Tin Can Mailman - Aracata, CA

Tin Can Mailman, Arcata, CA

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I love the name of this bookstore and the story behind it.  The original owner spent some time in the Peace Corps and part of that experience was spent on an island in the Pacific that ships were unable to get to.  The only way these islanders could get their mail was via a large tin can that was lobbed into the ocean and these people would swim (?) or canoe out to retrieve the large tin can containing the incoming mail for the island’s residents.  How that then became the store name I’m not sure but I’m fascinated by the story and the unique name for this splendid bookstore.

Tin Can Mailman has been in business for over 50 years, since 1972, located in the Arcata downtown business district.  Husband /wife co-owners Mike and Margo G. L. are the 4th ownership for the store.  Tin Can has two levels jam-packed with used books and they also offer a few new books that are stocked as popular sellers for customers.  Margo is a sci-fi expert and some of the new titles reflect that.  They don’t have the used books on an inventory but they can tell you where in the store a book would be if they have it.  They do offer online sales for some of their more expensive books.  These might include signed editions or vintage and collectible books.  For college students in the area looking to save money, you might be able to find a used text book here.  The organization of the store was excellent with lots of signs clearly marking genres and the organization within.  In general, you’ll find fiction on the main floor and non-fiction on the 2nd floor.  

I especially liked the island tapestries displayed high on the walls around the center room of the main floor.  These were displayed as an acknowledgement to the store’s connection to their Pacific Islands.  Essentially, a fabric of paper created from pounded bark and then designed with incredible artistry.  The detail is remarkable. Be sure to take time to enjoy these historical artifacts as you browse. 

Best of all, Margo has assembled a staff second to none.  Carrie and Justice were as friendly and conversant as any I meet along my journey.  People like this are why I enjoy this project so much.

If your travels take you anywhere near Arcata, stop in and visit this terrific bookstore with the most memorable of names.  Nothing compares to wandering the many nooks and aisles of Tin Can Mailman.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Nada, Jean-Patrick Manchette.  Translation from the French and published in 1972, this work of fiction reflects the times it was written in.  An extremist group plots to kidnap the US Ambassador to France and the group includes members with differing political ideals.  I would define this one as a thriller as the group makes a run for it with the ambassador.  Do they succeed?  If you haven’t read this author give it a try.  Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Trees, Percival Everett.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  All The King’s Men, Robert Penn Warren.  My Life and Hard Times, James Thurber.  

Excellent corner location. 

Feel free to do this at any bookstore you visit. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Just inside the front entrance.  In general, you'll find fiction on the main floor and non-fiction upstairs. 

These buttons will be your impulse buy at the check-out counter. 

Find some bargains just inside the entrance. 

Take a few steps into the store and you'll get this overview of the main floor. 

Looking upward from the main floor.  The 2nd floor wraps around above the first. 

One of the many book aisles. 

A great way for customers to recommend a book. 

One of the long walls of books on the main floorl. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

In action photo of Margo selling a book. 

A few of the large print editions available. 

The store offers a few new books that can be found here, near the entrance. 

I have no idea what the point of this picture was or why I took it. 

A few of the comic books offered. 

Since you won’t be leaving here empty-handed, this would be an important purchase.  

Overview of the 2nd floor from the top of the stairway. 

Partial view of the 2nd floor. 

One of the long book aisles on the 2nd floor. 

This area on the 2nd floor includes local and California history. 

Looking down on the main floor of the bookstore from the 2nd level. 

The tapestries you see in the pictures above were hand-made by Pacific Islanders by pounding bark into paper.  Then they created unique and ornate designs for each one.  A must see at this store displayed on the upper walls of the main floor.  Absolutely fascinating. 

With Margo, the fine owner at Tin Can Mailman.  Thanks for a great visit. 

