I do not spend as much time in bookstores as I once did. Too much temptation. Not enough money. And, I admit it, the ease and convenience of e-books. That isn't to say I avoid bookstores all together. Just that, well, I do not make the biweekly visits to all the neighborhood bookstores the way I once did. When I lived in the other house, I was closer to the bookstores, both used and new. Back then, Borders was just down the street until it closed down. Whenever I pass the old store, I still feel a pang of sadness. After two years, they've finally taken down the Borders sign and a new tenant has taken over the spot.
When we moved to our current location, I was a little disappointed about the lack of bookstore options. That was until I discovered Cellar Door Books. It is a little independent bookstore that holds a lot of charm. It didn't take long for the bookstore to make its mark in the community. The staff are wonderful. It's a great little store that offers much to readers, even beyond books. There are writing workshops, children's events, book clubs, and author signings. I confess I haven't taken part in any of these activities--yet--but I like the idea that they're available. And maybe, when work quiets down and Mouse is a little older, we'll be able to take part in them too.
Let's take a peek into my favorite local bookstore, shall we?
Do you have a local independent bookstore near you? Where you do you like to shop for books?
© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
That bookstore is adorable! Just looking at it makes you want to go and hang out. My Borders was only a couple miles away, and is now a spin-off of Chuck E Cheese :( And we have NO indie bookstores in Orlando. It is maddening.
ReplyDeleteSandy - It is a great place to hang out. :-)
DeleteMy Borders is now a Forever 21. :-(
Cellar Door Books looks very charming! I buy all my books from our local indie - Fiction Addiction. If I want a book they don't have, they'll order it for me.
ReplyDeleteKathy - It is! My store will order books for me at my request too. They even bought an extra copy of a book I requested to stock on their shelves based on my recommendation. I thought that was pretty cool. :-)
DeleteI love the name of your local indie--Fiction Addiction. Very fitting for the likes of us!
Looks and sounds like a perfect security blanket bookstore! J.R.R. Tolkien thought the most beautiful word(s) in the English language were cellar door.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I like that description of it. :-) I was there once on a rainy day and it felt so homey.
DeleteSo charming and inviting! Wish I was wandering around there right now--enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteRita - I wish I was there right now too!
DeleteWonderful place. I'd love to shop there :D What a great thing to share with us!
ReplyDeleteJennifer - It's a lovely little place. It may not offer the discounts that one of the bigger chain stores does, but paying full price is worth it to keep stores like this around.
DeleteWhat a charming bookstore! I don't spend as much time in bookstores either. Several closed in my area. I'm not a huge fan of the large chain bookstores, but small independent ones are often lovely. I miss them.
ReplyDeleteAMB - It's so sad to see bookstores close. Two of my favorite used bookstores closed down years ago and then Borders. I was so happy when I found out this store had opened--and not terribly far from where I live.
DeleteWhat a gem!
ReplyDeleteLisa - I agree!
DeleteOh, it's beautiful, Wendy! What a lovely bookstore. I want to go in it!
ReplyDeleteSusan - You are welcome to come anytime. :-)
DeleteThere's no indie bookstores near my place but I do have a Borders in the nearest mall where I live. I love the look of this one! It's so cosy.
ReplyDeleteAlice - Yes, it is very cozy. I am glad you at least have your Borders. I would hate to live anywhere without a bookstore.
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful book store. I love the entrance and was surprised by how big the store is once you get inside. It's great that it offers writing workshops and other activities. It sounds like you've found a fantastic Indie not far from home. Yay!
ReplyDeleteAmy - There's quite a variety in the store and if they don't have something, they are willing to order it. It is a very community based store, which I think will contribute to its success.
DeleteWhat a very cute place! One day I will open one...
ReplyDeleteStacy - I often dream of opening my own bookstore. I probably could open a used one with all the books I have. LOL
DeleteThe store looks so cozy and inviting. How I wish I lived closer to take advantage of the writing workshops; sadly, there is nothing like that near me, although we do have one Indie Bookstore that offers several author-signings a year that I try to attend.
ReplyDeleteMolly - I wish you lived closer too--although not just so you can attend one of the writing workshops. :-)
DeleteThis sounds like not just a wonderful book shop but also a great resource.
ReplyDeleteWith so many online sites offering books at a much cheaper price I think book shops offering events such as the ones you mention here are the way forward.
Tracy - Yes, it really is a great resource, isn't it? And I agree, I think the store owner's approach to making it more of a community store is a good business move. The writing workshops are always full, from what I've heard--a sure sign there's a need for them.
DeleteOh wow, that's lovely! It looks small and comfortable whilst actually being quite big (or at least the varying styles suggest it's bigger). And the setting looks beautiful. I shop at Waterstones, which is a chain so a bit unfortunate, but they are quite localised.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I love the charm of this little store. It is small in size, but it's a fitting atmosphere for this particular bookstore.
DeleteWow, I am in LOVE with that bookstore. The outside covered with plant life, the charming setup, the seats and tables. Looks great to visit.
ReplyDeleteErin - It's very inviting, isn't it? It's a wonderful place.
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