The Storied Treasures Of The Independent Book Store
On a recent visit to Columbus to visit my children and their children, my daughter informed me of a new independently owned bookstore that just opened near her neighborhood. I suggested we check it out. So, with my two grandchildren and their moms in tow, we set out to investigate. All of us wanted to offer our support for the exciting new shop.
As an avid reader and an author myself, I know how the big cyber booksellers work. Yes, it’s easy to simply “one-click” any book, but there’s nothing personal about such convenience. In my case, laziness has driven my book acquisitions.
We walked into the just-opened bookstore only to be met by the owner who was behind the service desk. She met us with a brilliant smile and a welcome salutation that felt warm and genuine. She asked if we were looking for anything in particular, and I asked if she had any books that might help my granddaughter, Natalie with her pending and dreaded phase of life called potty training. Natalie’s mom was with us and she was open to any toddler book suggestions that may help this first time experience for their family. What ensued was a supportive conversation between the owner (a mother of 4) and my daughter-in-law. The owner suggested some books, offered a veteran mom tip or two and the potty training book was soon tucked under my arm for purchase. We then talked other books, and the owner walked us around the store as she perused the multitude of titles suggesting this book was so good in this way, and that book was so good in that way. I found myself experiencing book browsing rather than using my pointer finger to simply acquire as book.
We left the book store not only with the potty training book, but with a few other books suggested by the owner. Since my visit to this new little retail gem, my desire to support local booksellers has not only renewed, but been reinspired. There’s nothing like bouncing book recommendations, reading the cover descriptions and briskly flipping through the multitude of pages where thousands of words are compiled to relay a story. Regardless of whether or not I purchased every book I investigated, I was inspired by the process it took for every book to reach the shelf. Perhaps the feel of each book triggered my own journey in publishing a book. It’s not easy, yet this new bookstore gave space for thousands of books, validating the world of literary diversity and beauty.
Above all, I have such admiration for the woman who, against the odds, chose to pursue her dream of owning an independent, neighborhood-centered book store. No one needs to remind her of the looming, gorilla sized cyber retail giants that pose a constant threat to her lasting success. Yet, it was obvious from the displayed notifications of upcoming events, this young entrepreneur is determined to succeed. If my interaction with this book store was any indication of this owner’s ability to garner a customer following, I have no doubt she will flourish.
As we approach chillier weather, many of us will look forward to cozying up with a cup of tea and a good book. Getting lost in fiction can transcend our imaginations, or being enlightened by non-fiction can give deeper understanding of a world we thought we knew. If you’re in the market for a new book, may I suggest making a visit to a local, independently owned book store. My guess is such a trip will transform you to the wide delight of all kinds of new literary discoveries even for a 2 year old about to tackle the big challenge of being 2.