Founded in 2020, The Reading Glass Books began as a community-centered independent bookstore in New Jersey with a clear mission to connect writers and readers through meaningful stories. What started as a local endeavor has steadily grown into a publishing and literary presence reaching across states and into the global landscape.
Owned and operated by the Goot family, The Reading Glass Books was established during a pivotal season of transition. As Sonny Goot prepared for retirement after 18 years of active military service, he and his wife Lyn sought a purpose-driven venture rooted in service and community. With guidance from a trusted family friend with more than a decade of experience in the book industry, they found that purpose in books and the power of storytelling.
The Reading Glass Books opened its doors in Cookstown, New Jersey as a family-run, locally owned bookstore dedicated to being part of every reader’s journey. By 2022, the company expanded beyond traditional retail into self-publishing services, providing aspiring writers with a platform to share their voices and grow as authors. This shift marked a significant evolution in RGB’s mission to support both readers and creators.
As the company grew, so did its reach. From Cookstown, The Reading Glass Books expanded into BX Mall and Cumberland Mall, later focusing its physical presence at Quaker Bridge Mall and Cumberland Mall. In October 2025, RGB embraced a click-and-mortar model, centering on consignment services designed to support authors and readers through flexible, modern engagement.
Early on, The Reading Glass Books began championing its authors at major literary festivals and book fairs. RGB proudly participated in the Miami Book Fair in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Tucson Festival of Books in 2022. Internationally, RGB took part in the Manila International Book Fair in 2022, 2024, and 2025, and in the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2025. Since 2023, The Reading Glass Books has maintained a presence at both the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the London Book Fair, further expanding its reach within the global publishing community.
Through these events, The Reading Glass Books has showcased hundreds of titles across genres, hosted author signings and book launches, and created meaningful opportunities for writers to connect directly with readers and industry professionals. Each fair and festival reinforced the belief that stories transcend borders and that every author deserves a platform.
Today, The Reading Glass Books continues to grow while remaining grounded in its core values of integrity, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Whether in bookstores, at international fairs, or through publishing partnerships, RGB remains focused on amplifying voices and celebrating the written word.
The Reading Glass Books extends sincere gratitude to every reader who visited its booths, every author who entrusted their work, and every supporter who believed in the mission along the way. Each connection affirms RGB’s belief in the power of storytelling and the value of every author’s journey.
Six years strong, The Reading Glass Books looks ahead with gratitude and purpose, committed to bringing meaningful stories from New Jersey to readers around the world.
