TURNING the Page

THUNDER ROAD BOOKS reopened in May at its new location at the corner of Third and Passaic avenues, a move that took place almost four years after its original opening a few storefronts away. The bookstore traded spaces with its neighbor business, Kate and Company.

Kate Czyzewski, manager, buyer and event coordinator, says staff and patrons alike are loving the airy, multipurpose corner store. The owner worked with Louro Development Group to rework the space to suit its new purpose, leveling the floor and restoring the original wood and expanding the back part of the store.

Big draws of the new digs include double the square footage, lots of natural light, a larger and more kid-friendly children’s section and movable displays to accommodate frequent and well-attended book clubs, story times, signings and special events.

Czyzewski says expansion was needed since the business has taken off exponentially since opening, a reflection of growing energy and demand, not only for books, but for vibrant and welcoming community spaces where ideas can thrive and people can feel a sense of belonging.

Thunder Road Books remains a passion project for owner Basil Iwanyk, who saw the need for a bookstore in Spring Lake, something it had been missing for 30 years. “Basil wants to celebrate the art of storytelling in all forms—whether that’s writing, film or music,” says Czyzewski.

Iwanyk founded and owns the Santa Monica-based film and TV production company Thunder Road Films—most known for the John Wick film series, “Sicario” and “The Town.” He and his wife Natalie (who owns Warm Shop around the corner from the bookstore) have lived here full time since 2021 and share three sons: Charlie, Dylan and Jacob.

When Thunder Road first came to town, Czyzewski said, “we had no idea we’d be doing the volume of foot traffic that we have now, and in the beginning, we had some steep learning curves.”

Leaning into their mission to serve the community, the store began tapping into patrons’ needs, building a strong social media presence and planning and hosting a plethora of events. “Each year, in hopes of bringing more opportunities to patrons, the store sends out many author proposals,” Czyzewski says. “We throw everything at the wall and see what sticks.”

Partnering with nearby small businesses—like Third Avenue Chocolate Shoppe, Kelly-McKenna Gallery, Driftwood Coffee and Barefoot Athleisure—continues that mission of bringing people together and fostering growth in the community.

Thunder Road also partners with the public library and the Spring Lake Community House, where they often pack the house for larger events.

“This is the magic of small business. Spring Lake has been so welcoming, and our area is booming with energy,” said Czyzewski, who also has experience as a teacher and book blogger. “Reading is cool again, people are excited about reading. And the way the world is right now, bookstores have been very therapeutic for communities. There’s a big movement to go away from big monopolies. Young people are putting books in their hands instead of other things.”

But the best part about running an independent bookstore? “We never take it for granted that many of our patrons have adopted us into their families. When we get invited to a 99th birthday, when we see the families growing up with us, we are so incredibly grateful.”

Thunder Road Books, located at 1100 Third Ave. in Spring Lake, is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BY KERRY SERZAN