Longtime Bangor Bookstore Saved by New Owners

Pro Libris bookstore avoids closure after new owners step in to take over the 46-year-old shop.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Pro Libris, a beloved independent bookstore in Bangor, Maine, was on the verge of closing after the death of its longtime owner, Eric Furry, in January 2026. However, just a day before the store's 30,000 books were set to be sold to a wholesaler, a new ownership team of John Dixon and Fox Emm stepped in to purchase the shop and keep it open.

Why it matters

The preservation of Pro Libris is seen as a victory for independent bookstores and the local Bangor community, which had come to rely on the shop as a cultural hub for over four decades. The new owners, who moved to the area in 2022, were determined to uphold the store's legacy and continue serving book lovers in 'Stephen King country'.

The details

Dixon and Emm, a couple in their 30s, heard about the bookstore being for sale just a week before they decided to purchase it. They acted quickly, visiting the shop on the final day of a 50% off sale that was meant to clear out the inventory. The new owners plan to maintain Eric Furry's legacy by becoming notaries, keeping the store's iconic fish tank, and working to digitally catalog the massive book collection.

  • Eric Furry, the previous owner, died in January 2026.
  • On the day before the bookstore's 30,000 books were set to be sold to a wholesaler, Dixon and Emm purchased the shop.
  • Dixon and Emm visited the store on Saturday to meet with Vera Furry, Eric's wife, during the 50% off sale.
  • Emm began working as a co-owner at the bookstore on Wednesday, their first day officially running the shop.

The players

Eric Furry

The previous owner of Pro Libris bookstore, who had run the shop for 46 years until his death in January 2026.

Vera Furry

The wife of Eric Furry, who was running the bookstore after his death but did not want to be in charge of it long-term.

John Dixon

One of the new co-owners of Pro Libris bookstore, who moved to Verona Island, Maine from South Carolina in 2022.

Fox Emm

The other new co-owner of Pro Libris bookstore, who has a job in cybersecurity and saw the opportunity to purchase the shop on social media.

Bernard

The black moor goldfish that has lived in the store's front counter fish tank, which the new owners plan to keep.

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What they’re saying

“If the choice was to have a bookstore close or have a little crazy weekend, I'd rather have a little crazy.”

— Fox Emm, Co-owner (bangordailynews.com)

“We know it's been a pillar of the community, and as locals and lovers of books, we didn't want to see it close.”

— Fox Emm, Co-owner (bangordailynews.com)

“[Owning a bookstore] was my cozy retirement plan. This is just accelerating it a little bit.”

— Fox Emm, Co-owner (bangordailynews.com)

What’s next

The new owners, John Dixon and Fox Emm, plan to adjust the store's hours starting next week as they get acclimated to running the business. They are also working to digitally catalog the store's massive 30,000-book inventory.

The takeaway

The quick actions of Dixon and Emm to purchase Pro Libris bookstore have saved a beloved community institution in Bangor, Maine, demonstrating the enduring appeal and importance of independent bookstores even in the digital age.