New Huntington store offers books, bar and a place to unplug

A store that combines books, a full bar and a place to unplug is now open in downtown Huntington.

Huntington couple Brett and Angela Jurow opened Published five days ago in what used to be Finley’s of Greene Street. The cozy spot outfitted in dark wood with several book-lined walls, inviting couches and nooks in which to read — but no television — is inspired by the couple’s two children, ages 11 and 13.

“We’ve always loved reading, but our children really love reading, which has inspired us to read more and get more involved with books,” Angela Jurow said from a seat in front of the room that features a long bar serving coffee, tea and libations.

“It’s also about unwinding at the end of the day and getting off devices,” she said. “To bring it back in line with what our kids need and want; we don’t want them on their devices 24/7 and it’s really hard as parents to be able to go out and sit and relax; we really want families to feel like they're welcome here.”

She said she always wanted to open a bookstore but needed to work out a business model. While away in upstate Kingston, the family discovered a format that would work.

“They had a bookstore with a bar in it, and we thought this is brilliant, I love the idea,” she said. “We’re a bookstore first, a bookstore that sells drinks, not a bar that sells books.”

In addition to new books that run the gamut from children, young adult and fiction and non-fiction, there are also games to be played on site, a community puzzle and small gift items including branded merchandise for sale.

Small bites are also available for purchase. When their next-door neighbor Mighty Fine Café opens soon, Jurow said customers will be able to order from there and eat it at Published.

Huntington Station resident Lindsay Sheridan was wandering around the store with her 14-month-old son, Killian, and husband Thomas. They had set a stack of books aside to purchase and were enjoying refreshments.

She said the store has a great selection of books and the “whole social aspect” of the setting is welcoming.

“It allows you to have fun with your kids and have a beer, a glass of wine or coffee,” she said. “It’s also super cute, warm and inviting.”

Tracey Spero of Centerport had dropped in to check out the space and do some writing on her computer. She had been curious about the store since first hearing about it on social media.

“I was going to grab a tea at Starbucks, and I thought let me support a new business,” she said. “I love it; it’s exactly what Huntington was lacking as far as a space to come and hang and feel comfortable and order a drink, socialize, whether it’s alcohol, a tea or a coffee, it could be day it could be night, I feel like it’s all inclusive and it’s beautiful.”

Published is located at 47 Greene St.