A continuation of January 15, 2013, Indie Bookstores, Part I.
In 2010, Poets & Writers magazine featured a series of articles titled "Inside Indie Bookstores," by Jeremiah Chamberlin. For each issue, Chamberlain reported "on the institutions that mean so much to the literary community," as he travelled the country interviewing owners of independent bookstores. Mr. Chamberlain introduced me to bookstores I wasn't aware of. For others, it was a better glimpse into what I already knew. It was all good, and I encourage you to read the series.
I followed the six installments with interest, as I was weaned on these small, one-of-a-kind, book shops. When it came time to carve a life of my own, I lived in Washington, D. C., and there took for granted the small, family-owned sanctuaries. In Georgetown, narrow Georgian houses accommodated floor levels of book shelves––creaking boards free. Later, I lived above DuPont Circle, an easy walk to Kramer's Books, which is still there. Working on Capitol Hill, I spent lunch hours in others. I fantasized that one day I would own a bookstore.
In today's posting, I gathered additional information for you, dear readers, to digest: Independent Bookstores Find Their Footing : NPR Indie bookstores report strong sales for 2012. They will be worth to consider in light of how Target, Wal-Mart, the big-box sellers, even grocery stores sell books, further dicing the book business. Independents are holding a competitive ground, and "community" is a big factor. Many bookshops feature exhibits, music, lectures, podcasts, free Wifi, blogs, and online shopping. Customers want the stores to succeed, and will do whatever they can to see that happen.
From sea to shining sea, Independent Bookstores live and breathe––with some older than others. When you travel, take time to visit them. If you're more comfortable with armchair travel in advance, walk through their web sites. You can shop for indie bookstores through: Charlesbridge or Indie Store Finder. Below I've provided a sampling to entice you.
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1628 16th Street
Denver, CO http://www.tatteredcover.com |
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| Creekside Books & Coffee
35 Fennell Street
Skaneateles, NY 13152
http://www.creeksidecoffeehouse.com |
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Books & Books
265 Aragon Avenie
Coral Gables, FL
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| 161 Lexington Green Circle Lexington, KY http://www.josephbeth.com |
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| Talking Leaves Books 951 Elmwood Avenue 3158 Main Street Buffalo, NY http://www.tleavesbooks.com |
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| 3900 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 www.parnassusbooks.net |
I wish there was one in my neck of the woods :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maxie, for reading and commenting. I hope you "opened" a few doors to peak inside. As for wishing for one around you––maybe there is. Search the two sites I provided above (Charlesbridge or Indie Store Finder), you might be surprised. Don't forget that if you find/visit one, let me how you liked it, how different it was from big-box stores, and anything else worth noting.
DeleteIn the early '80s, I walked into Kramer Books & Afterwards, and it was just as you describe it now. Its formula for success has endured the evolving, and more recently revolving landscape. What an accomplishment! I remember the atmosphere, both serious along the book stacks, and jovial in the restaurant. This speaks volumes of what humanity craves.
ReplyDeleteThank you for remembering to me your visit to Karmer Books, and for noting their formula for longevity and success. I know if you were to visit again, you would find they have adapted to today's reading world. Should you return, let me know about your experience. And when and wherever you travel, please do look for the indie bookstore in that area. Thanks, again.
DeleteWe had a great Indie Bookstore on Staten Island. It was called "The Clove Lake Bookstore" because it was located by Clove Lake Park.
ReplyDeleteThe owners of this store would bend over backwards to get you any book you needed within 24 to 48 hours.
Unfortunately, with the rise of large book conglomerates and on line access to reading, this bookstore folded three years ago.
I miss the familiarity of those owners.Staten Island used to be like Andy Griffith's Maybury and The Clove Lake Bookstore was an embodiment of that time.
Since they have flourished, Barnes & Noble has promoted book signings for Snooki and Mob Wives, a sad sign of the times.