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Tree of Life Christian Bookstore – Featured Local Business
Tucked away in the countryside of West Potsdam is a little slice of heaven.
It’s a literal piece of God’s country hidden away from the rest of the hustle and bustle of the North Country.
So much so that many of us may have never even realized this little bookstore even existed.
I am hoping this little article changes that and you take the time to stop over to check out the Tree of Life Christian Bookstore for yourself.
*Fun Fact – The Tree of Life Bookstore building was the last original one-room schoolhouse in St. Lawrence County to close. It was built in the 1840s.
Meet Dick and Sharon
You may know Dick and Sharon as the owners of the Rose of Sharon Bed and Breakfast in the village of Norwood.
You could remember them from the time they owned and operated Mom’s Schoolhouse Diner.
Lovers of hospitality, Titus 1:8
These days, they like to call themselves ‘semi-retired’ while running the Tree of Life Christian Bookstore.
God’s people don’t retire. They just go out to pastor!
*Pun definitely intended.
Family Life
Dick and Sharon raised and homeschooled five children.
They moved to the beautiful North Country 33 years ago this December 2023 in order for their children to start farming and enjoy raising animals.
The fruits of their labor have blessed them with 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Books, Books, Books
If you are looking for books, then what better place to look than a bookstore?
It’s refreshing to walk into an actual bookstore in this day and age!
I went to Tree of Life bookstore in search of a couple specific books. They didn’t have them in stock but they offered to order them and call me when they came in. They did just as they said they would. I was delighted with their warm, servant personalities. – Bill
They carry all kinds of books too.
Of course, there were Bibles, Bible studies, and Bible devotions, but there was so much more.
I had a hard time pulling my daughter, Jaimie, away from all of the amazing homeschooling books.
*These books are not just for homeschoolers!
Gift Shop
It was like a full gift shop in this little shop.
So much so that I am making plans to go back to do some Christmas shopping there this year.
I hope you do too!
Remember: Think BIG, but shop small!
I enjoyed visiting the store. She had a great selection of stuffed animals and homemade greeting cards. Very pleasant place to shop. Great selection of books as well. Would definitely recommend! – Mirinda
The prices really surprised me.
It is truly amazing how a small shop can offer high-quality items at such affordable prices!
There were so many adorable stuffed animals.
And like the owner, Dick, said, they are so cuddly, you won’t want to put them down.
I also saw some cute purses with stuffed animals right inside of them that my granddaughters would love!
Games and More
If your family, or someone you know, likes board games, card games, memory games, trivia, and more, then this is the place to shop!
*These games mainly focus on the Bible.
They also offer word searches, coloring books, crossword puzzles, and more.
Sharon and Dick were extremely kind as soon as we walked through the door. They went over things about the store and how it is the last one room school house in the county to close. The store is very beautiful and so peaceful when you walk in. I can’t wait to go back to get some things !!! I would recommended going to check it out, they have a little bit of everything, low prices and great gift ideas for all ages. – Jaimie
Videos and CDs
I have always been fussy about what my family watches on television.
That’s why I really appreciate a good, clean, show on DVD.
They offer used VHSs for free.
Actually, my daughter, Sarah, still has boxes of VHS tapes. She is searching for a VCR.
The Tree of Life Christian Bookstore offers a huge array of both DVDs and VHS tapes of family-friendly viewing material.
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. Psalm 101:3
Here are a few of my favorites:
The Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith
VeggieTales
Joni Eareckson Tada
The Case for Christ on DVD
They also offer a good selection of CDs.
Clothing and Caps
They carry a nice selection of both adult and children’s Christian t-shirts.
They also carry a variety of Christian caps.
This FBI one was one of my favorites.
Jewelry
They offer a beautiful selection of faith-based jewelry.
Baby’s Firsts
Looking for a unique gift for a new baby that will be so much more special than the typical baby shower gift?
Tree of Life has that covered too!
There are so many choices, like
- Baby’s First Bible
- Special picture frames
- Lullaby CDs
- Stuffed animals
- And more!
Signs and So Much More!
This little shop has so much to offer.
There are signs and little stained glass window hangings.
There are a lot of mugs to choose from for all of my coffee, tea, and cocoa lovers, or just plain mug lovers!
They have bookmarkers, boxes of greeting cards, and beautiful journals.
There is a little something for everyone.
Need a Bible? Can’t Afford One?
If you need a Bible, but can’t afford one, then Tree of Life Christian Bookstore would be happy to give you one free of charge.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. – Mark 16:15
They also take donations of Bibles if you would like to help get Bibles into the hands of people who can’t afford them.
Donations of Used Christian Books Accepted
Ready to do some decluttering around your house?
Call Dick to set up an appointment, then bring in your stash of old Christian books.
He will go through the books while you look around the bookstore.
This is a great place and the owners are fantastic people . You will be best friends in less than 5 minutes. True people of God. – Laura
Their store policy is to give a voucher to be used at the bookstore for your generous donation.
*You will be asked to take back any books the store is unable to use.
Gift Certificates
The Tree of Life Christian Bookstore offers gift certificates.
I love this.
Gift certificates are a great way to support local, small businesses.
Plus, they make perfect gifts for the upcoming holidays.
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – 10:30-4:30
Thursday – 10:30-4:30
Friday – 10:30-4:30
Saturday – 10:30-4:30
Contact Information:
809 CR 34, Potsdam, NY, United States, 13676
(315) 261-4203 sharon@treeoflifebooksandgifts.com Tree of Life Books and Gifts
Think BIG, but Shop Small
Stop over and visit with my friends, Dick and Sharon, at the Tree of Life Christian Bookstore, and make sure you tell them that Candy sent you!
And, remember, think BIG, but shop small.
Support your local, small businesses.
*Photo Credits go to: Jaimie Besaw at 5 B’s Photography
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That was a very good article about the Tree of Life Bookstore. Thanks for sharing it 😁 wow, I didn’t realize the history behind that little store. Very cool!
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