure they can help or provide advice on unexpected hurdles that may arise. Try things with the knowledge and understanding that they may not be as successful as you thought or as you'd like, but that's how you grow and learn. As for choosing Washington, it's a great place for small businesses because the community is small and so open to helping each other. The Chamber is great because you can meet whoever you need to in order to make your business successful and people are really friendly and helpful. It feels like people want you to succeed here in Washington, and they'll tell you that. People in the city will try to find business incentives for you to make you successful. I think a lot of people in Washington are really passionate about keeping small businesses here and successful.
How would you describe Pamlico Books to someone visiting for the first time?
Pamlico Books is an independent bookstore serving the community of Washington and surrounding areas. We carry fiction and nonfiction books (new and used), children's books, puzzles, games, children's toys, greeting cards, and book related gifts. We are also able to order anything you need; and can typically get it here at the store within 2-3 days! We pride ourselves in being one of the only independent bookstores in Eastern, North Carolina. When you step into our store, you're going to get a unique and specific-to-you experience that you won't find at a large book retailer or when shopping online for books. Independent bookstores are a gem to be treasured, and we hope that you enjoy browsing here at our store. We love to discuss books and make recommendations, and we look forward to chatting with you or helping however we can!
How does Pamlico Books connect with the local community?
We love being part of this community and finding ways to celebrate and share the joy of reading. I believe an independent bookstore has a responsibility to provide community-centered activities and events, serving as a welcoming "third space" for people to gather. At the store, I host book clubs led by members of the community, organize book fairs with Pitt Street Brewing On the Pamlico, and recently started a Silent Book Club that meets at Pitt Street on the first Thursday of each month.
One of my favorite events we've hosted is the Where's Waldo event held last July. Throughout the month, residents and visitors explored downtown Washington searching for a small Waldo figure hidden in participating local businesses. Each stop earned them a stamp on their passport and an entry to win grand prizes at the end of the month. I loved that it helped bring attention to other local businesses while giving the community a free and fun activity to enjoy together.
