Howard's Bookstore — Local services in Torrington

For a long time I supported Howard’s Bookstore and its owner by promoting its events and the store, along with the many musicians and artists that have performed there.

Back in February, after several years of filming and taking photos of the store’s events, the owner told me that he has banned filming and posting to social media of all open mic performers. The open mic is held every Wednesday, 7 p.m.

He has told several people different reasons for this. The one most cited by his associates is that he “doesn’t want someone’s performance to get him in trouble.” and that he’s afraid that the city of Torrington would shut him down if someone says the wrong words or performs the wrong songs at an open mic event. Someone else told me that he might be planning to run for political office, and he does not want to get in trouble for a performance.

After being at multiple open mic events at numerous locations throughout several states, I can write that 99 percent of the people who perform at open mic events WANT exposure. They want to be known, and they want people to take photos and videos of them and post them all to social media. This is how they make a name for themselves!

Furthermore, when you prohibit people from filming and taking photos because of your self-interests, you are contradicting the whole “freedom of speech” concept that you vigorously promote through your advertising and the shelves of books of your bookstore.

Also: The owner of the store has stated multiple times that he charges authors for “book talks” at his store. I’m not a book author, but I believe that this is a practice that is...

John Howard’s bookstore is a must see spectacle for anyone traveling to, or living in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut. Formerly a shoe store that served the community for generations, Noelke has left much of the original interior intact, complete with historical artifacts; such as the original cash register, beautiful lighting fixtures, and even vintage shoes that were left behind, which he offers for sale. (I have bought a pair myself and can attest to their quality. They don’t make things like they used to!!) This lack of renovations only serves to heighten the stores charm. The resulting effect is like stepping into a time capsule. The smell of vintage books a welcome breath of fresh air and refuge from our fast paced digital world. Noelke is a man of vision, and serves his community with an fiery passion. Not only does he simply offer books for sale, but he provides the community with a creative hub where musicians and artists can gather and perform. A place where serious intellectual discussion takes place and is encouraged..Every time I’m looking for a particular book he usually has it, and if he doesn’t he will track down a copy for me. Howard’s is a place like no other. Don’t pass up on the opportunity to explore its...

John Noelke is a unique individual, and I'm so glad he revived Howard's! You can stop in and feel totally comfortable browsing, reading, sitting, and chatting. He will tell you stories of Howard's and how it seemed like the owners just "put their cigarettes out in the ashtray and walked out the door."

John has preserved everything that was left and has even refused to sell items requested by people because he wishes to preserve the history of the place and its relevance to downtown Torrington.

Stop in to Howard's and get a glimpse of the past along with a flavor of the present! Everyone is welcome. (Please be respectful of this man, his place, and his contribution to...