Comments on: Let’s hear it for neighborhood bookstores: Here’s mine http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/ A veteran publishing insider's views on how to get published in today's marketplace Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:12:24 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Helen Gallagher http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-2158 Helen Gallagher Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:26:20 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-2158 Yes, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court in the Chicago suburbs -- Winnetka, is a dream. Children's section, cooking, travel, glorious art, a cookbook club, and their specialty is fiction. the 20-some staffers really know their stuff. They are among the top indie stores in the country for the number of author events they hold each year. thebookstall.com Yes, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court in the Chicago suburbs — Winnetka, is a dream. Children’s section, cooking, travel, glorious art, a cookbook club, and their specialty is fiction. the 20-some staffers really know their stuff. They are among the top indie stores in the country for the number of author events they hold each year. thebookstall.com

]]> By: Hut Landon http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1684 Hut Landon Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:13:44 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1684 It's also worth noting that by spending that extra $12 at Mrs. Dalloway's, you are also doing your part to insure that Elmwood remains a lively and inviting shopping area full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Independent bookstores are often the crux of any shopping neighborhood, and the symbiotic relationship between the businesses is what keeps them all healthy and vital. Pretty good deal for $12. It’s also worth noting that by spending that extra $12 at Mrs. Dalloway’s, you are also doing your part to insure that Elmwood remains a lively and inviting shopping area full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Independent bookstores are often the crux of any shopping neighborhood, and the symbiotic relationship between the businesses is what keeps them all healthy and vital. Pretty good deal for $12.

]]> By: Maria Padian http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1501 Maria Padian Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:39:49 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1501 Brunswick, Maine, has the wonderful Gulf of Maine Bookstore on Maine Street. It's survived and thrived even though Border's has come to town, and the owners do a wonderful job supporting all of us local authors with signings, readings, mentions on their blog ... you name it. Great post: thanks! Brunswick, Maine, has the wonderful Gulf of Maine Bookstore on Maine Street. It’s survived and thrived even though Border’s has come to town, and the owners do a wonderful job supporting all of us local authors with signings, readings, mentions on their blog … you name it. Great post: thanks!

]]> By: Bobbye Middendorf http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1240 Bobbye Middendorf Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:27:07 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1240 Chicago is blessed with some amazing indy bookstores: In Hyde Park, there's the Seminary Cooperative Bookstore and around the corner is 57th Street Books, its sister outlet for general readers. This is the University of Chicago neighborhood, so lots of high octane intellectualism. It's refreshing to know that we have a reader in the White House these days--The President's [old] neighborhood bookstore was the Seminary Coop, of which he is a member. On the other end of the city, Women & Children First has been around for decades and offering great reads to the Andersonville neighborhood. (Even had the honor of an American Booksellers Association Prez in Ann Christopherson from WCF.) Barbara's Bookshop carries on in the middle of town near the University of Illinois @ Chicago. There are others, new and secondhand bookshops, sprinkled throughout the city. Even Chicago's suburbs carry on with some notable indies (Anderson's in Naperville to the West; Book Stall @ Chestnut Court on the North Shore.) I go out of my way to make purchases at independent bookstores. Chicago is blessed with some amazing indy bookstores: In Hyde Park, there’s the Seminary Cooperative Bookstore and around the corner is 57th Street Books, its sister outlet for general readers. This is the University of Chicago neighborhood, so lots of high octane intellectualism. It’s refreshing to know that we have a reader in the White House these days–The President’s [old] neighborhood bookstore was the Seminary Coop, of which he is a member. On the other end of the city, Women & Children First has been around for decades and offering great reads to the Andersonville neighborhood. (Even had the honor of an American Booksellers Association Prez in Ann Christopherson from WCF.) Barbara’s Bookshop carries on in the middle of town near the University of Illinois @ Chicago. There are others, new and secondhand bookshops, sprinkled throughout the city. Even Chicago’s suburbs carry on with some notable indies (Anderson’s in Naperville to the West; Book Stall @ Chestnut Court on the North Shore.) I go out of my way to make purchases at independent bookstores.

]]> By: Susan Wiggs http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1174 Susan Wiggs Fri, 29 May 2009 14:23:03 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1174 What a nice blog post. The search term that brought me here was something about lemurs. My local shop is the Eagle Harbor Book Company on Bainbridge Island, WA. They treat their local authors so well! I put some pics on my blog here http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/this-just-in/ and here: http://susanwiggs.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/eagle-harbor-booksigning-009.jpg What a nice blog post. The search term that brought me here was something about lemurs. My local shop is the Eagle Harbor Book Company on Bainbridge Island, WA. They treat their local authors so well! I put some pics on my blog here http://susanwiggs.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/this-just-in/ and here: http://susanwiggs.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/eagle-harbor-booksigning-009.jpg

