Not quite sure how to post my thoughts but I’m going to try. Sorry in advance. So this guy comes in the store and says to me that I have a lot of ‘dead’ books. My thoughts immediately were “Great! A book snob. Just what I need right now!” We had a short conversation with me mainly listening very politely. Well, he might feel sorry for me and either offer to buy the store or at the least, buy a book. No, he want to sell me his collection. Oh! I get it. No, I said. I don’t have any money right now to buy books. I left my full-time job, blah-blah-blah, winter coming, blah-blah-blah. He wasn’t listening to me so I stopped in mid-sentence and he didn’t even notice. Some people. You know what I mean? Anyways….so that has left me thinking about really defining this used book store. The store was named Otter Creek Used & Rare Books but I knew that I needed to drop the Rare because, frankly, I didn’t notice any rare books in the collection. Better safe than sorry and I’m a stickler for truth in advertising. Be who you are!
So we have ‘dead’ books. Well, ‘dead’ books still sell and since I’ve been here full-time now I see that most people want to read the book not so much collect the book. One thing that always bugged me when we go shopping at used book stores is finding prices sky-high. Why? Because they are a collectors item. So are we in the business to sell or collect? Sell brings in money. Collect collects dust. Maybe we don’t have the reputation for collections. Maybe that isn’t my concern. Maybe my concern is to sell - pay the rent, electricity, insurance, etc. Certainly I don’t have a wage so can’t factor that in. And to have people find the books they want OR the book finds the person who needs it.
I price our books to sell but I’m also not stupid. I have a first edition Ernest Hemingway sitting on my shelf behind me. I’m not going to let that go under what I priced it. And I priced it conservatively than what I noticed other book stores around the country have it offered for. Including those in state. We offer paperbacks and hardcovers to offer books to all types of wants, desires and pocketbooks.
When I bought the store I knew I could only bring the quality of the books up and the standards of the store with it. Clean it, paint, rearrange and make it reflect my personality. That was the easy stuff. The other stuff is revolving and it’s turning into a community book store. It’s about the experience of coming in and looking to see what is on the shelves. We have a lot of books and they are readable. Oh, they may be ‘dead’ but they still make a good read. It also takes time. And in this business I have all the time in the world. No deadlines. Flatly refuse to work within a deadline. That was my old job. So here it is happiness, no deadlines, politeness, encouragement and more! Where friends come in and we give hugs. Where new friends are being made. You know that old fashion concept - Customer Service. When customers offer me suggestions, advice, or just talk books I definitely listen to what they have to say. It’s wonderful that they share their thoughts with me. I feel honored. Yeah, I really do. And some suggestions are spot on that I can use.
So here’s to used books - dead or alive! 
theabusedbookliberationproject said,
October 16, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
Wow, I want to be you.
How does a book die? Seriously, as long as the book is legible, the story still lives inside it. Books ARE the souls in the space they inhabit and in the minds of those who read them. In my home, I do not collect books - I just save the ones I have read for easy access for later reading. It’s my personal quirk.
We do have a used book store near where I live, but the books have to be in near perfect condition and her prices are outrageous. I could order a book off of Amazon and get free shipping for what she charges. I don’t want a perfect book - I want a readable book that I won’t feel guilty about dropping into the bathtub. I also don’t have a lot of cash - I quit my job earlier this year to raise kids and dogs.
Books only die from the black mold or water damage. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
otterbooks said,
October 17, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
EXACTLY! You are SO right! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words. What’s the point of selling used books if people can’t afford them? Heck, I’m not going to spend my time dusting the store. And yeah, I’ll wheel and deal like the best of them. I’ve even been known to **OH!** give away a book to two. it’s all about knowing your community. I grew up here and have spent, oh, Lord, all but eight of my young life here in good old Middlebury, Vermont so I think I know this community pretty well. And I want to get back to those roots of what it was like to feel free at ten years-old and walk into a store. I want to be that store!
And taking a bath…I have gone into the tub with a book in my hand and then as I’m sinking in I think, crap! I could sell this book and if I get it wet it’s history! So I stick to my Martha Stewart mags - yep! I’m a closet Martha fan. Oops! Out of the closet now! They get wet. Yeah, okay a couple have even fallen in so that confirms it. No books in the bath with me. Can’t be trusted!
So thanks theabusedbookliberationproject. By the way, love your name. You have confirmed my thoughts and have made me stronger in my conviction. You have to stop in when you come to Midd. We’ll toast! To living books!
martha medina said,
October 19, 2008 @ 6:10 am
A book will never die as long as we keep passing it along…hello my Vermont friend been to busy to keep up with you, but I haven’t forgotten you. You’ve inspired me to succeed in this business! Where would we be without books? Especially cheap used books those are the BEST!!!:)
I Love(used) Books!!!
Mr. Bill said,
October 20, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
Hi, I guess I was a big fat advertisement, sitting out on the bench. Not much else I could do, unless you want me to do a song and dance and you know that would drive business away.