October 2013 eNewsletter

Three or four times a week a new salesperson comes to town, or it's a rookie school donation seeker, or, occasionally, an unhappy gift recipient. They casually stroll in, survey the assembled staff and customers, and when their eyes alight on the old tired-looking guy in the corner they will step up and ask, "Are you the owner?"

I never know quite how to answer this herald. There is a natural temptation to duck, and redirect them to Cindy or Garry or whomever else is around. And there is always the flat out denial, "He's not in," but that's a short no-win game. All the same, when I reluctantly nod and admit, I always feel like I am sort of pretending.

It is hard for me to imagine "owning" Island Books. It exists because a whole lot of people have wanted it to exist. First, it was Lola Deane. Forty years ago, it was her intention, chutzpah, and hard work that gave the store its first form. A group of friends (Andrea, Phyliss, Sally, Julia, etc.) helped with the early heavy lifting, and then it was afloat. Lola moved on and handed the tiller to Marge, Fam, and Elinor. Soon after that, I arrived. But these are just names of players. If you counted them all, maybe eighty people have worked at the store. Smart, fabulous, lively people who have dedicated decades to the store. But then, what about the dozens and dozens of people who have helped with Harry Potter parties, book signings, or late night carpet laying? What about the generations of residents and their love and intention that the store thrive and remain?

There are now thousands of people who have left their mark, played their part, made it possible. I can't own that. But I have witnessed much of it.

This month, as we approach our anniversary, I will try to share some stories of the past on our website and Facebook. Here's the first one, about the front door of Island Books. They are just one set of stories. We all have a few, and I suspect there are many better than mine. Please reach back and step up.

I invite you all in the spirit of co-ownership to share your stories at a 40th anniversary pie potluck on November 3rd, between 3 and 6pm. Come wax nostalgic in your other "living room:" Island Books. 

Warmly,
Roger Page 

Owner and Bookseller

COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

NEW ARRIVALS

HOT TOPICS ON OUR STORE JOURNAL

Reading-Related Rambles September was a busy month on our blog. There was a Q&A with Stephanie Ogle of Cinema Books, a look at Jhumpa Lahiri's latest, and best of all, James and Miriam held their first online book club on Chocolates for Breakfast. Don't forget, you can also get our Store Journal by email. More

Halloween

Celebrate Halloween this month, no matter what your age.

Books for the very young

Books for the very brave

Open Book Club

Island Books hosts an open book club that typically meets the last Thursday of each month at 7:30pm. (Note: This month it's the second to last Thursday!) All are welcome to attend, and if you purchase your book here in the store you'll always get a 10% discount.

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20% Off Indie Bestsellers

We always offer a 20% discount on the top ten bestsellers in non-fiction and fiction for the week, as reported by independent booksellers across the country.

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eBooks

Did you know you can download ebooks from our website and read them instantly? Or that we sell top-notch ereaders and tablets ourselves? Read more about it. You'll be glad you did.

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Selling Books Since 1973