Northtown Books - Arcata, CA

Northtown Books, Arcata, CA

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Other independent bookstores would do well to take note of Northtown Books in Arcata, CA.  Any indie that has been in business since 1965 deserves to be acknowledged for its longevity and success and should garner more national recognition.  Even through the pandemic, owner Dante D. said it was one of their most successful years ever.  This was partly because they already had an online sales presence in place (you can order online now as well) and enjoyed a dedicated base of local customers who are avid readers.  Another factor for Northtown is they have an excellent downtown location and thanks to a former owner who owns the building, a reasonable lease (many indies would love a set-up like this).

Northtown offers all new books in a neatly organized one-level space.  I thought the store’s inventory compared very favorably with some of the bookstores I’ve visited in San Francisco.  Additionally, the store offers a wide variety of magazines that I would guess is one of the best in the area with an unequaled assortment that caters to many interests.  Sidelines include greeting cards, stickers, journals, calendars, and a variety of magic-themed items, among others.  In addition to the local regulars the store also sees tourist traffic, especially in the summers, and occasional customers from the local college, Cal Poly Humboldt.  A huge part of their business are their institutional sales.  So many bookstores would love to have those partnerships with their local schools.  Way to go Humboldt County.

As I was talking to Dante who was behind the counter, my eyes drifted down to my favorite part of the visit.  Tovi is the shop dog and I learned the same thing here that I’ve learned in EVERY indie I’ve visited that has a shop dog.  The shop dog is like a magnet for customers.  Some just come in to see Tovi which is a common theme in stores with a dog.  Whatever it takes to bring people into the store, do it!  Seems like this would be a good mascot to have on every staff!

As noted, this is a long-running independent bookstore with many successful years.  Yet, this year has not been as good as previous years.  Ok, Humboldt County readers, you know what to do.  Find your way to this impressive bookstore and enjoy meeting a knowledgeable owner and terrific shop dog.  Remember, you can’t pet a dog on the internet.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

JUST FINISHED:  The Saboteur, Paul Nix.  The incredible true story of Robert de La Rouchefoucauld, born into a privileged French family with generations of prominence.  When Germany occupies France in WWII, Robert, in his late teens, is determined to make a difference in the war and his adventurous character eventually leads him to Britain and his work in the Resistance and undercover subterfuge.  He miraculously escaped with his life many times.  Meticulously researched.  A real-life spy thriller and narrative non-fiction at its finest.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Nada, Jean-Patrick Manchette. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Nada, Jean-Patrick Manchette.  

Just a part of the front window display space. 

This takes the "Finding Waldo" promo to a new level. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Assortment of journals just inside the front entrance. 

Table display of staff picks.  You'll get a discount for one of these. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance and you can check out some of the greeting cards available.

I thought the store offered an excellent and wide variety of magazines.  These are just a few. 

Head over to the left side of the store and start your browsing along this wall. 

This section is labeled Gift Books.  I like it.

Display of Indie Bestsellers with a nice discount. 

If you're trying to read your book in the dark, get one of these at the checkout counter. 

Assortment of magic items that are a hit with some customers. 

If you're on a budget, head to this area of the store and score a sale book. 

Attractive display near the children's area. 

Just a few of the books of local and regional interest. 

View looking across the back wall of the store. 

The store has lots of items that will interest kids. 

A great area in the children's section to look through a book. 

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

Here you go!  Grab a book and take it for a spin. 

Stop in and say hello to Tovi, a very nice bookshop dog.  He's pictured in his office behind the checkout counter.  He was under the weather the day of my visit and was taking a sick day but I'm sure glad I got to meet him.  Come for the books, stay for Tovi.

I've only seen these Blackwing pencils at a few indies but booksellers tell me they are high quality and sell well. 

Various sidelines located behind the checkout counter. 

Relevant advice at any bookstore. 

This is a red hat I can get behind. 

These book totes are conveniently located near the checkout since you'll be buying an armful.

If you like to collect bookmarks, there are many different varieties of Northtown Books bookmarks. 

With Dante on the left, the fine owner at Northtown Books.  Thanks for a great visit.