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Arctic Tern Books & sanctuary

Arctic Tern Books & sanctuaryArctic Tern Books & sanctuaryArctic Tern Books & sanctuary

432 & 434 Main St. Rockland, Maine

432 & 434 Main St. Rockland, Maine432 & 434 Main St. Rockland, Maine

Hello & Welcome!

Smiling woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers inside a bookshop

Origin Story

Arctic Tern Books & Sanctuary was created by Allison Worden in 2021 following a series of personal losses in close succession — her only sibling, both parents, her dearest friend, and a beloved dog. 


Her intention was to create a refuge for anyone who might be struggling, a place of respite and connection in a cacophonous, distracted, and increasingly isolated world, a place where beauty and radical hope would reside and be felt. 


She located her business in Rockland, Maine — a fishing and industrial center for centuries that’s now an oasis unto itself. With two outstanding art museums, a diverse company of boutiques and galleries, a theater, and an exciting culinary scene, Rockland is a magical place to visit and to call home.

Interior of a bookshop with books, a leather chair,  a coffee table, and a large white orchid.

The Bookshop

Allison named her little bookshop Arctic Tern Books after the intrepid bird that flies from pole to pole every year, following the path of the sun. She populates it with a carefully curated selection of books and other comforts in an atmosphere that feels inviting, peaceful, and deeply restorative.


The products she favors are from small-batch manufacturers;  artisanal goods made by human hands; items created sustainably from natural materials; goods that benefit people and the planet.


More than a bookshop, this is a terrific place to find gifts and small items that buoy and comfort the spirit.

Event space with high ceilings, wood floors, elegant chairs, a chandelier, and light-filtering curta

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary opened in 2025 in a sweet little space right next to the bookshop. It serves as a place for learning, connecting, and celebrating the literary arts. Its offerings include exhibits, author talks, workshops, connection circles, and more.


In the present time of immense and overwhelming change, opportunities for in-person, analog activities and connection, as well as for peaceful reflection, are balms for the spirit. This is what this serene and airy space is designed to provide.


See our Events page for details of current and upcoming happenings.

Our Hope

Our sincerest wish is that all who enter these special spaces will feel uplifted, inspired, and comforted — enriched in some meaningful way.  


We'd love to see you cross our thresholds someday soon! Meanwhile, you can follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our emails for news and event announcements.

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We promise, you'll only hear from us when we have something meaningful to share.


Copyright © 2025 Arctic Tern Books - All Rights Reserved.

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