About Bookstores

"What's not to love about books and wine?" said Pam Headrick, co-owner of A Thirsty Mind Words & Wines in Lakeway, Texas. The retired archeologist and illustrator and her business partner, Anita Mapes, a retired nutritionist, have found them to be the perfect combination for their 1,500-square-foot store.

To help readers "remember our Constitution... and actively seek a better tomorrow," BookHampton, with locations in East Hampton, Southampton, and Sag Harbor, New York, took out a full page ad in the East Hampton Star that offered free copies of the Constitution and listed four ways to make a difference. "The constitution can't be looked at just once a year," said co-owner Charline Spektor. "We need to keep it alive."

Twelve newly opened bookstores joined the American Booksellers Association's ranks in June. Reflecting the diversity of which independent booksellers are proud, these newest members include general, children's, and new age booksellers, as well as one store with a focus on revolution.

This August, Elm Street Books in New Canaan, Connecticut, will mark the first anniversary of its move to its current location. The 1,700-square-foot general bookstore occupied a larger space in a less convenient Elm Street spot for three years before the relocation.

Jack and Gemma Buckley, the owners of Ninth Street Book Shop in Wilmington, share a lot of big ideas with the residents of the tiny state of Delaware. The two former teachers, who opened the store in 1977, have been busy dealing with erosion -- both in their city's downtown business environment and in the federal government's protection of the First Amendment rights of its citizens.

New York City's Lower East Side Tenement Museum provides visitors with a look at the experiences of the many different immigrant groups who once settled in the surrounding neighborhood. Through guided tours of restored apartments at 97 Orchard Street and area walking tours, the museum strives to promote tolerance and a better understanding of the immigrant experience.

Books Inc. of Palo Alto to Move

This week, California's Books Inc. announced that it would be moving its Palo Alto store from the Stanford Shopping Center -- where it opened in 1957 -- to the newly renovated Town and Country Center on February 1, 2008. The 50-year-old store's new location will be 4,000 square feet.

After months of laying the groundwork, seasoned bookseller Zachary Steele has opened Wordsmiths Books at the historic post office in downtown Decatur, Georgia.

In Cambridge, Massachusetts, a community that values books and tradition highly, Harvard Book Store has been an essential part of life for 75 years. The store, which at first sold mainly used and bargain books, was founded in 1932 by Mark Kramer, with $300 borrowed from his parents. Upon Mark Kramer's untimely death in 1962, his 20-year-old son, Frank, took over the business.

Once Upon a Story, an 11-year-old children's specialty bookshop in Long Beach, California, is hot for Harry and keen on Nancy Drew. Both are featured prominently on the store's new BookSense.com website.