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One Used Book at a Time

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To my mind there is nothing so beautiful or so provocative as a secondhand book store…To me it is astonishing and miraculous to think that any one of us can poke among the stalls for something to read overnight–and that this something may be the sum of a lifetime of sweat, tears, and genius that some poor, struggling, blessed fellow expended trying to teach us the truth. – Lionel Barrymore

Used Books. Neverending used books. Boxes and boxes. Stacks and stacks. They never end, do they? Some days it seems that way. Sometimes I feel I have to fight off customers and their boxes of used books. Where am I going to put them? How many boxes can I safely stack? As a customer told me, “But isn’t that your business? Dealing with books?” Yes, but only what I can handle, thank you.

I do reach a breaking point sometimes. It doesn’t happen too often, but it does. And it happened this week. 🙂 But I soldiered on. I don’t think customers knew. But if they did, no one said anything to me. Maybe, they realized they better not, if they did. I don’t generally take things too seriously. Go with the flow. And I try. And the day ended, and I went home and laid on the couch.

People ask how to I manage? All these stacks? All these books? Well, I do have a way. And that way came to me a very long time ago when I was a freshman in college and my first work-study job. I was working in the Music Department at Castleton State College. (Yes, I know it was renamed). My supervisor was Professor Diehl. He was a bit hesitant to ask me to take on a project. He presented a big situation in the Records Room (LPs) and felt the need to explain the room before he opened the door for me. He apologized but kept repeating what a mess it was. How did I feel about organizing record albums? They had a lot. A lot. He kept repeating that. “I can do it,” I stated. “No problem at all. I like to organize.” You have to know, I needed a job to buy my textbooks and working in the Music Dept was a whole lot better than working in the Dining Hall, I don’t care what anyone says. I would say, “I love it!” and “No problem!” to anything Prof Diehl said to me. Then he opened the door. I was not prepared for what was in front of me. But I kept my cool and said, “This will be fun!” And he left me alone in the room. So, I actually wanted to sit in the corner and cry but that’s not who I am. I picked up an album and said, “Well, one album at a time!” Where that came from, I don’t know but I have used that expression throughout my life. Especially here in my shop. “One book at a time.”

You can never, never have too many books. – Drew Barrymore

Owning a Used Bookstore…What’s it Like?

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Let me tell you what it is like to own a used bookstore. It’s heaven. Heaven, I tell you.

Lord! When you sell a man a book you don’t sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue – you sell him a whole new life. Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night – there’s all heaven and earth n a book, a real book. – Christopher Morley, 1890-1957

A book collector has friends everywhere. The bookseller from whom you buy books is, more frequently than not, your friend. There is a bond between you that transcends the commercial transaction. For you’ve established ‘something’ (call it rapport) between you that is personal, almost spiritual if you will. He understands your interests and your needs and the compulsion which brings you to him. (And let it be freely admitted, his magnet is as compelling to the bibliophile as the bar is to the boozer.) The bookseller becomes inextricably identified with you, your library, your intellectually life. – William Targ, 1907-1999

This quote definitely reflects my attitude towards selling books: The bookseller who understands his business never shows any anxiety to sell his treasures; he acts as if it were a matter of perfect indifference to him whether he sells his books or not. His chief aim is to make his visitors feel at home in his shop, and having induced the customers to look at his wares, he leaves the books themselves to complete the transactions. – Robert M. Williamson, B. 1851.

I started using literary quotes on store signage because I was looking for a hook. For a way to set myself apart from other Main Street businesses in the area and more importantly, to show there was a new owner of the store. I used a child’s easel a neighbor was giving away and wrote short quotes on that and place it in front of the store on the patio. I didn’t want to say “Open”. I was looking for something catchy. I thought a quote would be unique. I used that easel until it rotted out. Moving the store to the MarbleWorks I was very excited to find the large blackboard outside next to the entrance. I now can write longer quotes!

I generally enjoy being in my shop. Amongst all the books, and knickknacks. Generally, because my ideal bookshop is organized to a fault. No clutter. No boxes in the way. Books standing tall on the shelves. Glass shelves. But! No matter how I try to get to what I feel is my expression of a used bookshop it doesn’t last. Not at all. What you see when you step in is how the shop wants to be. I’ve had to surrender to it, and I’ve finally have come to peace with it. Yes, I do get overwhelmed some days. Too many boxes. Not enough holes on the shelves to put books up. Stacks around my feet behind the desk. Those books are actually ready to be shelved. They are stacked in their genre, cleaned, priced, and alphabetized.

When each book sells, I am happy for the book to go to another home. I hope it’ll be appreciated as maybe the previous owner had. There have been books brought to the counter that I regret not reading when I had a chance. But really! There are so many books available to me I can surely allow one, two, or more pass me by. And if I’m meant to read it then it’ll return for me to devour at a later time.

