Vermont

And Starring….Otter Creek Used Books

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Yes, books from the store will be starring in Middlebury College “J” term’s production of INTO THE WOODS. How much fun is that? A lot of fun!

Ok, there will be college actors and all that but seriously it’s all about the books, isn’t it?

Doug Anderson, Executive Director of Town Hall Theater here in Middlebury is the stage director and has done a “J” term musical production for a number of years.  His vision for this year’s set was a library. And well, you know what a library consists of. So he contacted me to see if it was possible to supply him with a great number of books. Of course! I don’t know how many boxes went out of the store but a lot. Now I’m itching to see the set. But I’m going to be a good audience. Yes, I could have slipped in but I want to experience the whole theatrical effect – lights, audience, smell.  The whole theater experience.

Here’s a photo of some of the students loading up one of the cars:

And to give you an idea of what the set will look like here is a mock-up of one scene:

Took my breathe away! The trees – apple ladders – with their leaves of book pages.  (Note: all pages were from books falling apart.) And see all the bookshelves? It blew my mind to see this and made me so jealous that I never thought of such a set.  I know, I’m such a nerd! But tonight I will be a happy nerd and a proud used bookseller seeing my books under the lights.

Resolution Time!

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I generally don’t make resolutions but I decided this year I would and publicly announce them. I should clarify, store related. Personally I don’t make any. I’m not even going to put myself in that position. Store related is different. Its professional. It is all about the store and being a good used bookstore lady and representative of the industry. An industry I believe in and one that I feel has a strong future. Seriously now, do you believe that e-books will totally replace books? I don’t. Even if I didn’t own a used bookstore I’d feel that way. Anyways, before I lose track of this post…

Resolutions.  What kind of resolution would a used bookstore want to make? Post more books online, is one thing. Make a conscious effort in blogging and better represent the books that enter the store. Feature them. Write about them. Maybe work towards creating an inventory of the books? And how about this one…read. Yes, read. I’m giving myself permission to read when the store is open. Well, that’s craziness, you are probably thinking. You think I read all the time. No. I don’t. Actually there is a lot of work to do in a used bookstore. It can be what you want to make of it. I chose to be – or try – to be on top of the incoming books. By now you know that I don’t like boxes of books lying around. Especially me. So I try to go through them quickly to SPS (sort, price, shelve). But lately I’m finding myself not so intense about them. Am I getting lax? Maybe so. Or maybe I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the store and relaxing some. Something to ponder, if one so chooses.

There might be more to the list but for someone who doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions I think that it’s a lot. So with that…here’s to an awesome 2013!

 

Merry Christmas!

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I didn’t mean to let all this time get away from me between posts. Ah, the life of a used bookstore, I guess. I’ve just been busy with my routine and blogging became secondary. My weekly updates fell flat but there is always a New Year’s resolution to make. I’ll give that the old-used-bookstore try for 2013.

I’ve been working through the many boxes that have come into the store the past couple of months. But yet, isn’t that what I’m always doing? Very eclectic stuff. I’ve set aside books to post online. Mainly with Abebooks.com. I do have to come clean. At a recent Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association (VABA) meeting I got a scolding for mentioning that I boycott Amazon. WHY? they shouted. So I explained my reasoning and they informed me that I was being stupid because, unfortunately that is where they generally make the most sells. Rats! I shouted back. Mainly to myself. They told me it was easy so just do it. So I did. I posted one book.  That’s where the market is and even though I may not agree with that (in principle) that’s the way of the market. Sometimes being stubborn is not such a good thing. Another New Year’s resolution.

I had a couple of anniversaries recently. One year of moving to the Marble Works and six years of owning the business. And throw in a wedding anniversary, too. Hard to believe six years of Otter Creek Used Books. It has become such a part of my life and so enjoyable. I’m very happy here in the Marble Works, and happy to own such a business.

I actually had a reason to post today and I got away from that. This Thursday – 12/13/2012 – the store will be open for Middlebury’s Stag & Doe Night. Part of the Very Merry Middlebury December celebrations. The store will be open additional hours, 5-8 pm. I’m offering 10% off all purchases during those hours to add to the fun.

Now we just need some snow!

Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes Under Glass

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Great A, little a,
Bouncing B;
The cat’s in the cupboard,
And she can’t see.

I thought I would feature these nursery book pages that are hanging around the store.

The book came in with a moldy cover but fortunately the pages were still okay. Phew! I rescued them and have some posted around the store as well as two pages framed. What is interesting about the frames is that they are reversible! What?! Yes, each page features a rhyme on each side so how could one side be covered up? If you get tired of one side just flip the frame to the other side and admire the other rhyme for a while.

Here is an example of the front of the frame:

And here is the back of the frame which is also under glass:

How clever, huh? Framing was done by Nancy of Artemis Framing, who also is the Marble Works gardener. The pages are sold separately or if interested, Nancy can mount and frame for you. Nancy is so talented!

