The following article was published in the Palm Beach Daily News (aka The Shiny Sheet):
By Aleese Kopf – Daily News Staff Writer
Palm Beach now has three book stores, one in each of the island’s shopping districts.
But, unlike The Palm Beach Book Store on Royal Poinciana Way and Classic Bookshop on South County Road, Worth Avenue’s new store offers something unique: rare and antiquarian books.
Raptis Rare Books, at 226 Worth Ave., offers hundreds of books covering a variety of topics including classic and children’s literature, science, history and biography. Customers can buy and sell in-store and online. They also can get help building a library, whether it’s filled with traditional novels or special interests.
Matthew Raptis, a bibliophile, and wife Adrienne, an avid reader, began collecting rare books more than 20 years ago. They’ve held history in their hands — some of the most important books of the past three centuries. They’ve sold countless first editions and author-inscribed books, and curated dozens of personal libraries.
“Each particular book has its own story,” said Adrienne Raptis, pointing to pages in the gallery containing a hand-corrected speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. “These pages were held in his hands. He crossed this out and made that edit. I love to think about where the books have been, what library they will go in and who will appreciate them in the future. It gives me goosebumps.”
The Palm Beach Book Store, said she thinks a rare book store is a wonderful addition to Palm Beach.
“There’s definitely a niche for it here,” she said. “In the past I’ve often had people call me who had rare book collections hoping that I might be able to direct them and now I can. I think we complement each other very well.”
Worth Avenue Association President Marley Herring said it’s exciting to have a “truly unique” shop on the Avenue again.
“Raptis Rare Books is a book collector’s dream just as Grande Armee was many years ago for antique militaria,” she said, referring to the antiques store at 256 Worth Ave.
Herring, owner of Marley’s Palm Beach Collection, said the store is a great option for shoppers that need a gift for someone who has everything.
“To hold a piece of history in your hands is a remarkable experience,” she said.