In books, you’ll find what you are looking for.
In books is that which makes existence more.
Our hopes in life are often in an old bookstore.
– Hymn to Fourth Avenue, Eli Siegel

Addison County Fair & Field Days

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This week is our Field Days. I have so many special memories that go back to when Weybridge hosted it. Where we would ride our bikes to the fields and then we could walk right in without needing to pay. But, of course, we, the neighborhood kids, felt we had to contribute something, so we helped out parking cars. Not sure it was appreciated but yet, I remember there was an old man who told us what to do. How to make use of the land to get the most cars in with space to get around. It wasn’t as large as it is now. Everything was under a tent. And when it rained, it got very muddy!

We’d walk around and around. In and out of the tents. Always testing out the taste of a new feed that was laid out as a display. Not so much for kids to eat. But we’d manage to sneak a quick taste and compare and come up with our favorite of the summer. And always a stop at the Monument Farms exhibit to enjoy a tiny cup of Coffee Milk. Only available at Field Days.

I entered in various contests with a Table Display being my first. I found the VT state flower, red clover, and twisted it onto a candle. And placed the candle onto a piece of slate. Held in place with melted candle wax. As part of my entry, I wrote a bit about the state flower and also slate in Vermont. I was awarded a Red Ribbon and cash prize (when they use to award money with a ribbon) with the comment that it was unusual to find red clover in August. There were lots in the field across from my house! A friend and I also decided to enter the Cake Contest. We poured over my mother’s cookbooks, and each found the perfect cake to produce. I think I made a spice cake. Laurie came in first and I came in second, receiving our ribbons and cash prize. Let’s just say, the older ladies were not happy with us beating them out. I think we were 13 and 12 years old.

Throughout my years I’ve entered various foods and crafts. Worked in the 4-H Food Booth, the ticket booth for rides, and many years later in the Lions Booth with creemies my specialty.

Field Days are a very special time and event for Addison County. Hope you got to go and have fun Addison County style.

Yes, I Did Have a Sale – 50% Sale

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So, yes, I did have a sale. The week of July 15-19. And guess what I forgot to post online Yes. I forgot to post that I was having a 50% Sale. Good way to get the word out there, Barbara, written sarcastically.

So how did the sale go? It went actually very well, thank you. It was just a pop-up kinda thing. It was nice and from my perspective a lot of books moved out. And I believe customers were just as excited for the deals they got to enjoy. So, everyone was happy.

If you are reading this and didn’t know about the sale you can still join in on the fun. All you have to do to is say, “Hey, Barbara! How about that sale you recently had. I want in!” I will reward you with half-off your stack of books.

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. And making the most of it. Perfect weather for front porch reading!

Knox, who possessed a booming voice that could be heard throughout the camp, had never fired a cannon in his life when he became head of artillery in 1775. He was a local bookseller in Boston who was fascinated by weapons. He had read just about every book published on ordnance and convinced Washington to put him in charge of his artillery. – Bruce Chadwick, George Washington’s War: The Forging of a Revolutionary Leader and the American Presidency.

Summer Reading

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What a blessing it is to love books. Everybody must love something, and I know of no objects of love that give such substantial and unfailing returns as books and a garden – Elizabeth von Arnim, The Solitary Summer

I am having such a time sticking with a book to read from start to finish. To pick up another book and start in. Or another. Or another. I have no idea of why I keep picking up books and not finishing them. It’s been going on for a long while now. Actually, I think I do but… I should welcome the distraction of a good read. To get lost in a good book.

So, what am I reading? In no particular order because it wouldn’t make sense since I’m in the middle of them all. Like in the almost in the middle of the book.

  • Pachinko, Min Jin Lee
  • Dangling Man, Saul Bellow
  • Look Homeward Angel, Thomas Wolf
  • The Return of the Native, Thomas Hardy
  • Summer, Edith Wharton
  • The Myth of the Lost Cause: Why the South Fought the Civil War and Why the North Won, Edward Bonekemper
  • In the Shadow of Kinzua: The Seneca Nation of Indians since World War II, by Laurence Marc Hauptman

There’s more but I think that’s enough. An eclectic list, don’t you think?

In the summer my favorite spot for reading is sitting in a rocking chair on my front porch.

I’m going to try to discipline myself. I think I’ll pick up Wharton’s Summer. A perfect read as it’s right in the middle of the season. Wish me luck.

“It was as if all the latent beauty of things had been unveiled to her. She could not imagine that the world held anything more wonderful.” -Edith Wharton, Summer

“Oh for heaven’s sake! Books aren’t bagels. They don’t go stale,” – Taylor Jenkins Reid, Forever, Interrupted. Ha! Love that quote!

Getting Ready! Upcoming VABA Book Fair.

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The 31st Vermont Book, Postcard & Ephemera Fair is right around the corner. Sunday, June 1, 2025. This spring event will once again be held in St. Albans, Vermont in the St. Albans City Hall, located on Main Street. This fun fair will be held 10am-4pm. And yes, FREE admission. Nothing to stop you from attending.

Most dealers save their best pieces for the fairs, and quite often you can obtain a long-sought item that has been kept in reserve for the occasion. – Robert A. Wilson, Modern Book Collecting.

Boxes filling up to bring to the upcoming VABA 2025 Spring Book Fair.