Stop in and check them out.

A Full Year! Come Celebrate! 50% Sale!

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Can you believe it? It has been a year. A full year in the Historic Marble Works. A year of windows, nooks, reorganization, change of staff (addition of a grandson, Greyson), new neighbors (can’t get any better than Costello’s Market!) and so much more.

To celebrate I decided to hold a week long celebration of a 50% sale. I want to do this in appreciation to everyone who’s been in to support the move and to meet new people. So stop in! Everything is on sale: lamps, bookends, other misc. stuff and of course, books! The sale runs through Saturday, September 22, 2012.

Busy Day Here In the Used Book Store

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A quiet moment…been busy today. I’m learning about the new program I have for buying back textbooks. Yes, I buy used textbooks. It probably undignifies me in the glamorous world of antiquarian books but it helps me out through my slow months of April, May, and June. Once the weather starts warming after chilly winters Vermonters go outdoors and get their gardens ready, head up to Church Street (in Burlington) to people watch, or take to the hiking trails, go fishing. Anything to be outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Those months who feels like reading? Well, me but if I could I would also be outside. And it also helps to bring in college students to check out the store.

I didn’t mean to leave my last post up so long. I actually forgot about it. (yea, right!) Every day since I posted it I had the intention to change it but the store got busy. Today I had a conversation with a customer who mentioned the post which reminded me I had to change it. As soon as I had a moment. Here’s my moment. Late in the afternoon.

As I mentioned earlier it’s been about buying back textbooks today. I’m working with a new company as the previous was recently sold to Penntext.com. Their site is up but it’s going through revision. Should be live soon. Then one can type in an ISBN number and purchase textbooks online.  Lauren, the Remote Buyback Coordinator, was in the store for a meet and greet, and go over everything. We were even able to help a mother looking for her son’s  college books. Remember when you or your college kids are finished with the books bring them in and I’ll buy them back from you.  Cash on the spot. Actually a check but the bank is just a bit away. Then I’ll ship them to Lauren. Well, actually the company in PA.

Today I’ve also been trying to figure out a way to reconfigure the ‘front room’. Where the cash register is. I need a bigger table/counter. I think I’m going to take a door we have in  in our garage and make it into a countertop. I like that idea but now I’ve got to come up with an idea of what to lay the door on. Could make bookshelves from other doors. Oh, Rusty! What cha doing? Nothing? Oh, have I got a project for you!

Sorry for no photos. I can’t get my new laptop to recognize my cellphone. That’ll be tomorrow’s project.

Saving Bookstores – Including Used

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I caught on FB a recent item from The Huffington Post regarding saving indie bookstores. My interest was aroused so I clicked  on the article and was immediately taken to their website and the article, “How To Save Bookstores: 28 Ideas From Existing Locations.” Obviously I’m not an indie bookstore but I thought I might be able to pull some ideas off the site and the associated blog.

Here is what I’m currently doing from the list: 2. Beautiful space. Love the space here! I have a ways to go before I’m there in terms of my design but I love it here. Want more bookshelves, labels, etc. 7. Show what good value print can be. Hey! this is a used bookstore. Ok, some books are priced high but generally those are generally out-of-print, short run, etc. Most are priced respectfully. Priced to sell. 10. Don’t ban cell phones. No rules here so no problem. I’ll even make a sale while you are talking on it. Even when you’re listening to music and don’t remove your ear pods. A sell is a sell. And again, no rules. And yes, I’ve have. I don’t judge. 12. Establish an ongoing relationship with well-known local creatives. My store is part of the Middlebury Arts Walk and I’m always trying to come up with creative ways to express art. Here at the store and me personally. It doesn’t always have to be oil or watercolor. For example for this month’s Arts Walk it was about poetry. 13. Curate a themed noticeboard. How about themed shelves? I’ve got amazing shelves in this space and I’m always trying to change them out into themes. Currently one is on red covered vintage books. Just for fun. 19. Pool resources – other bookstores. The statewide used booksellers who have regular open hours have been getting together and talking about developing a driving tour of our open stores. I would like to do something with The Vermont Book Shop but I’m too chicken to ask. I don’t know why. Maybe because I haven’t come up with a good idea yet.  27. Make your staff a feature of the store. Been doing that specially over the last four months. My grandson comes in and helps out.  He’s a huge help for being 5 1/2 months old. And so cute! That’s probably not what they mean. 28. Sell online. Check. I do that but not at the level expected. For a one-woman shop it’s fine for me. And I want you in here. To experience the book. Eight out of 28 – not too bad.

