What sets the used bookstore apart is it’s respect for browsing. Proprietors and curators of abandoned and previously loved books understand that used books are like cookies – you can’t have just one. Staff have never asked me if I was looking for the best sellers, or recommended the latest self help book. No, the curators of abandoned books offer a gracious “Hello, how are you? Let me know if you need help,” and return to stocking shelves.
While chain store and mega-mart bookstores make their dollars on a limited selection of best sellers, and count on hit and run buyers to fill the till, the used bookstore makes money buy the armful. The armful of books purchased by people like me, that is. “Oh, this one was only three bucks. Might as well grab this one, and look – all the words in the title of that one start with the letter ‘G’….wonder if it’s any good? Oh, what the hell.”
I spend $30-$50 a month at the used bookstore near my office, and I’m not the only one wandering around with my arms full. Do I buy new books? Yes, but not before I test drive the author at the library or a used book store. Some publishers and authors may cry foul that they lose sales and royalties through used bookstores. Do they understand they are also gaining readers? If I was a publisher, I would consider financing my own used bookstores. Without the opportunity to gamble three bucks in a used bookstore, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, J.G. Ballard, John Scalzi, or Robert J. Sawyer would not have sold me new books.
The used bookstore is a much needed antidote to marketing hype, ingrained purchase habits, and stalker like salesmanship. Plus, any business model that enables whimsy, curiousity, a heart browse, and recycling is OK by me.
I am such a fan of the used book store. And yard sales. I get more books from yard sales than anywhere else. The folks who own and run used book stores are helpful. They KNOW if Thomas Pynchon has passed through their hands and onto the shelves lately (yes, that’s how I got Gravity’s Rainbow — used book store. B and N was going to charge $24 to get a copy into their store).
Peace, Linda
Inventory knowledge always impresses me. Love overhearing staff natter about how stock moves. “The Girl with…” books never stay on the shelf more than 48 hours at one of my haunts. Down the street, the clerk, when asked if he had any Oscar WIlde, inquired if the customer was in a cult, as she was the 5th person that day looking for his books.
I like the idea of an e-reader, love theidea of audio books. Nothing feels like having a book in your hand. I will not be giving up second hand books anytime soon. I do wonder though if it will happen, sooner than I’m ready for…
I don’t think e-books will put a dent in the second hand book biz. Collectors want the real deal, frequent readers can’t afford to buy everything new, and the holiday/beach readers want something semi-disposable so if it falls out of the boat, no great loss.
I loved used bookstore so much! I find authors that I wouldn’t find anywhere else. I like the ideas of books that have already traveled before they fell into my hands. I love the mustiness. This post made me nostalgic!
I’m fortunate to work near a couple of good ones. I need a job in the middle of nowhere, or more bookshelves.
Agree with the sense of history. I like picking up non-fic titles and seeing what notes theprevious owner made in the margins.