I Love My Local Bookshop
Here in my little mountain town off the Blue Ridge Parkway—full of farmers, tourists, and hippies—we were without a bookshop for a long time. Last year, added into the constant rise and fall of new and old 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 had been the studio of a local radio station, and before that a residence, but now there were ladders leaning against the exterior, flower boxes being built on the front porch, fresh paint, and a general steady hum of activity. 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 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, adapting rooms into themes: a children’s room with a large paper-mâché tree/reading nook inspired by the Magic Treehouse book series; a cookbook section in what was once a residential kitchen; a small poetry and drama room with a writing desk; a local authors section displayed prominently in the foyer 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 nestling in the reading tree. My wife enjoys striking up conversations with friends from all corners of our community. And I love browsing the old books mixed in with the new and seeing what unexpected discoveries the owners have put on display.
On a recent visit, for instance, one of the owners was excited to point me in the direction of several picture books with striking artwork published by Enchanted Lion Books out of Brooklyn. Their Chirri & Chirra series by Kaya Doi 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 balances 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 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.