Ugly Dog Books Supports Creativity and Reading in Attleboro

Kim Ward Storch had worked in education for more than 15 years before opening Ugly Dog Books in Attleboro. Although she is no longer working at a school, the teaching bug has stayed with her.

Last year, Ward opened the book store located at 75 Union St. While big chains like Borders have closed, she's keeping her background in education alive and well at the shop.

"I just wanted more to offer for the store," she said. "I wanted to have a place for people to show their creativity and get themselves noticed."

Prior to opening Ugly Dog Books, Storch owned Maple Street Learn & Play Preschool & Daycare and worked in a preschool classroom. Now, she leads writing workshops at the shop for people of all ages and does story time with young children.

"I explain a bit of imagery [to the students] using it in their stories," she said. "They pick a prompt, like baby shoes. They're sitting somewhere, who put them there and why type of thing."

She said she wanted to work in some form of education, but preschool wasn't what she wanted to do anymore.

"My love has always been writing and reading, but I needed to quit," she said. "It was really loud for 15 years with little kids ... This is definitely my passion. I drive to work happy every day."

Storch has been writing since she was a child, and self-published the book Footprints in the Snow last year. She said she is also working on a new book.

The store features local artists and authors every month and sells homemade honey products from Attleboro resident Lisa Nason and jewelry from Wrentham resident Donna Mareau Hopkins.

Along with a used buyback program and a book ordering system that doesn't charge shipping and handling. She said every month the store chooses three local charities to receive donations that come from a portion of the sales.

She said she donates to Saint Joseph's Food Pantry every month, as the location has a special place in her heart because her father started it.

Ugly Dog Books is located at 75 Union St. in Attleboro. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.