Happy 2021!

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January 1st, 2021

 

Felt like a fairly somber holiday season this year.  But it was brightened by some relief on the horizon. 

I hope that you had the opportunity to find joy – even if it was only through virtual visits or masked and socially distanced family gatherings.  And, of course, the company of your favorite authors.

 

This pandemic year, I have spent some time with Allie Brosh, Brit Bennett, Janet Evanovich, Erik Larson, John Grisham, Mikki Kendall, Suzanne Collins, and Mary Trump.  And I am about to visit with Robert Harris whose latest came out about 6 weeks ago.  Isabel Wilkerson is on the horizon.

 

Here at the bookstore, we have managed to remain open.  And, I am happy to report, we have settled into our new reality while remaining vigilant.  And healthy.

 

You supported us in myriad ways throughout 2020, and I want to share our heartfelt thanks.  Some of you sent emails or phoned in your encouragement.  Others placed orders in house, had books shipped, ordered through our store on Bookshop.org, or donated books.  Some bought gift certificates – in surprisingly large denominations.  Some came and browsed, despite our restrictions.

 

Local authors dropped by to sign their books for us.  Publishers offered us time and forbearance - and kept our lines of credit open. 

 

Mostly, you made us feel like a trusted and valued member of the community.  And for that, above all, we are grateful.

 

In this new year, we are still going to need your patience and support.  For the time being, we will be maintaining our shortened hours.  And continuing to require masks be on and pulled up for admittance - and at all times when browsing.  We will also continue to require all visitors to use our hand sanitizer, gloves, or both BEFORE we allow them in to browse.   

 

I know that some of you are anxious to begin trading your books with us again.  And we would like to     re-instate that service.   Unfortunately, we still have to err on the side of protecting our collection – and thereby our browsers – from the virus.

 

Please remember, we no longer have public restrooms available.  Food and drink are no longer allowed.  And we strongly prefer that you leave you bags at home, as bag check is more challenging than it was.

All of that said, we would love to see you.  Stop by and tell us what you have been reading.  Or check out our signed books and new releases.  Or just commune with our basement full of books.

Check out our new(ish) website.  More updates and a sleek new look.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Free 2021 Calendars!

“The American Dream belongs to all of us.”  -  Vice President –elect Kamala Harris

 

In honor of the inauguration of our first female, African-American, and Asian-American Vice President this month, we are giving out free Madam Vice President calendars to anyone who makes a purchase of $10 or more in the month of January 2021!

 

Get yours while supplies last…

Christmas Leftovers Sale

 

Our annual Christmas Sale is on!

 

We have Christmas cards and books that we didn’t sell during the season.  Drop by and check out our table.  Anything on that table is now 25% off of the marked price – now through January 16^th! 

Don’t Box Out Bookstores

 

We’re proud to join The National “Don’t Box Out Bookstores” campaign in support of indie bookstores. The brown Amazon boxes have become ubiquitous, but they’re boxing out local bookstores, resulting in loss of local jobs and local tax dollars. #ShopIndie #BoxedOut

 

By the time you're done reading this, Amazon will have made another $1.7M. But shopping indie means more local choice, tax dollars and jobs, and a truly unique diverse community.

 

Choosing a locally owned business generates three times as much economic benefit for the local region as shopping at a chain, as noted by a study by American Independent Business Alliance. The 2019 Civic Economics “Prime Numbers” study reports that approximately 28 percent of all revenue of indie bookstores immediately recirculates in the local economy.  ​Buying local also means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.

 

So think of shopping locally first.  Is there a flower or plant shop in your community?  A record store?  A stationary store?  Or maybe a candle or spice shop?  Do you want them to be there?  Do you want people in your neighborhood to be employed?

And yes, support us indie bookstores as well.  We buy from local businesses, support local authors, and donate to local causes. 

Books That Helped Define 2020

Attached, a list of some books that got our attention in the year that was….