F E A T U R E
A Tale of Richmond’s
Independent
Booksellers by Amanda Southall
Prologue
Once upon a time in a river city with cobblestone streets, there were
the science fiction, mystery, fantasy and horror bookstore for adults and children
bookstores on every corner. Children wandered through shelves of bright stories
in May 2000.
while their parents looked through old favorites and new reads.
“Opening a bookstore was something we always had in the back of our
Then things started to change. Big, national stores opened in town and on
minds,” says Lelia. “We wanted to specialize in this type of book we read.”
the Internet, and fewer people came to the little bookstores in the river city.
Creatures ‘n Crooks is looked over by Hamilton, the shop’s resident cat.
This is the story of how some women in the independent bookselling business
“He keeps an eye out for us, and he has a little fan club. People always
are working to make sure their stories continue happily ever after.
come in to see Hamilton,” Lelia says.

Chapter 1
Chapter 4
Making a Place for Book People
More than Just Books
When Ruth Erb decided to open a bookstore her reason was simple: she
Books and gifts are just the beginning of what is offered at Alchemists Books
loved books. Ruth was 48 when she first opened Book People bookstore. Now
and Gifts. Since the shop opened 15 years ago, owner Jane Hayden has
75 years old, Ruth has been the owner and manager of Book People for all of
strived to offer products that encourage spiritual growth and self-empowerment
its 27 years. “That’s why my shoulders are stooped,” she laughs. “I like books. It
in a serene environment.
is a very poor reason to open a bookstore, I guess. There is so much more to it.
“There’s always something exciting going on here in addition to our books,”
I’ve learned a tremendous amount.”
says Alchemists employee Carter McClure. “There’s a wonderful sense of
Though the book-selling industry has changed drastically since Book People
learning and community.”
opened, Ruth’s focus on customer service has remained the same. “I love helping
In addition to books, Alchemists has products such as handcrafted jewelry,
people find a book they’ll love. That’s why I’m in this business.”
incense, healing tools, greeting cards and offers monthly workshops. “All of our
items nurture the soul,” McClure explains.
Chapter 2
When the Love Affair with Books Begins
Chapter 5
A Personal Touch
For years children have been tucked in with books like Goodnight Moon,
Dr. Seuss, and Where the Wild Things Are. It’s hard to measure the value of
When a customer walks into Book People, Ruth Erb talks with them about
a bedtime story, which is why Kelly Kyle opened Narnia Children’s Books in
what kind of books they like, and if someone can’t make it out to the store, Book
1984.
People delivers.
“I was a director of a nursery school and there weren’t many bookstores
“Our pleasure lies in the individual service,” Ruth says. “The personal touch
around,” she says.
is paramount.”
Kelly has been stocking children’s bookshelves ever since. Her store is every
Narnia Children’s Books offers custom gift-wrapping and help in finding
pint-sized bookworm’s dream. Classic stories share the shelf with new reads and
the perfect book for any child, and Creatures ‘n Crooks has writing groups
there is a wardrobe children can sit in and read.
and book clubs. It’s that kind of customer service that makes the independent
“I love talking to children about their favorite books,” Kelly says. “Children
bookstore different.
V
“We have loyal customers. Richmond has been very good to us,” Kelly Kyle
There’s nothing like meandering through a bookstore, browsing new
come in to pick out books and adults come and look at their favorite books from
their own childhood.”
says. “There’s definitely a community-building effort.”
and vintage, rare and classic titles. A good bookstore is as charming
Alchemists places special orders daily to accommodate their customers, and
and valuable as the books on its shelves, and freelance writer Amanda
Chapter 3
offers monthly workshops. “This month we’re having a workshop on sound
Southall loves both.
Fairies and Killers and Ghosts, Oh My!
healing,” says Carter McClure. “There’s a wonderful sense of learning and
community here, and we have very loyal customers.”
Enter the world of dragons and ghouls at Creatures ‘n Crooks Bookshoppe.
Lelia Taylor and her daughter Anne realized a lifelong dream when they opened
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JANUARY 2010
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