]]> By: Evelina http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1133 Evelina Tue, 19 May 2009 09:57:32 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1133 In my little town of Skellefteå (Sweden) there is one normal bookstore, Laghergrens. And the fealings towards them are a little twisted, they have almost everything but are verry expensive! Then on the other hand we have three second-hand stores of course with a lot of books, and next to the bus station there is a Antikvariat (second-hand bookshop) called Nordbok (Northbook) and I love this tiny shop, it's cheap and they have their storage open on Saturdays, more than 200 square meters of bookshelves!!! =D In my little town of Skellefteå (Sweden) there is one normal bookstore, Laghergrens. And the fealings towards them are a little twisted, they have almost everything but are verry expensive! Then on the other hand we have three second-hand stores of course with a lot of books, and next to the bus station there is a Antikvariat (second-hand bookshop) called Nordbok (Northbook) and I love this tiny shop, it’s cheap and they have their storage open on Saturdays, more than 200 square meters of bookshelves!!! =D

]]> By: Kelly Reed http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1116 Kelly Reed Thu, 14 May 2009 05:47:52 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1116 Hurray for Mrs. Dalloway's! I live a bit further down in Rockridge where we have two more great stores - Pegasus and Diesel Books. But I do like to take a walk up College and visit Mrs. Dalloway's, each store has its own unique flavor. And how lucky we are to have so many lovely indie bookstores to choose from! Hurray for Mrs. Dalloway’s! I live a bit further down in Rockridge where we have two more great stores – Pegasus and Diesel Books. But I do like to take a walk up College and visit Mrs. Dalloway’s, each store has its own unique flavor. And how lucky we are to have so many lovely indie bookstores to choose from!

]]> By: Duluk http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1112 Duluk Wed, 13 May 2009 17:51:42 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1112 My local bookstore is Blue Bicycle Books (http://bluebicyclebooks.com). Used/rare books, but it's the only non-chain bookstore I'm aware of around here. But I have to give a "shout-out" to the best bookstore in the country (and yeah it's where I used to work, in Jackson, MS), Lemuria Books (http://www.lemuriabooks.com). General bookstore, but specializes in signed first editions. My local bookstore is Blue Bicycle Books (http://bluebicyclebooks.com). Used/rare books, but it’s the only non-chain bookstore I’m aware of around here.

But I have to give a “shout-out” to the best bookstore in the country (and yeah it’s where I used to work, in Jackson, MS), Lemuria Books (http://www.lemuriabooks.com). General bookstore, but specializes in signed first editions.

]]> By: tom verkozen http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1110 tom verkozen Wed, 13 May 2009 05:56:12 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1110 We're spoiled -- the bubble of the bay has a provided us with a number of fine indies -- yes, First Street Books, Book Passage -- but after nearly 25 years of patronage I have a bias toward The Booksmith in San Anselmo, a 10 minute stroll from my home. Owners Michael & Sherry Whyte and their whole family are my family ... on breaks we often cross The Avenue and talk shop at Tim's indie cafe, The Roasterie. Michael and Sherry always show up for my book parties (potluck, white elephant format, bring your favorite novel, unwrapped). Life is good. We’re spoiled — the bubble of the bay has a provided us with a number of fine indies — yes, First Street Books, Book Passage — but after nearly 25 years of patronage I have a bias toward The Booksmith in San Anselmo, a 10 minute stroll from my home. Owners Michael & Sherry Whyte and their whole family are my family … on breaks we often cross The Avenue and talk shop at Tim’s indie cafe, The Roasterie. Michael and Sherry always show up for my book parties (potluck, white elephant format, bring your favorite novel, unwrapped). Life is good.

]]> By: valerie ryan http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1106 valerie ryan Mon, 11 May 2009 17:24:46 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1106 Well! We are all puffed up with pride to be the first store on your blog. Thank you for extolling the virtues of indies. We actually read the books we sell and love to talk about them. Drop in anytime. Well! We are all puffed up with pride to be the first store on your blog. Thank you for extolling the virtues of indies. We actually read the books we sell and love to talk about them. Drop in anytime.

]]> By: Jerry Carroll http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1104 Jerry Carroll Sun, 10 May 2009 13:00:27 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1104 First Street Books across the Bay in Kentfield is the small bookstore par excellence. It is small and intimate -- cozy, really -- and showcases the intelligence and wide interests of its owner. It is Book Passages, the nearby Corte Madera literature mecca, on a smaller scale. First Street Books across the Bay in Kentfield is the small bookstore par excellence. It is small and intimate — cozy, really — and showcases the intelligence and wide interests of its owner. It is Book Passages, the nearby Corte Madera literature mecca, on a smaller scale.

