Outside Providence: Barrington Books

Barrington Books in Barrington, Rhode Island, was founded in 1986 as a Little Professor franchise, but it ended its contract three-and-a-half years ago and was renamed. Owners Tony and Celeste Allen held a renaming contest for the 4,100-square-foot store and received 800 entries from customers.

Barrington Books in Barrington, Rhode Island

According to Tony Allen, many people suggested a variation of Barrington Books, so the straightforward, descriptive name was selected. Allen sees the store as a product of its environment. Barrington, he told BTW, "is 10 miles outside of Providence, and serves as a bedroom community for the [state capital]. It attracts people who want a nice environment in which to raise their children -- it's a desirable middle class town with one of the best school systems in the state." Barrington Books is located in a convenient shopping area, along the town's main drag, with neighbors including Starbucks, Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, and CVS.

The well-educated population supports the general trade bookstore and customers are often curious about the less publicized titles on the Book Sense lists, Allen said. "We have always tried to order at least one of every title that Book Sense recommends. Some we order in multiples of three or five, if our buyer senses a great interest. It's easier now to order all the books because of the change from 76 to 20 titles."

The Allens, with no previous bookselling experience, have learned on the job. Tony Allen, who was a reporter for the Providence Journal and is a former English teacher, said, "I wanted to do something on my own, after 21 years as a reporter. I knew nothing about running a bookstore or any business. Starting with a Little Professor franchise helped us set up by suggesting titles, store layout, and furniture."

Barrington Books hosts many events for authors and musicians, with a special focus on local talent. Customers find the store's Web presence (www.barringtonbooks.com) on BookSense.com useful particularly for the calendar postings, Allen said.

Allen was reminded of one of his favorite losing entries for the contest to rename the store -- perhaps, he laughed, it might be useful to another neophyte opening a bookstore: "Bookingham Palace -- Where we treat you like a king." --Nomi Schwartz