When One Door Closes, Another Opens

As Bonanza Street Books prepared to close its Clayton, California, branch on January 31, 2007, Joel and Christy Harris seized the opportunity to keep a community bookstore in the small town by leasing the space and reopening on February 1 as Clayton Books.

Clayton, a town of 11,000 on the outer edge of the San Francisco Bay Area, is in the "semi-boondocks," according to new bookstore co-owner, town resident, and attorney specializing in estate planning, Joel Harris. Only 45 minutes from San Francisco, the town nestled at the base of Mount Diablo is known for its small-town charm, complete with soapbox derbies and Independence Day parades. "It's where the Bay Area turns into farm and ranch land," Harris explained. Located in a large shopping center, the store's closest chain bookstore competitor is "about 20 to 40 minutes away."

The peripatetic Mr. Harris has long had a hand in the book business. He told BTW that his interest in children's books stemmed from his own children. "I've been organizing author events for the local schools for years," he explained. "Usually about 15 authors participate, and as a result, I now have contacts with many [children's book authors] for store events and school book fairs. I know a lot of people."

His myriad experience also includes trafficking in antiquarian books, some book publishing, and involvement in the rare book department of Storyopolis in Studio City, California. One of the Harris' first steps after taking over the 2,400-square-foot space was to knock out the back wall and to put many of the new bookcases on wheels, creating ample room for the many events the new owners have planned. Already illustrator Ashley Wolff, of Miss Bindergarten fame (Puffin), has visited.

Harris estimates that two-thirds of the store's inventory consists of used books, but the store sells many more new books, bringing the ratio of new-to-used sales to 50/50. An extensive rare and antiquarian list is sold online. Clayton Books relies on the bestseller lists from Book Sense and the San Francisco Chronicle. "The New York Times list is not for us," he explained. "It includes so many books completely wrong for our customers."

For the major publishing event of the year, the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on July 21, Clayton Books will host a midnight party for those who have purchased the book. "We could heavily discount the book," Harris said, "and make no money. We are going to spend all that money on a big party with a great magician and lots of giveaways and raffles. Some of the movie memorabilia and prizes are quite valuable."

On May 12, Clayton Books will hold its grand opening celebration. Many authors are scheduled to attend, and Harris hopes that others who may be in the area at that time will come as well. --Nomi Schwartz