And that is exactly what I have done. So far, I have set aside four boxes. Three are seen here which I’ve stacked before the counter.
Look for books on the Revolutionary War, spirituality, Buddhism, James Joyce, and others, as well as related booklets and postcards.

VABA book fairs are always fun. Fun to meet and talk to other book sellers. Many are happy to share their expertise or even just talk books. The books brought to the shows are varied as our shops are. Generally, the stock represents what is offered on their shelves. You are allowed to pick up a book – gingerly, of course – open it and give it your inspection. The books should be marked as to their cost. Maybe I shouldn’t type this, but it really isn’t polite to try to haggle with the shopkeeper. Remember, they carted the books to St. Albans, set up the display, and will sit/stand throughout the fair. And of course, any not sold have to be reboxed and reshelved back into their store.
I go mainly for the comradery with the booksellers and meeting new people interested in books and reading. And seeing familiar faces from my store. Always a pleasant surprise. And seeing what was brought to the sale by my fellow booksellers.

There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.
– Irving Stone, Clarence Darrow for the Defense

Hope to see you in St. Albans or at the least, in my shop in Middlebury.

Books are, let’s face it, better than everything else. – Nick Hornby, The Polysyllabic Spree


Tuesdays in April

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You can’t help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn’t spell it right; but spelling isn’t everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn’t count. – A.A. Milne

Tuesdays during the month of April the store will be closed: April 15, 22 and 29. Open only Wednesdays-Saturday for the month.

All’s good.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. – Oscar Wilde

A Little Spring Break

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Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings. – Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

This hobble of being alive is rather serious, don’t you think so? – Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D’Urbervilles

After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working. – Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Possibly from reading those quotes maybe you can tell I will be taking some time off? Yes. Time away. A few days. Not going far. Staying pretty close to home. Resting. Reading. Cleaning. Raking. Hopefully! And whatever else I have the mind to do. If raining… reading, b&w movies, and napping. Good food. Just some down time. I’m hoping that Mother Nature will be agreeable.

The store will be closed March 24-26. I’ll be back in on Thursday (Mar 27) to finish the week in the store. We’ll see how this goes. That means before summer hits I might be taking off a few days here and there.

Thanks!

That’s why people take vacations. Not to relax or find excitement or see new places. To escape the death that exists in routine things. – Don DeLillo, White Noise

Marching Into Spring

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March is such a fickle month. It is the seam between winter and spring—though seam suggests an even hem, and March is more like a rough line of stitches sewn by an unsteady hand, swinging wildly between January gusts and June greens. You don’t know what you’ll find, until you step outside. – V.E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Isn’t that quote just the truth? But it is March. I feel the month is the door for Spring. Okay, it may just be a peek but somedays it’s opened wide. I love those days. Yes, even if the door gets slammed shut. Soon it’ll be open wide and stay open for a long time. Front porch reading. Reworking gardens, now that I got them back into shape. Last summer was the summer of heavy-duty gardening. I want to start ticking off my To-Do List.

On soft Spring nights I’ll stand in the yard under the stars – Something good will come out of all things yet – And it will be golden and eternal just like that – There’s no need to say another word. – Jack Kerouac, Big Sur

The store has been humming along. The I Hate February Sale went well. Books moved and well, books came in too. Funny how that is. Buddhism. Classics. Crafts, including metalwork. Herbal. Chinese Medicine. And of course, a variety of fiction -semi-current and vintage, came into the store. All sorted, cleaned, and shelved. Just waiting for you to discover.

At the end of the month – March 25 and 26, the store will be closed. I am going to have some down time. I’m hoping for warm March weather. You know, those Mother Nature gifts when you really need it. Frankly, I need spring. But regardless of the weather, I will make the most of it. That you can be sure of.

Think you’re escaping and run into yourself. Longest way round is the shortest way home. – James Joyce, Ulysses.



I Hate February! So, Let’s Have a Sale!

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All the evil hate in the mad heart of February was wrought into the forlorn and icy wind that cut its way cruelly across Central Park and down along Fifth Avenue. – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Beautiful and Damned

February is a suitable month for dying. Everything around is dead, the trees black and frozen so that the appearance of green shoots two months hence seems preposterous, the ground hard and cold, the snow dirty, the winter hateful, hanging on too long.” – Anna Quindlen

I think you all know that I hate February. And yes, I truly do. The reason is legit.

One day several years ago I was having a very melancholy day and being in the bookstore, I knew I couldn’t have that. Owning a used bookstore is supposed to be fun. Right? So, I asked myself how could I turn it around to make it a great day? A sale! But what do I offer as a discount? 10%? 20%? What? Then I remembered what Ben told me. That would be Ben from the Country Bookshop in Plainfield. He said if you have a sale make it a 50% sale! That way everyone has fun. Customers will enjoy the savings and well, you’ll start seeing holes on your shelves and that’s always good because heaven knows there will be more books you can unbox to fill those holes. And it’s good for the cash register. So, from that conversation in my head, I came up with the I Hate February Sale.

And it actually starts Friday, Feb 14. Why not? I have chocolate!