Archive for November, 2008

Found Joy in a Used Book Store

November 28, 2008 · Filed under General · Tagged , , , , , , ,

I have written several drafts since my return of my v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n but I’ve dumped them all. They were all just … out of sync, if you know what I mean.

I’ve been sitting here this morning at my laptop reflecting on this store. Do you know it will be two years that we have owned this store? Two years! Sometimes it feels longer but most times not. Today it feels like it is such a part of me and it is a good thing. Two years in retail isn’t a long time. What do they say? Need to be in business for three-four years in order to find if the business will make it? The sad thing is this store has been here much longer. I believe over fifteen years (or more) in this location. It has enjoyed several other locations - East Middlebury and in the alley by the Vermont Craft Center. So one would think it should be definitely self-sustaining. That’s the catch, one would think. Well, I’m happy to say that it appears that it might just be but I’m still holding my breath. I am a firm believer that a used book store adds dimension to a small town. You have to remember that I actually judge a town by it having a used book store on its Main Street or in close proximity. But I’m a used book junky so what else am I going to write.

Anyways, on our little vacation we did go to our favorite haunts in the Baltimore area which was fun and rewarding. Returned to Vermont with the back of our Volvo packed. Always good to find fresh ’stuff’. I even stuck to my budget which was tough to do but I did it. We ventured into Baltimore and the American Visionary Art Museum (http://www.avam.org) So inspirational! I could have stayed the day soaking it all up. The Crystal Tree! It’s on the sidewalk outside of the entrance. My favorite piece. I’ll post a few images of it when I remember to bring in my camera.

Books! I have them coming out of everywhere! And you know what? I’m running out of room. Yikes! I’ve been looking for creative ways to display them and thinking of a sale January/February. I’ve been working on a catchy theme. So watch for that and hopefully you might pay a visit if you haven’t done so yet. Always trying to keep things fresh and unpredictable.

Guess what! I sold my first book online! Pretty exciting though I’m still not 100% behind selling books online. Just too easy, lose the experience of a used book shop . I know, you’ve heard it before from me but people! It’s all about the hunt! To search and search and then AHA! there it is. And affordable to boot! But I do have to admit that I have recently purchased a couple of books online. I know. Doesn’t sound good that I’m lecturing and then do the opposite. Well, I’ve looked for these books for a number of years- ever since I agreed to direct CINDERELLA next spring for Middlebury Community Players. I like to research the author(s) of the book the show is based on or those associated with the show and I’ve been looking everywhere for books on Richard Rogers. So I broke down and ordered them. Used, of course! Check out my online book list at AbeBooks when you have a moment. The list is slowing growing. Copy/paste this link: http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?vci=1336750

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An Otter OUR TOWN

November 1, 2008 · Filed under General · Tagged , , ,

Otter Creek Used Books promotes OUR TOWN

Otter Creek Used Books promotes OUR TOWN

I redecorated the window in support of Middlebury Community Players upcoming production of OUR TOWN. Production dates are Nov 13-16. I’m helping out with publicity so thought it would be a great way to help get the word out as well as the usual posters that the Players produce. I thought that other Main Street stores might be interested but that didn’t go over so well. Guess many will be starting to decorate for the holidays. Not me. I get tired of seeing holiday decorations so far in advance. So for a couple of weeks I’m promoting books from local authors or about Middlebury as part of my OUR TOWN theme. Who knows if anyone will notice since I’m tucked into Main Street but then again maybe they will.

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N! Yep! I’m going to take some *gasp* time for myself! WHAT!?! Yeah. I’m closing the store Monday to Friday November 3rd through the 7th. It is pretty quiet here in town then and I thought it would be such a great time to head south. Not that far south. Mid-south. DC area. When you live in Vermont anything past Albany is south. Going to do some shopping, gawking, relaxing, knitting, and yes, reading. I haven’t taken any real time for myself since May right before I became a full-time used bookstore lady. I’ve been here generally 6-days a week and worked every day through October. And starting Thanksgiving time I’ll be working seven-days again. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. Not one bit. This is the life for me but I do know my limitations and needs. I need downtime. I love to explore, walk in nature. Need time to rejuvenate. So I have favorite haunts to rediscover, new places to explore and I can’t wait.

Got my itinerary all planned. From Gettysburg to Baltimore. We think we’ll stay out of DC cuz of the election and all that. Who knows what will happen. But we are sure to go hang out in a bar to get the election results. One customer  a couple of weeks ago said that was the thing to do but up on Capital Hill. As intriguing as that sounds - and it does - we probably will head over to Ram’s Head bar. There’s a great antique mall there, too.

I’m bringing my little black book with me. No! I’m happily married. It’s my book of requests and most asked for books. I’ve been keeping a list. But it is always fun to just see what finds me. You know?

I just watered the plants and found myself worry about them. Will they make it through the week without me? REAlly! They’ll probably thrive without me. Going to spray the heck out of them with the bug zapper because a couple of them look like they need it. So I’m off. Well almost. Have a couple of hours left today. I’ll report in when I return. Going to have some fun..

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