I love the idea that sometimes we make decisions that don’t make any sense in the moment. On paper it may not be profitable but you are still compelled to step into a mystery, the unknown. It could be calling, Faith, or the Lord leading to know and discover and uncover a purpose beyond earthly gain. Isn’t that a place we are all longing for and seeking?
Thank you for sharing. I would love to come and visit the store if I lived there.
“What if the path of our lives was leading not to dollar signs . . . but to creating places where people could find a tiny piece of community, a respite from loneliness, or another beautiful world in a book?” I love this! It reminded me of something I read by Ted Gioia recently, about making a living from helping others to live. What a beautiful and worthy endeavour.
I love it. I just read Neil Gaiman's book "Art Matters," and in it he said "what would be the fun in knowing that everything you tried would be a success?" He gets it; the mystery is part of the journey, and makes life sparkle. Can't wait to hear more about this possible endeavor!
I just listened to it, but it seemed like it was drawn from speeches he has given. Short, under an hour to listen to, but fantastic. I actually haven't read any of Gaiman's fiction: I'd love to have a recommendation on what to start with!
My wife and I opened Goldberry Books in NC in 2020, during the Pandemic, and it’s been a joy. Since then we have had Covid and a year-plus of road construction which has shut down our street. So that’s stressful. But it’s also been wonderful. I’m so glad we did it. If you ever wanna commiserate, I’d be glad to chat!
When I heard this news from Lauren Flanagan I about flipped out. Seems like a shoe in for lots of reasons. You guys are smart with business and good writers. You are always sharing books, and I can see this being a great asset for Lancaster City and the world! I truly wish I was a big investor type at this moment, but I promise to keep buying books there if all goes forward.
YES. I was just at one of my favorite bookstores this weekend and said to one of the owners: "I wish I could LIVE here." Just. I know it's not all butterflies and rainbows, owning a business but man oh man. We need more bookstores. That's my honest opinion. I hope this dream comes true for you. Thanks for the encouragement to lean into mystery.
I know exactly what store you're talking about! I'm praying it all goes through for you 🙏 (I'm sure you already know this but there's another bookstore across town very close to where I live, but it is quite niche & there's been so many times I go looking for a specific book & they don't have it. I have a feeling your store would align more with my taste/many others. I would be a loyal customer ☺)
Interesting! I don't find them niche at all; they're one of my favorite spots in the city! Regardless, more bookstores in the world is a net gain for all of us.
I do enjoy them overall. They're a self-purported feminist store & I've had several men in my life say they don't generally feel welcome there & can't find books they want (and I trust their experience.) To each their own though!
In my old suburban neighborhood, someone turned an old store for shoes into an independent bookstore. The location was next to the metro station. No one in their right mind would ever consider this a great venue.
This bookstore turned into a lighthouse and example of a thriving culture across the country.
It’s not about the coffee or buns, or reading corners for kids. It’s about creating a space for conversations between authors and readers. Even the section for antiquarian books is a goldmine. Customers stay for hours…
I hope that you are able to do this. I co-own an independent used bookstore with my husband. We are expecting our first child this summer and sometimes I find myself worrying about how we're going to be able to handle it all; I run the store full time and my husband works a full time day job to support us, since the business is still very new and not making any profit yet. But every so often I am reminded of the value we bring to our community and the joy that the store brings to many people by its mere existence. I am hoping things will catch up soon in the numbers/money department, but in the meantime, we are sustained by this community we unwittingly helped to create. I hope you are able to do this and that you experience this joy also, as well as many financial returns. :) People need friendly, welcoming places like bookstores in which to just exist and enjoy.
I love the idea that sometimes we make decisions that don’t make any sense in the moment. On paper it may not be profitable but you are still compelled to step into a mystery, the unknown. It could be calling, Faith, or the Lord leading to know and discover and uncover a purpose beyond earthly gain. Isn’t that a place we are all longing for and seeking?
Thank you for sharing. I would love to come and visit the store if I lived there.
Thanks, Connie.
“What if the path of our lives was leading not to dollar signs . . . but to creating places where people could find a tiny piece of community, a respite from loneliness, or another beautiful world in a book?” I love this! It reminded me of something I read by Ted Gioia recently, about making a living from helping others to live. What a beautiful and worthy endeavour.
I like that phrasing.
