Working in a bookshop is sadly not as romantic as you might think. I don’t get to sit around reading all day - though I do squeeze in some personal reading at the end of the day if it’s quiet because that counts as work, right? Like any job, there are stresses and worries and logistics and an unreasonable amount of cardboard. I almost never feel like Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail.
Everyday, though, there are books. Everyday there is someone who needs a book. Everyday there is someone who buys a book from our little shop even though they could get it cheaper somewhere else. They buy it from our dusty, overcrowded shelves because they want us to be here. I think that matters and I’m proud to be a part of it.
It’s that time of year when it feels like spending money is imperative for a good life. Of course that is a nasty lie, but if you have money to spend this holiday season it really does matter where you spend it. When you put your money into a small business I can promise you that it makes a difference. There is a real person crunching the numbers behind the scenes and that number crunching feels particularly high stakes this time of year.
Here are ten little joy nuggets I’ve dug up in the little shop where I spend my days.
I love the number of people who open our creaky door, take a deep breath and say, “ahh it smells so good in here” That’s the smell of hundreds of books crammed into old wooden shelves and you just can’t fake it.
I love the way people pursue their obsessions in our shop. Yesterday, I helped a mother and daughter track down every piece of Taylor Swift merchandise & literature in our small store. It’s more than you might think.
One day a customer brought in her sweet pit bull named Maple Butter and Maple Butter immediately rolled over for a belly rub right in the middle of the shop. I was a goner. Now every time Maple Butter’s mom comes in without her I ask how Maple Butter is doing. She is so good, thank you for asking.
Once I was wearing my One Morning in Maine shirt and a woman teared up telling me how her Dad used to read that book to her. I said, me too.
Queer couples on dates, browsing the poetry section, whispering to each other.
This is kind of a repeat of number two, but there’s this one older gentleman who has special ordered and read every book ever written about Whitney Houston. One day he came in and I told him I was reading a book I thought he might like (Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop by Danyel Smith). I’ll never forget the look of complete surprise and joy on his face when he realized I remembered him and his interest. Of course I did!
Being in a bookshop when it is snowing. This is a bucket list kind of thing. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
People are always buying journals and notebooks and in my head I wish them well because what a cool thing to buy a blank book to fill with yourself. I don’t say this out loud though because I realize that might be a bit much.
Yesterday a gentleman came in and said that he visits his family in Northampton every thanksgiving and last year I recommended The Guncle by Steven Rowley which he loved, and could I please recommend something else. I gave him IDLEWILD by James Frankie Thomas and he said he would come back next year to tell me how he liked it. I sure hope he does.
After the shooting in Lewiston, Maine a customer came into the shop and asked if my family is safe and okay. I don’t even remember telling her I am from Maine. I guess she just remembered.
I know you know that shopping local is good. I know you know that Amaz*n is scary and harmful. This is just one bookseller’s plea to support your local indie this holiday season. We notice it and we need it. We want to be here for you. Oh and if you are in Northampton, MA you better come visit me at Broadside Bookshop! I can recommend books on Taylor Swift, Whitney Houston, and gay shit.
If Dunkin & Yaya had capital they would for sure spend it in indie bookstores. Mostly because we have free treats but still. Beat that, Bezos.
This time of year is challenging for so many of us. Be kind to retail workers. Be kind to yourself. We’re going to make it through.
I’m glad you’re here.
Love,
Rosamond
great to see my Shine Bright mentioned here. thank you
Obviously the caption to the first photo made me cackle. I love that people get to encounter YOU in their indie bookstore ❤️❤️