What Is Your Favorite Book-Buying Experience?
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:17 pm
While many of us old timers continue to bemoan the demise of the brick-and-mortar bookstore, we also probably take advantage of the low prices and convenience of shopping online (kind of like shooting oneself in the foot). What I’d like to do here is open a discussion about the book-shopping experience, and see how many folks out there are aware of how interesting and enlightening it can be to visit the few remaining independent bookstores and spend time discussing books (as we do here) in person with true book lovers and knowledgeable owners and employees.
I say “independent” bookstores to differentiate them from the chain variety, most of which seem to employ young folks for their sales abilities, rather than their knowledge of books and authors (I apologize to those sincere and knowledgeable employees who truly have an interest in books and in helping people find what they might like). Though I did find the large selection and amenities in the chain stores intriguing at first, of late they seem to have evolved into businesses more intent on selling coffee and unhealthy snacks, along with trinkets, games and tons of “impulse” items.
Even though they are rapidly disappearing, you can still find independent bookstores tucked away in obscure spots around cities and towns. Most of these are owned/managed by book lovers who are well read and have deep knowledge of their inventory and authors in general. And, if they are successful enough to have employees, the owners usually only hire people like themselves. I still love finding these small treasures from time to time, discussing books with the owners or employees, taking and giving suggestions, and generally spending time with others whose interest in books rivals my own.
I don’t want to limit the discussion to this, but I would like to hear from folks who have a particular bookstore they prefer, perhaps with addresses or website links so others can find them when they happen to be nearby. I’d also like to hear opinions on the book-buying experience; whether you prefer online, chain or independent stores, and why.
That said, let me kick this off by mentioning one of my favorite brick-and-mortar independent bookstores.
Haslams is a store in my home town of St. Petersburg, Florida that has been around now for over 60 years. It started as a small shop selling used magazines and books, and has expanded until today it is one of the largest independent bookstores in the country. They sell both new and used books, and they employ only very knowledgeable people who love books and can answer just about any question a customer might have. They also have experts on rare and collectible books, and every one of the employees is willing to spend extended time with a customer, discussing books and authors and making suggestions. The store now covers 30,000 square feet with an inventory of over 300,000 books.
In many ways, the shopping experience at Haslams is like visiting a library, where leisurely browsing is encouraged, sales personnel are (like librarians) knowledgeable and helpful, and the atmosphere is conducive to contemplation. There you can find everything from the latest bestsellers to rare and even ancient tomes, and if they don’t have what you want, they will be happy to conduct a book search for you. Haslams is located in the older downtown area of St. Pete, at 2025 Central Avenue. Here is a page on their website that tells a little about their history:
http://www.haslams.com/history.shtml
I should mention that I, too, now buy most of my books online and for my Kindle, however, whenever I visit a new town, I always try to find small, locally owned independent bookstores, where I can spend some time browsing and discussing books with true book lovers. And I almost inevitably find a new (to me) author or book that ends up on my ever-growing list of those I prefer.
I say “independent” bookstores to differentiate them from the chain variety, most of which seem to employ young folks for their sales abilities, rather than their knowledge of books and authors (I apologize to those sincere and knowledgeable employees who truly have an interest in books and in helping people find what they might like). Though I did find the large selection and amenities in the chain stores intriguing at first, of late they seem to have evolved into businesses more intent on selling coffee and unhealthy snacks, along with trinkets, games and tons of “impulse” items.
Even though they are rapidly disappearing, you can still find independent bookstores tucked away in obscure spots around cities and towns. Most of these are owned/managed by book lovers who are well read and have deep knowledge of their inventory and authors in general. And, if they are successful enough to have employees, the owners usually only hire people like themselves. I still love finding these small treasures from time to time, discussing books with the owners or employees, taking and giving suggestions, and generally spending time with others whose interest in books rivals my own.
I don’t want to limit the discussion to this, but I would like to hear from folks who have a particular bookstore they prefer, perhaps with addresses or website links so others can find them when they happen to be nearby. I’d also like to hear opinions on the book-buying experience; whether you prefer online, chain or independent stores, and why.
That said, let me kick this off by mentioning one of my favorite brick-and-mortar independent bookstores.
Haslams is a store in my home town of St. Petersburg, Florida that has been around now for over 60 years. It started as a small shop selling used magazines and books, and has expanded until today it is one of the largest independent bookstores in the country. They sell both new and used books, and they employ only very knowledgeable people who love books and can answer just about any question a customer might have. They also have experts on rare and collectible books, and every one of the employees is willing to spend extended time with a customer, discussing books and authors and making suggestions. The store now covers 30,000 square feet with an inventory of over 300,000 books.
In many ways, the shopping experience at Haslams is like visiting a library, where leisurely browsing is encouraged, sales personnel are (like librarians) knowledgeable and helpful, and the atmosphere is conducive to contemplation. There you can find everything from the latest bestsellers to rare and even ancient tomes, and if they don’t have what you want, they will be happy to conduct a book search for you. Haslams is located in the older downtown area of St. Pete, at 2025 Central Avenue. Here is a page on their website that tells a little about their history:
http://www.haslams.com/history.shtml
I should mention that I, too, now buy most of my books online and for my Kindle, however, whenever I visit a new town, I always try to find small, locally owned independent bookstores, where I can spend some time browsing and discussing books with true book lovers. And I almost inevitably find a new (to me) author or book that ends up on my ever-growing list of those I prefer.