I Love My Local Bookshop
I love my…well, the title says it, doesn’t it?
Here in my little tourist/farmer/hippie town off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of southwest Virginia, we were without a bookshop for a long time. Last year, in the midst of the constant ebb and flow of retail establishments and eateries, one of the most exciting events was the activity going on at the old house on the corner of West Oxford and North Locust.
The building was last known as the studio of a local radio station, but now, there were ladders leaning against the exterior, flower boxes being built on the front porch, fresh paint, and tradespeople coming and going. Word got around quickly, as it tends to do in small towns, that two local bibliophiles were turning the house into a bookshop.
Not knowing what to expect, my little family was among those who were very excited. We, who love books, who spent many days perusing the stacks at the local library, had no idea what flavor of bookshop would arrive. But when it opened, we were in love.
Illustration of The Book House, Floyd, VA - Michael Lamanna
The owners kept the feel of the historic home, turning rooms into themes: a children’s room with a large paper-mâché tree/reading nook; the old kitchen, now a cookbook section; a small writing room with window and desk for poetry and drama; local authors by the front door. Couches. Stairs going every which way. A coffeeshop. A round table for discussions. And a bring-your-dogs policy, which we’ve happily taken advantage of while walking our sweet little puppy, who quickly befriended one of the owners.
My daughters love browsing the old books and reading in the reading tree. My wife enjoys striking up conversations with friends from all corners of our community. And I love seeing what new (or used) discovery the owners have put on display, quiettly sharing their delight at such an unexpected find.
On a recent visit, for instance, I discovered Enchanted Lion Books, a publisher out of Brooklyn that produces lovely new works and reprints of older classics. Their Chirri & Chirra series by Kaya Doi (author) and Yuki Kaneko (translator) is delightful—quiet, whimsical adventures that feel like stepping into a dream. Like so many of their titles (I'm thinking of The Boy Who Became a Parrot: A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear Who Invented Nonsense by Wolverton Hill and The Happy Hunter by Roger Duvoisin), the Chirri & Chirra series balance the playful with the contemplative, which is exactly the kind of spirit I’m grateful to find on the shelves of our local shop.
Of course, I’ve lived through the Amazon revolution. I’m not oblivious to the uphill battle bookstores face, but this shop of ours makes me hopeful that all is not lost. There's something of an enduring quality in the sincere and beautifully executed vision of the owners. It’s a vision that consciously engages with and enhances the eclectic character of the town. And it comes at a time when there is a rising tide of support for bookstores, with things like Bookshop.org giving them a fighting chance. Hopeful? Yes, and I plan to do my part to keep them alive.
Because I love my local bookshop.
Follow the links in the article to purchase books on Amazon or use these links to support local bookshops by purchasing at Bookshop.org:
The Boy Who Became a Parrot: A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear Who Invented Nonsense
Michael Lamanna is a children’s author living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with his wife and two daughters. Trained as a poet and a professional actor, he brings a love of rhythm, performance, and tenderness to every page. His stories often explore belonging, courage, and the quiet magic of everyday family life.