Downtown Books & Coffee - Auburn, NY

Downtown Books & Coffee - Auburn, NY

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Readers, I have some good news for you about independent bookstores in the state of New York.  You don't have to go just to NYC to find a book store.  If you visit the Finger Lakes region in central New York, you'll find a perfectly delightful bookstore in the downtown district of the small historical town of Auburn, New York.  And history buffs be forewarned, you won't want to leave this historical town or the bookstore located on the main street downtown.

Some of the big sellers in this bookstore are any books about history, especially Lincoln or William Henry Seward and Harriet Tubman, to name just a few.  I thought there was a lot of history in the town of Hillsborough, NC when I visited Purple Crow Books, but this town has just as much.

Downtown Books & Coffee has been open for about 5 years and the business is doing reasonably well thanks to strong local support, an indie trademark.  Tourist business picks up in the summer months due to the many historical sites and they also generate some business with the local community college.  The store is quite active with author events, usually held on-site but they do have the option of using a nearby theater for larger crowds.  The store also offers some great deals with used books if you're looking for a bargain.  The used books are all donated so this is clear profit, a sweet deal.  There are few sidelines here, but the store has a nice little coffee shop and offers a self-publishing service which many local authors take advantage of.  They also have a kids book club that meets in the store.

I didn't meet John C., the owner, on this visit but I had a great talk with Ryan, one of the booksellers, while I was here.  He told me a lot about the store and town and emphasized the importance of their local customers.  All the more important in a town of only 27,000+.

Cat lovers will be disappointed at this store because there is no cat.  But history lovers and book lovers will feel like they hit the jackpot.  You're going to love this wonderful town and the great bookstore you'll find here.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Shadow Of The Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón.  More than a few people I've met have told me this is their all time favorite and I can see why.  Impossible to summarize in a sentence or two.  A boy grows up in a bookstore in Barcelona and becomes driven to find out about an obscure author of an obscure book.  The further you read the further it pulls you in.   It's epic and literary.  Outstanding.

CURRENTLY READING:  The H-Bomb And The Jesus Rock, John Manderino.

A great window display.  

Looking toward the rear of the store from the front entrance. 

Some of the local authors who have used the publishing services at this store.  A great way to get your book out.  

A good display of the new releases and a portion of the local interest books.  

Many of the authors who have appeared here have signed this wall at the front door.  

Need a bargain?  You'll find it here.  

Stephen Colbert shows you a few of the sidelines available.  

A great place to sit and try a book.  

Come on people, this is cheaper than a fancy coffee, pick one out!  

The small coffee shop right inside the store.  

A portion of the children's section.  

View from the rear of the store looking toward the front.  

A kids book club is a great way to bring kids and their families into the store.  

Most indies are happy to place your special orders.  

If I lived in Auburn, I would want someone to get me one of these for Christmas.  

A proud milepost at any indie.  

With Ryan on the right.  Thanks for a great visit.