Bookshops

    

     By popular demand, here's a piece on bookshops. Dovegrey wrote recently about her visit to Mostly Books in Abingdon (you can read her post here); it sounds like a very welcoming place run by people with a passion for books (and they serve homemade cake, too, so what could be better?).

    What do we look for in a bookshop, whether it's a big chain store or a small independent shop? A congenial environment is a good start. I can recommend this one, for instance, a converted watermill, sensitively restored and arranged to house a gallery and coffee shop alongside a good selection of books. Knowledgeable staff is the next thing, but they ought to have the right manner, too, not be off-hand or off-putting. They should know their stuff and welcome their customers; you can find that at this excellent place.

     Do we want music playing? When Waterstone's first came to Edinburgh it felt very different from the 'traditional' bookshop: it stayed open all evening so you could pop in after work, it had a massive stock of interesting and unusual things - not just the predictably ubiquitous - and they played classical music, softly, all the time.

    Should there be comfy seats to encourage lengthy browsing? Coffee and 'real' cake, rather than cellophane-wrapped, cloned muffins? Old books as well as new? What would your dream bookshop be like, or perhaps it already exists?      

Comments

[Peter the Flautist]

I cannot stand background music anywhere or at anytime. Indeed I no longer use Waterstones (or at least some of their branches) because of it.

What I want to support are independent (or at least very small "chain") bookshops who offer me the chance to look at books which are not currently on the bestseller/heavy discount list. Although I like both cakes and coffee, tea etc. I do not see this as in any way enhancing my book browsing experience. Comfortable chairs are not needed, particularly if they take away from valuable space that could be used to display more stock. Keen, knowledgeable and customer friendly staff are essential (and many of the traditional bookshops I frequented in the 1970's had owners who conspicuously lacked the last of those qualities).

Can I strongly recommend in London "Daunt Books" http://www.dauntbooks.co.uk/

I make good use of their branches in NW3; notice the absence of coffee or sofas!

Dark Puss

[Margaret Powling]

A self confessed bookaholic, I rarely frequent bookshops these days as I buy most of my books online. So I'm not au fait with what it is currently like in, say, Waterstone's or even independent bookshops. I used to 'help out' occasionally in a friends' antiquarian bookshop (they have since retired and I have to say the shop just isn't the same, for which read "as good"!) but like Peter the Flautist, I'm not keen on any kind of music. Even my hairdresser has a nasty video playing pop musak in the corner of the salon and I'm seriously tempted into finding an establishment where there isn't such a thing blaring out inconsequential rubbish (a bit like my witterings)! But I've digressed. What I require most is a very good selection of books, whether new or secondhand, not just the best sellers. If room permits, I also like a selection of greetings cards and bookmarks. Our local independent bookshop, when I do venture down there, has a sofa and a water fountain and free coffee - it's lovely!

[Lisa]

It wouldn't matter to me one way or the other about background music as long as it wasn't too loud or jarring. Of course, 'real' cake would be a nice addition, as well as comfy chairs. Oh, while we're at it, let's just add a nice fireplace, as well.

[Margaret Powling]

I think what we all want is a place a little like a gentleman's club, with nice leather chairs, excellent hot coffee, a roaring fire in a large fireplace in winter, an abundance of sweet smelling flowers in summer, and someone to bring us pile after pile of books to browse through ...

[rosie]

Just give me books, and loads of 'em! I'd much rather choose from a wide range and pay full price, than go for "3 for 2" offers.

When it comes to music, Classical played quietly is fine but far from essential. No need for coffee or cakes. No out-of-reach shelves, please (unless very stable library steps are available, don't pack the shelves too closely together and I do like somewhere to sit and contemplate. Knowledgeable, approachable staff are a must. My favourite shop these days is Topping Books in Ely (they've also got a branch in Bath)...but I give the coffee a miss.

[Eloise]

Just shelf after shelf of books I haven't seen a million times before, that would be perfect.

[Lizzie]

I would recommend Wenlock Books, my local independent bookshop based in Much Wenlock in Shropshire. It hits all the buttons for me - interesting stock, new downstairs, secondhand upstairs, lovely selection of unusual cards, chairs upstairs, helpful staff. Book groups and blog! Ecstasy!
http://www.wenlockbooks.co.uk/

[tara]

I love bookshops that have lots of books that I haven't seen a hundred times already. And lots of places to sit down and browse through them.

[Vanessa]

Why thank you for the compliment my dear!

I'm afraid that I do have background music on - especially if we're quiet as I think it's more welcoming than walking into a silent shop. It ranges from classical, to the Dixie Chicks to classic blues and soul with the occasional foray to Mika because it's such a cheery album.

We only have one chair - much used - but I can't fit another in. Maybe when I open the next shop I'll find space for a sofa or two. Son is already insistent that the next place* should have a cafe attached.
* not that there necessarily will be a next place but he's a trier!