I love it. I just read Neil Gaiman's book "Art Matters," and in it he said "what would be the fun in knowing that everything you tried would be a success?" He gets it; the mystery is part of the journey, and makes life sparkle. Can't wait to hear more about this possible endeavor!
I love Gaiman and haven't heard of that. Is it a book or an article? I'll have to look it up.
I just listened to it, but it seemed like it was drawn from speeches he has given. Short, under an hour to listen to, but fantastic. I actually haven't read any of Gaiman's fiction: I'd love to have a recommendation on what to start with!
I think my favorite is The Ocean at the End of the Lane--very dark and eerie. Our kids loved his middle grade books: Coraline, and The Graveyard Book.
My wife and I opened Goldberry Books in NC in 2020, during the Pandemic, and it’s been a joy. Since then we have had Covid and a year-plus of road construction which has shut down our street. So that’s stressful. But it’s also been wonderful. I’m so glad we did it. If you ever wanna commiserate, I’d be glad to chat!
That's so encouraging, David. Thanks for the offer; I'll definitely keep you guys in mind. And I'd love to hear the story of Goldberry Books sometime.
1) That Mary Oliver quote though…. 2) Im officially casting my vote for Team Bookstore.
I love listening to her read her poems and talk about life.
Um. This is amazing.
Wilbert author visit . . .
When I heard this news from Lauren Flanagan I about flipped out. Seems like a shoe in for lots of reasons. You guys are smart with business and good writers. You are always sharing books, and I can see this being a great asset for Lancaster City and the world! I truly wish I was a big investor type at this moment, but I promise to keep buying books there if all goes forward.
Thanks for the encouragement, Tom! We're looking forward to seeing where it all leads.
YES. I was just at one of my favorite bookstores this weekend and said to one of the owners: "I wish I could LIVE here." Just. I know it's not all butterflies and rainbows, owning a business but man oh man. We need more bookstores. That's my honest opinion. I hope this dream comes true for you. Thanks for the encouragement to lean into mystery.
Thanks for the encouragement, Krista.
Do it @Shawn Smucker !!
We'll see! Thanks, Jody.
I would travel to visit your bookstore.
Come on, man!
We'll bring the whole family. ^_^
Yes!
I know exactly what store you're talking about! I'm praying it all goes through for you 🙏 (I'm sure you already know this but there's another bookstore across town very close to where I live, but it is quite niche & there's been so many times I go looking for a specific book & they don't have it. I have a feeling your store would align more with my taste/many others. I would be a loyal customer ☺)
I don't think I realized that you live in the area, Lauren. Thanks for the encouragement!
Yes, I'll be at the Sq Halo conf this weekend if you happen to be there too!
Interesting! I don't find them niche at all; they're one of my favorite spots in the city! Regardless, more bookstores in the world is a net gain for all of us.
I do enjoy them overall. They're a self-purported feminist store & I've had several men in my life say they don't generally feel welcome there & can't find books they want (and I trust their experience.) To each their own though!
A dream come true for every writer and book lover! I say GO FOR IT!
Thanks, Ashley. We'll see what happens!
If you'll ship, I'll have a new favorite bookstore!
We would love to be that!
It's a deal!
In my old suburban neighborhood, someone turned an old store for shoes into an independent bookstore. The location was next to the metro station. No one in their right mind would ever consider this a great venue.
This bookstore turned into a lighthouse and example of a thriving culture across the country.
It’s not about the coffee or buns, or reading corners for kids. It’s about creating a space for conversations between authors and readers. Even the section for antiquarian books is a goldmine. Customers stay for hours…
Go ahead!
That's really encouraging and inspiring. Thanks, Charles!
What a delightful position to be in!! It is a gift to all your readers to follow along as you thoughtfully consider this dream!
We'll see how it goes, Jo. Thanks for following along!
I hope that you are able to do this. I co-own an independent used bookstore with my husband. We are expecting our first child this summer and sometimes I find myself worrying about how we're going to be able to handle it all; I run the store full time and my husband works a full time day job to support us, since the business is still very new and not making any profit yet. But every so often I am reminded of the value we bring to our community and the joy that the store brings to many people by its mere existence. I am hoping things will catch up soon in the numbers/money department, but in the meantime, we are sustained by this community we unwittingly helped to create. I hope you are able to do this and that you experience this joy also, as well as many financial returns. :) People need friendly, welcoming places like bookstores in which to just exist and enjoy.
Thanks for the encouragement, Aria! I hope things continue going in the right direction for you and your husband.