Crawford's Books - Sacramento, CA

Crawford's Books, Sacramento, CA

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"She was born to own a bookstore."  -Connie C., 16 year bookseller veteran at Crawford's Books.  Connie was referring to new owner Sue R., the second owner of a business that began in 1983 with the Crawfords and was sold to one of their regular customers who has owned it for three years now.  For me, visiting with Sue and Connie was as refreshing as the new vibe Sue has brought to this store.  As Connie said, if not for Sue the store probably wouldn't have made it much longer.  It's human nature to be resistant to change, but thankfully Sue embraced the change and ran with it.  The business converted from a system of paper and pencil to a technology based system and an active social media presence.  The store transitioned to book club events and game events led by her son (They're anxious to resume these but are on hold for the moment).  And Sue brought in a larger customer base thanks to her parent connections in the schools and thanks to family friends of her son and daughter.  The changes aren't finished either.  The store will soon have new sets of bookshelves and a reorganization that will continue to hold 40,000 books.  This, because things have been going so well here. 

Crawford's Books offers mostly used books along with some new.  They don't have their used books on an inventory but their organization is excellent and they know where to find your books.  Customers can bring in their books for credit but many will simply donate books in support of the store's importance to the community.  As Sue says, she thinks the pendulum is swinging back to the community understanding, "shop local, buy local."  I couldn't agree more.

There are a few sidelines here including locally made jewelry, bookstore swag, and greeting cards.  The greeting cards sell especially well but its mostly the books here.

The nice thing here is that its more than just Sue and her staff.  Her family is very involved as well and this also helps bring in those additional customers.  Daughter Jennie offers a line of items under the name, JC Crafts.  Her son helps with game nights, as stated earlier.  And her husband helps with the engineering and arrangement of the store's interior and its logistics.  I didn't meet Sue's family but I can tell this is an impressive team.

Crawford's Books continues to enjoy successful business growth and I see nothing less than a bright future for Sue and her terrific staff.  Take a trip to this great bookstore and enjoy your visit with the outstanding people who work here.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  All The Names They Used For God, Anjali Sachdeva.  I typically avoid the short story genre but this collection was outstanding and I thoroughly enjoyed every single story.  Varied themes and cultures in each and I was impressed that the author could write about them all so well.  Everything from two child brides forced into marriage with Islamists who slowly turn the table on their captors to a dab of horror and places from Nigeria to New Hampshire to Montana.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Secrets In The Cellar,  John Glatt.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Not purchased but gifted, a Crawford's Books t-shirt.  Thanks Sue!

 

Beautiful storefront windows with outdoor shopping in front of the store. 

You can find a bargain before you even enter. 

This. 

View looking into the store and slightly left. 

Looking to the right from the entrance and just a few of the greeting cards available. 

Most of the greeting cards are conveniently located near the checkout counter.

Looking immediately to the left from the front entrance. 

Be sure to check out the line of JC Crafts available in the store. 

Any jewelry I see in a bookstore is almost always unique and one of a kind.  If you see it in a bookstore and you like it, get it.  You probably won't find it anywhere else. 

I love the mural painting on the checkout counter. 

One of the several book aisles with the genres clearly labeled. 

If only I lived closer and could be a regular!

I love this area in the front of the store.  Try out a seat and try out a book. 

The long wall of books. 

Helpful advice. 

More bargains and more westerns. 

If you know any Mark Twain fans, send them here. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

Overview looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

Just a few of the staff picks. 

Three wonderful booksellers and a wannabe regular.  L-R:  Connie, the wannabe, Sue, and Izzie.  Some of the fine people you'll meet at Crawford's Books.  Thanks for a great visit.