Charter Books
A new independent community bookstore on Broadway in Newport, Rhode Island. We have signed books, ebooks, audio books, games, apparel, music and more!
Location
8 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
Health and
Safety Measures
- Curbside Pickup
- Delivery
- Masks Required
- Open For Shopping
- Virtual Shopping
A new independent, community bookstore located Lower Broadway in Newport's Historic District.
The story of independent ideas and human rights in America is incomplete without the Rhode Island Royal Charter of 1663. Authored primarily by Newporter John Clarke and signed by King Charles II, the Charter created in Rhode Island the first self-governed political state in North America, acknowledged the rights of indigenous peoples to their own land, and guaranteed its settlers freedom of religion. Historian Thomas Bicknell called the Charter "the grandest instrument of human liberty ever constructed."
The name of our bookstore is a tribute to the Newporters of 1663 who placed their faith - literally - in the power of the written word to enact change and secure essential liberties.
Founded in 2020, Charter Books is a Newport-based business whose mission is to cultivate community and a robust local culture through a broad selection of books, programming, and the free exchange of ideas. We’re committed to exceptional customer service and the values of inclusion, diversity, and independence.
Our mission is to:
1. Provide access to a lively literary culture and ideas through a broad selection of books.
2. Celebrate the free and democratic exchange of ideas.
3. Create a vibrant and inclusive public space for events and discussion.
4. Cater to a diverse population and ensuring access to the above for all.
Be sure to stop by the shop to see what new releases we have on our shelves or visit our website to shop online.
- New Books
- Bestsellers
- Valentine's Day Gift Guide
- Children's Picture Books
- Young Adult Books
- Middle Grade Readers
- Staff Picks
- Audiobooks
- eBooks
- Puzzles, Games, & Gifts
- Gift Cards
Charter Kids Book Box - Ongoing Subscription
Share the joy of reading by helping kids and parents build a magnificent young library - one book at a time. Receive new signed books every 4-6 weeks.
The Signed First Editions Club
Build your personal library of important new fiction—or gift a subscription to a book lover in your life. Receive new signed books every 4-6 weeks.
Online Gift Cards
Perfect for loved ones. A gift code will be emailed directly to the recipient (plus a personal message) and they can use it on the site at any time
"THE GENERAL" AND A CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR/FILM CRITIC DANA STEVENS
Learn MoreSteve Iwanski
Steve Iwanski grew up in Tiverton and got his start in retail working summer jobs at the Sakonnet Boathouse and the Army-Navy Surplus. He graduated from Tiverton High School and the University of Notre Dame. In 2010 he joined Teach For America and taught high school English for four years in the Mississippi Delta. In 2014 he was hired as a bookseller at Turnrow Books in Greenwood, MS. When author and owner Jamie Kornegay stepped away from the store in 2016, he asked Steve to serve as manager. Under his management, Turnrow was Main Street Greenwood’s 2017 Retailer of the Year and the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Small Business of the Year. He also served as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee and served for two years as a board member of Main Street Greenwood. He's excited to bring his passion for community and bookselling back home to Newport County.
