Suncook Village, N.H. – A beloved mix of music, books, and community has found a new home in Suncook Village with the opening of a Record and Book Store, an expansion of the popular Pembroke City Limits (PCL). The project is the brainchild of co-owners Rob Acevedo and Eric Lesburg, who see the new location as both a cultural anchor and a natural extension of the energy they’ve already built in the village.
The bookstore officially launched in July after Acevedo and Lesburg purchased the inventory of Bill Lamotte, the former record shop owner. This location has a storied past that has always been tied to music and books. This location was once the Pembroke Town Library many years ago, and for many decades this storefront was a music/record store. It is truly fitting for Acevedo to bring it back full circle and tie it directly into his successful live music venue and bar (Pembroke City Limits). What began as an opportunity to acquire thousands of books, records, cassettes, and vintage music gear quickly turned into a vision for a permanent, thriving hub.
“We don’t plan on going anywhere,” said Acevedo. “This is about planting roots here in the village and creating something that adds to the fabric of Suncook.”
Acevedo says he’s always imagined a storefront that combined the feel of old-school record shops with the community spirit of a gathering place. Drawing inspiration from record stores he frequented in Boston during the 1980s, he wanted a space where people could browse vinyl and paperbacks while also feeling connected to the local arts scene.
The Record and Book Store plans to expand hours past weekend hours this month. Until it is officially announced, customers are invited to browse under an “honor system”—selecting items and paying across the street at PCL.
Acevedo insists the venture is about more than just selling inventory. Much like PCL has evolved into a community hub with live music, yoga, tarot nights, plant swaps, and even line dancing, the Record and Book Store will build on that same sense of togetherness.
“We’re not just business owners—we’re neighbors and friends,” Acevedo explained. “It’s very much like the New Hampshire music scene: one for all and all for one. Everyone’s success helps grow the village.”
Already, a small army of volunteers and supporters have stepped forward to help sort through the thousands of records and books. Longtime collectors are even helping catalog rare 45s into blues, R&B, and country categories.
The new location, which previously served more as storage than a storefront, requires minimal renovations—just fresh paint, a new door, and some deep cleaning. The bulk of the work lies in organizing the massive stock of books, records, magazines, and music memorabilia.
Acevedo says the team plans to “thin out” older inventory through bulk sales and then begin restocking with fresh titles and records. At the same time, staff will sell items online through eBay to broaden reach and keep the shop financially sustainable.
For Acevedo, the expansion is tied directly to his vision of Suncook Village as a cultural and commercial destination. With more restaurants, bars, and shops filling long-vacant storefronts, he sees the village entering a transformative phase similar to what he witnessed in Newmarket, NH, years ago.
“What makes me tick these days is Suncook Village,” said Acevedo. “None of us were elected or hired to grow this place—we’re doing it because we care about the community. If we stick with it, this village will be unrecognizable in five years—in the best way.”
If all goes as planned, the Record and Book Store will be fully operational by mid-October, offering expanded hours, replenished stock, and its own events calendar. And Acevedo isn’t stopping there: he hopes this second shop will eventually lead to a third Suncook Village business, provided population growth and demand continue.
For now, he says, the priority is keeping the momentum going.
“We want this village to be a place where people can spend the whole day—get coffee, grab breakfast, shop, catch some music, and yes, leave with a record or book in hand,” Acevedo said with a smile.