Some on the list that I don’t do and frankly not appropriate for me are: 5. Offer more than coffee. Well, I don’t offer coffee in the first place. Or tea. I do partner with Stoneleaf Tea House also in here in the Marble Works. Buy a book, show your receipt, and you’ll receive 10% off a pot of tea. Great deal. 8. Sell old books alongside new ones. New books can be found at Vermont Book Shop so I would suggest going there. We have a great relationship referring to each other.  I won’t sell new. Hopefully they won’t sell used. 15. Keychains. Well, that is a good idea but honestly, since I moved my business I’m struggling to get my business back to what it was before I moved it a year ago. But I’ll tell you, when you see keychains here you’ll know I got it back and I have a firm financial standing. I do have pens though. 16. Make a nonprofit. Wait a minute. You mean it’s not? Actually I want to make a profit. A paycheck, no matter how small, would be appreciated. 21. Sell other, high-quality book-themed products. See #8 above. 22-24. Publish, print and encourage self-publishing.   I encourage you to publish. And I wish you success. And I’ll look forward to the books eventually coming in here.  Hey why not? Keep the cycle going…

 

August 10 2012 Middlebury Arts Walk @ OCUB

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Poetry in the Park[ing Lot]

Inspiration can be found anywhere. Including a parking lot. Be a part of a Poetry Event!

How?

Marble Works Signage

Drive to and park in the north Marble Works parking lot with a copy of your favorite poem. Post the poem in your car windshield for all to read as one mingles through the lot.

Then stop in the store and view our featured poet, local resident, Ginger Dowling Miller.

And…

all poetry books will be 50% off during the Arts Walk, August 10, 2012,  5 pm-7 pm.

“Each space in the parking lot is marked with a simple bit of wisdom.” ~lisaleonardonline.com.

Catching Up With OCUB

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Hello! I have been so busy and I’ve been wanting to update my blog but well, you know how I am – or you should – I can’t stand boxes and clutter. Especially boxes all around me in the front room. (Still need to come up with a cool name for this room.) I’ve had a lot of boxes come in so that means I’ve been busy. Busy SPSing. You know, sorting/pricing/shelving. Getting books up on the shelves and keeping the room sort-of respectable-like. I do have to write that currently I am surrounded with boxes of books: french, children, spirituality, over-sized art and wildlife, and at my feet…well, I started a pile I’ve set aside for me to read. It is Saturday and I just want a little break.

I have a lot to write about! One thing, the book I highlighted in my last post…sold! I was sad but yet I knew it was going to a great home so I was excited. Mixed emotions. It sold because the woman who purchased it read my blog and came in to look at and hold the book. I admitted I tucked the book away – sure it was on a shelf but one had to look for it. She was excited it was still here. I hope the lucky recipient enjoys it as much as she and I do.

The Vermont History Expo was held in Tunbridge several weekends ago and on that Sunday I went down to help out in the VABA booth along with some of my fav VT used bookstore owners. In the few hours that we were all together we had great conversations ranging from customer habits (Yes, all good! Ok, mostly.), to how we really feel about used books (we love them, of course!), what sells and what doesn’t, and we threw in some ghost stories to make it all interesting. Unfortunately I cannot upload the photos I took that day. My laptop faded out early last week. It really just faded out. Now I am using a new-to-me Mac that my daughter gave me. Ugh! Going from a PC to an Apple is a very difficult thing. For me. I’m not complaining because her husband is pulling out my files and transferring to another new-to-me laptop. So I am patiently waiting to receive that computer. When I receive it then I’ll post those images and get on with my postings.

I’m constantly asked what I read. Well, I’ve recently started reading VT women authors: Kathryn Davis,  Sue Halpern and Suzi Wizowaty to name a few. Of course Dorothy Canfield Fisher is who I’ll be going to next. Then onto one of the nicest woman around (yes, a local author), Julia Alvarez. Plus in-between I have been reading books on books or bookstores: Ulin’s, “The Lost Art of Reading: Why Books Matter in a Distracted Time” and in the middle of Margaret Hard’s “A Memory of Vermont: Our Life in the Johnny Appleseed Bookshop.” And to really mix it up I’m almost done with a May Sarton book, “Shadow of a Man,” to which I’m most grateful to one of my amazing customers for making the author suggestion.

So sorting, pricing, shelving (constantly) and throw in cleaning the books as they come out of the boxes, reading, embroidering I’ve been keeping busy. Note I didn’t mention cleaning my house….yeah….

 

Books That Excite Little Otter Me!

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Oh! I admit there are certain types of books that come into the store that truly excite me. And I openly admit they are hard for me to put on the shelf but I do. I know! How mature.  Here is one that just came in. Isn’t it awesome? It fits perfectly in the hand. Has enough wear that puts it over the edge of greatness. The title is “Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Music: A Description of the Character and Music of Birds, Intended to Assist in the Identification of Species Common in the United States East of the Rocky Mountains,” written by F. Schuyler Mathews. It is a revised edition (1921) printed by G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Why aren’t more books like this published now?

Awesome Book!

Songs of the Meadowlark

Meadowlark