Local Books

I am a big advocate of patronizing small and local businesses whenever possible; especially because they add flavor to the community. If we only have Target, Dillard’s and Olive Garden-type places to patronize, what makes us unique? Don’t get me wrong, I shop and eat at the chains too, but I try to put my dollars toward the little guys when I can. With the economy tightening up and jobs and manufacturing going overseas, it’s more important now than it ever has been.

When we moved downtown, I started visiting the Happy Bookseller shop on Forrest Drive. They do a big fundraiser at our school every year, but I had no idea what treasures this store had until I made an unplanned stop; and then kept going back. This store is stuffed with neat books-all over the place. The shelves are positioned so that I have to meander through the sections (like that’s a problem). There are frequent author signings and they promote and support book clubs and teachers as well.

The children’s section is always my favorite part of any bookstore, anywhere. At the Happy Bookseller, this area is shaped like a teardrop. You enter through a somewhat narrow aisle, which eventually circles around a table display. The young adult books are one aisle over, presumably so they are not embarrassed by being in "with the kids”. I like that the books are neatly displayed and alphabetized, and that they have a big variety selection rather than tons of the same copies. They also have groupings such as books about ballet or science-I bet the grandma’s like that. I can get lost in the stacks back there and have forgotten the time more than once.

The thing I like best though, is that the employee's are just plain nice. I shopped with my girls one day and of course, we needed a bathroom. No problem, they ushered us into the back where the bathroom was very clean and well stocked-how unusual. Another day, I walked by the lunch café in the corner and saw that the manager brings her baby to work. She was able to attend to her customers and her child; all were happy and enjoyed each other. Very cool. Most important though is that whenever I walk in the door, they smile. They speak. They don’t act like it’s break time, or that your patronage isn’t needed. Every time I have been in, there has always been at least one person offering their help. Think about it-this common courtesy, a basic customer service, is now very unusual.

I recently met one of the owners, Carrie, by accident in a totally unrelated setting. She didn’t even know I was a reading freak or a customer. We talked about mom stuff, and life. You know what? She is very, very nice.

This is where I buy my books.