21st Century Literature discussion
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If You Were Designing The Ideal Bookstore, What Would It Include? (5/22/22)
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Marc
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May 23, 2022 07:05AM
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Cats! I'm trying to think of the things my favorite bookstores have had and that's the first thing that came to mind.
Yes Bretnie. That is the first thing that came to my mind as well!
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In layout and ambience it would resemble Powell's in Portland, with a basement coffee bar similar to Elliot Bay Books in Seattle. There would be comfy chairs to peruse books at your leisure. It would have a mix of new and used books. Many, but not all, of the books I was looking for would be available in used but excellent condition. Next to my go-to writers on the shelves there would be writers and books I had never heard of but that would immediately speak to me as must-reads.
Time would stand still in the outside world while you were in the bookstore. And included with every book purchase would be an additional 3 hours of reading time.
Whitney wrote: "Definitely cats."To add to the Pacific NW vibe, last time I was in Twice Sold Tales in Seattle, they had a beautiful cat with mismatched eyes, and a couple adorable hyperactive kittens. The ante has been upped.
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To add to the Pacific NW vibe, last time I was in Twice Sold Tales in Seattle, they had a beautiful cat with mismatched eyes, and a couple adorable hyperactive ki..."
The cat game is definitely strong with Twice Sold Tales.
Marc wrote: "What would your dream bookstore include?"I agree with everyone about cats. Although a dog could also be great. They are lovely animals, too. My favorite bookstore, also in the PNW by the way, has a very dapper tuxedo cat named Herbert. He is a kindly gentleman greeter. A cafe is also important to get the level of Ideal. I also think having a mix of used and new books in stock is great for variety and can help the pocketbook. Some comfy chairs distributed around is always a good thing and very welcoming.
just seeing the subject line and before I read the replies my answer was...CATS
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Since I am very allergic to cats, perhaps a cat-free section.
one feature that makes a difference to me is how easy it is to browse and discover new things, so I like a variety of display options and slanted lower shelves and ladders so I dont have to bend or crane. Natural materials and great light.
Mindy wrote: "Since I am very allergic to cats, perhaps a cat-free section."Borderlands Books in San Francisco used to have a hairless cat.
New and used books. Easy access shelves. A huge children’s section with hourly readings. Warm beverages, and cozy chairs.And, sorry all, I’d have a small pack of dachshunds instead of cats.
Book discussion groups and author visits/signings. Well lit book nooks or corners with comfy seating. Well marked sections and specialty sections that might be tied to the area or location. My favorite book shop in Florida has a great section devoted to pirate books. Enthusiastic employees who are excited about books.
If I could have anything, I would include a meeting room with comfortable chairs and lighting. The room would be used for a variety of events including meetings, readings, performances, talks on a variety of subjects, etc.
Donna wrote: "Book discussion groups and author visits/signings. Well lit book nooks or corners with comfy seating. Well marked sections and specialty sections that might be tied to the area or location. My favo..."Yes, book discussion groups! I moved from a small city that FINALLY got an independent bookstore and they had several groups devoted to different genres and communities and it was wonderful. I now live in a place with more independent bookstores but no book groups :(
Cats & dogs;Great lighting;
Lots of books from indie presses;
Lots of cover-out display space (I love cover art) as well as changing displays;
Multiple shelves of "recommended" books in various categories (by people who work there or by enthusiastic customers);
Space to sit or stand, including tables/shelves where you can set a stack of books you want to look through
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On the bright side, it would be a lot easier for you to start a book group than an independent bookstore!
I was not expecting cats to be so high up on the priority list, but I find myself already delighting in these dream bookstores. I like those stores that feel like you’re moving through a house and discovering new rooms of books as you go.
"Cats are life, life are cats." --- someoneI'll go with cats, too.
And I just like a friendly, inviting atmosphere that caters to us book nerds and lots of coffee.
Cats. Comfy chairs and a fire place. A solid selection of books for all the genres. A spot for table games, like Scrabble. A corner for local artisans...
