Found you through MidStack! One of my favorite traditions when I travel is to find an independent bookstore. They're always such a litmus test of the area in which they're situated, and yet there's a beautiful community-based thread woven through all of them.
Yes! I totally agree. I think they may already exist, but I have often thought of creating travel tours through amazing cities that focus on indie bookstores. They are harbingers of a city's best vibes and a great cross section of their populations.
Thank you for this lovely post about bookshops, Ingrid, and I too have had a library - a bookshelf filled haven - built for me in Minecraft! I was someone who always sought out a bookish space to take refuge in - the school library, the town library and then the various libraries and bookshops near where I lived. They never failed me. And now having run my own shop for 20 years I’m able to provide that space to others.
Jo! I am so happy you are living your dream of bookstore ownership. And someone must love you very much to build you a Minecraft library. Places with books are safe spaces. Where is your shop? Give it a shout here!
My bookshop is called Blarney Books & Art, and we're located at the bottom of mainland Australia, in a little coastal and tourist town called Port Fairy - we're in an old Masonic hall, and we think we've given it a much more colourful existence since taking it over 20 years ago!
I love all of this! I too have "embodied many selves in my first fifty years" and I love the idea of a mental backlog of imagined selves. When you build your bookstore, how about including a comfy lounge where writing and reading groups can meet? I went to a conference session once where a panelist had a bookstore where she led lots of interesting groups. When it's ready, I'll be right over! And of course we're reading some of the same books right now! Loving Omar El Akkad's latest.
My someday bookstore will absolutely have many spaces for gathering in different size groups depending on your introverted or extroverted tendencies. Lots of comfy reading nooks and chairs. Lots of delicious snacks and beverages. Places to meet people as well as places to hide behind the pages. And of course, LOTS of great books. What else are you reading besides El Akkad?
Sounds perfect! I’m reading Big Magic right now. I’m going to a 2-day Elizabeth Gilbert workshop here in May, where I’m going to learn about liberating myself from toxic thought-prisons and obligation mentality!
I am not actually a bookstore owner, Michelle. So sorry for the confusion. I am a strong advocate for their ongoing success and urge people to patronize them. My own bookstore is only a rough business plan at this point. Thanks for subscribing though!
I always love your reading lists. Consider adding Raising Hare, a gentle, thought provoking read and a finalist for this year's Booker Prize. It's just the right story, for the right time. And it's true!
Found you through MidStack! One of my favorite traditions when I travel is to find an independent bookstore. They're always such a litmus test of the area in which they're situated, and yet there's a beautiful community-based thread woven through all of them.
Yes! I totally agree. I think they may already exist, but I have often thought of creating travel tours through amazing cities that focus on indie bookstores. They are harbingers of a city's best vibes and a great cross section of their populations.
Yes! Is there an indie bookstore directory somewhere online?
Thank you for this lovely post about bookshops, Ingrid, and I too have had a library - a bookshelf filled haven - built for me in Minecraft! I was someone who always sought out a bookish space to take refuge in - the school library, the town library and then the various libraries and bookshops near where I lived. They never failed me. And now having run my own shop for 20 years I’m able to provide that space to others.
Jo! I am so happy you are living your dream of bookstore ownership. And someone must love you very much to build you a Minecraft library. Places with books are safe spaces. Where is your shop? Give it a shout here!
My bookshop is called Blarney Books & Art, and we're located at the bottom of mainland Australia, in a little coastal and tourist town called Port Fairy - we're in an old Masonic hall, and we think we've given it a much more colourful existence since taking it over 20 years ago!
I love all of this! I too have "embodied many selves in my first fifty years" and I love the idea of a mental backlog of imagined selves. When you build your bookstore, how about including a comfy lounge where writing and reading groups can meet? I went to a conference session once where a panelist had a bookstore where she led lots of interesting groups. When it's ready, I'll be right over! And of course we're reading some of the same books right now! Loving Omar El Akkad's latest.
My someday bookstore will absolutely have many spaces for gathering in different size groups depending on your introverted or extroverted tendencies. Lots of comfy reading nooks and chairs. Lots of delicious snacks and beverages. Places to meet people as well as places to hide behind the pages. And of course, LOTS of great books. What else are you reading besides El Akkad?
Sounds perfect! I’m reading Big Magic right now. I’m going to a 2-day Elizabeth Gilbert workshop here in May, where I’m going to learn about liberating myself from toxic thought-prisons and obligation mentality!
This is wonderful, Ingrid. I can't seem to find your bookstore on your about page. Is your bookstore in Colorado?
I am not actually a bookstore owner, Michelle. So sorry for the confusion. I am a strong advocate for their ongoing success and urge people to patronize them. My own bookstore is only a rough business plan at this point. Thanks for subscribing though!
oops! I misunderstood. But advocates for Indies are a crucial part of the ecosystem!
I always love your reading lists. Consider adding Raising Hare, a gentle, thought provoking read and a finalist for this year's Booker Prize. It's just the right story, for the right time. And it's true!
that sounds lovely! Adding it to the list.