by Kevin Land
Most of us have a memory of an early encounter with a book, a sense perhaps, that the object we just unwrapped, or found amongst the stacks at the local library, or unearthed from a dusty shelf in our grandmother’s attic, might be an invitation to a place we’ve never been, let alone knew existed.
It is undoubtedly this which, despite the appearance to the contrary, keeps the book industry healthy. In the U.S., Barnes and Noble has announced that it will open 60 new stores this year — a shot in the arm for the physical artifact.
Book-selling is certainly alive and well in Grey and Bruce counties as well, with independent stores spread out over much of the area, drawing the attention of readers from all ages. Dan at Phoenix Books in Owen Sound and Nella from The Bookstore in Durham have observed a steady rise in young readers the past few years. They are attracted to all types of books, from Classics to Romance to Fantasy.
Olivia at Word Squirrel in Kincardine has even seen young customers who have purchased a printed version of a book they had already read digitally as a “trophy copy”. Ryan at The Book Hive in Meaford believes the resurgence among young readers came about, in part, due to the Covid shutdown, when customers “wanted a physical book in their hands”.
Most book retailers provide additional offerings to attract customers. Great Books & Cafe in Williamsford, located in a historic mill, gives clients the opportunity to enjoy lunch after browsing through its large inventory of new and used books.
“You just never know what book might sell,” Tamara from Great Books & Cafe quips.
The Bookstore in Durham has an extensive selection of crystals and stones; Book Hive connects to a brewery/restaurant and has a book club (as does Word Squirrel) and a small gallery for local artists; and Speaking Volumes Books in Markdale hosts book launches and author signings at a local church and has recently created a small gallery for local artists, as well as coffee that’s always free.
Operating a bookstore is like no other retail experience. My background was in jewellery, both retail and wholesale, where I felt the objective was to be a part of the most significant events in customers’ lives — weddings, anniversaries, births, birthdays and funerals.
But it doesn’t even approach the experience of having a bookstore. The customers feel it walking in: the scent of old books, the lure of the latest release, the timelessness of a classic. A good bookstore becomes a community hub, a place to learn and to re-discover what you already knew.
Last summer a customer phoned to ask if he might become engaged in my store because it was the site of their first date. His fiancée’s excitement was infectious and the photo of the two of them and the book he created for their lives together, resulted in our most-viewed post ever.
Every one of these stores has a story like this. Probably every bookstore as well. You could find out for yourself. All you have to do is step inside one.
Kevin Land is a playwright, director, producer, and educator. He owns “Speaking Volumes Books and Audio” in Markdale.
