Back Bay’s famous Trident Booksellers & Cafe celebrated 40 years of community and food for thought at its anniversary party Oct. 5.

The family-run local hotspot displayed historical memorabilia, free books, fortunes and menu samples in a newly renovated event space. The theme of “Past, Present and Future” was represented across the bookstore’s second floor, featuring newspaper clippings and interactive displays. Along the windowsill, with views overlooking Newbury Street’s bustling crowds, patrons detailed their favorite Trident memories.

“To me, Trident is a third space,” said Kate Andersen, a visitor from out of town.“It’s a fun place to hang out, either pick up a book or meet new, cool queer people.” 

Trident prides itself on being a third space; a public, free center for community and relaxation. Such places, vital to American culture, have steadily become endangered in the years since the pandemic. The rarity of third spaces is due to difficulty sustaining spaces with high rent costs and low customer turnout, but these neutral, accessible spaces can alleviate the social isolation worsened by the pandemic.

Trident often hosts community author nights, poetry slams and other public events. Maintaining business and community bonds is a central challenge to independent bookstores — Trident’s anniversary comes at a time when small independent businesses continue to struggle due to inflation.

To Geoffrey Raywood, a store staff member, persistence underscores the meaning of the anniversary. 

“Boston is a longtime literary city, and we’re celebrating 40 years of being right at the center,” Raywood said. “It’s important to have a place for people from all over to discover what’s out there in stories and ideas.” 

Throughout the store, visitors stopped to try local brews and pore over historical highlights from the area across the decades, in photos and old copies of iconic bestsellers.

Opened in 1984 by Bernie and Gail Flynn, the family-run business promotes open-mindedness and unity, core principles of Buddhist philosophy. 

“Walking in the door and learning from people’s expertise makes this place so special,” Raywood said. The local coffee shop has also extended its efforts to expand access to education and the literary world. Book talks hosted by visiting and local authors provide a place to learn directly from emerging influential literary figures. Free to attend, visitors can socialize over signed copies and absorb new insight into their favorite works of literature. The accessibility of a third space like Trident allows for easy community enrichment without the burden of costs. 

Attendees on the anniversary agreed that Trident is an ideal place to foster new connections.

“It’s lively and relaxing,” said Sameeha Anwar, an event attendee. “You can take a break from school stress, sit down and eat something.”

Trident serves full lunch and dinner menus with breakfast-all-day items and student specials.

 “I used to come here for lunches in my twenties,” said visitor Jennifer Phillips. “Back then, there weren’t many cool places with vegetarian options, so it was nice to find someplace so fun.” Phillips now lives outside of Boston, but returned for the celebration.

The event was primarily held in The Stacks, a new private event space nestled between bookshelves. The recent expansion created 1,350 square feet for weddings and private celebrations. The atmosphere bustled with the chatter of memories and excitement toward upcoming events. 

“I’m glad I got to come today,” Anwar said. “It’s a nice atmosphere, especially since it’s grown so much.” To many visitors like Anwar, Trident has been a reliable presence in the area and, with informed attitudes shaped by experience, she is hopeful Trident will continue to evolve with local and future readers. 

The future of Trident is bright — the business plans to host several author talks and interactive events for the public, including weekly trivia and open mic nights, speed dating events and a Silent Book Club. Newbury’s third space has speared the hearts of locals for almost half a century, providing a casual, informative atmosphere that remains a cozy space for loyal patrons. Remaining at the forefront of curious minds is rare among independent booksellers, but Trident continues to grow with the community as a treasured business, workspace and home.