Finally getting to clean out some of the books and start preparing for a book sale out on the patio. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a beautiful day. I thought today was suppose to be but it’s currently cloudy. Cloudy skies wasn’t in my plans but I can adapt.
Shuffling books around is quite the workout. I’m finding muscles I forgot I had. Nothing that a hot bubble bath won’t resolve. I’m losing weight, too! Definite perks from owning a used bookstore! Something to think about…
So I have quite the book pile for the sale. They are starting to line up the stairs. I already have boxes and baskets full upstairs. This will definitely be the summer for reading with high gas prices - why waste money on gas when one can invest on a book or two.
I ran into a friend earlier this week who just discovered I had left my full-time job. When asked if I missed working with people since I am generally alone now I told her I’m working with friends! I’m surrounded with all my friends - the books! Ok, does this make me a pathetic person? I don’t think so but then again…
Stop in and check out the book sale - designated hard covers $1 and designated paperbacks 25 cents.
martha said,
June 11, 2008 @ 5:14 am
I enjoyed reading your blog. I wish I could stop in and check out your store, but I live in south texas. Your passion for books and reading reminds me of myself. I will be opening a used bookstore at the end of this summer and I too can’t wait to be surrounded by friends. Good luck to you. I will be checking your blog to see what else is up.
If you have any advice for me I’d greatly appreciate it.
otterbooks said,
June 14, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
I sure wish Texas wasn’t so far away, for one thing. It would be great to sit down and talk over a cup of coffee, tea or whatever and share advice.
I certainly don’t have the answers as I’m learning each and every day. I would like to think of myself as an avid reader but after having conversations with a number of customers and even my family I am not. There is too many other things to do such as knitting, cross-stitch and various other needlecrafts. I do a lot of reading though it is eclectic. With that said, I try to be honest with customers and not pretend I know everything.
We bought the store from a gentleman who really let the stock go and wasn’t buying quality books nor had the place organized in a way that made sense - at least to me. So a lot of my time is spent reorganizing and trying to stay on top of the cleaning. And infusing my personality through painting, window displays, and including ‘funky junky’ where appropriate. (Funky junky is my word for book ends, art, trays, oh anything that would look good and enhance the ’shoppers experience’ and adds to the fun.)
So I guess what I’m saying is be true to youself and have fun! Let me know what you think. Stay in touch! The best to you! And welcome to the biz!