]]> By: Anahita Ayasoufi http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1099 Anahita Ayasoufi Fri, 08 May 2009 00:12:57 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1099 We used to live close to Ann Arbor, MI. My husband and I often took a short trip to Ann Arbor to visit a small bookstore that we enjoyed on Main Street. It was a long time ago and I have forgotten the name of the store. I have not seen any small bookstores in the places that we have lived since. I wonder if there were some that closed … We used to live close to Ann Arbor, MI. My husband and I often took a short trip to Ann Arbor to visit a small bookstore that we enjoyed on Main Street. It was a long time ago and I have forgotten the name of the store. I have not seen any small bookstores in the places that we have lived since. I wonder if there were some that closed …

]]> By: David http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1098 David Thu, 07 May 2009 18:41:57 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1098 Denver's Tattered Cover Bookstore isn't a small indie bookshop, but it started that way, and it still has the feel of one even though it's a remarkable story of growth. I love walking into Tattered Cover LoDo (the downtown warehouse district) and spending time there just browsing, or walking up the broad staircase, lined with new fiction and nonfiction, to pass by the modest meeting room where, usually, you can listen to an author talk about his or her book. Joyce Meskis, its now-retired owner, started a small shop in Denver's Cherry Creek District back in the 1970s, moved once a block or so away, then took over a retail department store, then added TC Lodo, then was forced to relocate the main store again to the Bonfils Theatre where today you can enter one of the most unique bookstore spaces in the world, complete with a "stage" and "poetry pit." I'll always patronize the remarkable Tattered Cover, and I wish it a long life. Denver’s Tattered Cover Bookstore isn’t a small indie bookshop, but it started that way, and it still has the feel of one even though it’s a remarkable story of growth. I love walking into Tattered Cover LoDo (the downtown warehouse district) and spending time there just browsing, or walking up the broad staircase, lined with new fiction and nonfiction, to pass by the modest meeting room where, usually, you can listen to an author talk about his or her book. Joyce Meskis, its now-retired owner, started a small shop in Denver’s Cherry Creek District back in the 1970s, moved once a block or so away, then took over a retail department store, then added TC Lodo, then was forced to relocate the main store again to the Bonfils Theatre where today you can enter one of the most unique bookstore spaces in the world, complete with a “stage” and “poetry pit.” I’ll always patronize the remarkable Tattered Cover, and I wish it a long life.

]]> By: Shane Durgee http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1096 Shane Durgee Wed, 06 May 2009 17:58:10 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1096 I'm lucky enough to have Word, an indie bookshop just two blocks away from my apartment in Brooklyn. There are plenty of talented authors in the area so plenty of readings and signings. In fact, I went into the store recently specifically looking for a new author that was recommended to me, Leni Zumas. Not only did I find her book, but I found a signed copy at no extra cost (I'm guessing from a reading she did there). Elmwood sounds nice. I love that part of the Bay Area. I stayed with a friend off of Marin Ave., to the north of Berkeley. I’m lucky enough to have Word, an indie bookshop just two blocks away from my apartment in Brooklyn. There are plenty of talented authors in the area so plenty of readings and signings. In fact, I went into the store recently specifically looking for a new author that was recommended to me, Leni Zumas. Not only did I find her book, but I found a signed copy at no extra cost (I’m guessing from a reading she did there).

Elmwood sounds nice. I love that part of the Bay Area. I stayed with a friend off of Marin Ave., to the north of Berkeley.

]]> By: Weldon Long|Speaker|Author The Upside of Fea http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1095 Weldon Long|Speaker|Author The Upside of Fea Wed, 06 May 2009 16:21:30 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1095 Wow! Talk about a relaxing walk down memory lane. Kinda sad what's happened to little things like an old fashioned book store. Thanks for the trip. I will make it a point to promote my book and purchase others at smaller stores. Wow! Talk about a relaxing walk down memory lane. Kinda sad what’s happened to little things like an old fashioned book store.

Thanks for the trip. I will make it a point to promote my book and purchase others at smaller stores.

]]> By: Julie Platt http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/comment-page-1/#comment-1094 Julie Platt Wed, 06 May 2009 14:21:48 +0000 http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/05/lets-hear-it-for-neighborhood-bookstores-heres-mine/#comment-1094 Your post really struck a chord with me! I am fortunate to have Quail Ridge Books close by. Nancy Olsen is the owner. She does an amazing job of running the store and includes a great selection of titles and music that her customers enjoy. The store is delightful to visit. The staff always offer a greeting and a helpful hand to find exactly what you're looking for. Author events are going on several times a week. The store is also very active in supporting the community in charitable ways. To me, their store is a big part of my community. Although I may browse on Amazon, a quick call to Quail Ridge is all it takes to have the books in my hand faster than Amazon could ship them to me. www.quailridgebooks.com Your post really struck a chord with me! I am fortunate to have Quail Ridge Books close by. Nancy Olsen is the owner. She does an amazing job of running the store and includes a great selection of titles and music that her customers enjoy. The store is delightful to visit. The staff always offer a greeting and a helpful hand to find exactly what you’re looking for. Author events are going on several times a week. The store is also very active in supporting the community in charitable ways. To me, their store is a big part of my community. Although I may browse on Amazon, a quick call to Quail Ridge is all it takes to have the books in my hand faster than Amazon could ship them to me. http://www.quailridgebooks.com

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