RJ Julia opened 18 years ago as an independent bookstore whose mission was, and is, to be a place where words matter, where writer meets reader, where the ambiance and selection and merchandising of books creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and presents the opportunity for discovery. Ultimately we are fiercely committed to putting the right book in the right hand.

We are extremely proud of having won major awards nationally, statewide and locally, including in part: Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year, Lucille Pannell award for bookselling excellence, Connecticut Magazine Best Bookstore, Connecticut Retailers Award for Community commitment, Advocate's Best Bookstore and the New Haven Business Small Business Award.