Authors Books & Music - Warren, PA

Authors Books & Music, Warren, PA

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Small towns across the country are increasingly dependent on their communities understanding the importance of, "shop local, buy local."  This concept is critical to the vibrancy of any small town and this is true of Warren, PA, population of approximately 15,000, including the surrounding area.  As Michael Y., the co-owner along with wife Shannon told me, they've had the bookstore for about nine years and the store's business has grown but has now leveled off.  And although Authors Books & Music has some good local regulars, many of their customers come from out-of-town.  What does this mean?  It means that now, more than ever, this store and other small businesses in Warren needs the support and patronage of the fine people of Warren.  Shop local, buy local, saves communities, I've seen it!

After visiting Authors Books & Music I know why it has devoted regular customers.  A small, one-level space with a good variety of used books at great prices.  They also offer CDs, DVDs, music on vinyl, sheet music, and historical posters of concerts and sporting events to name just a few.  The music on vinyl is doing especially well.  They offer store credit or cash for these used items and for books in good condition.  Some of their customers even donate books to the store, a wonderful gesture.  One of my favorite things here are the caricatures of four authors called Mt. Readmore (make sure sure you see the picture below), created by Michael himself (I keep telling you, bookstore owners are talented people).

I love these paper mâché caricatures that Michael created.  Who are the authors featured?  Scroll to the bottom of the article for the answer.  

When you visit here you'll have a great time meeting and talking to Michael.  He was wonderful to meet and kindly answered lots of my questions.  You'll enjoy the store as well as his expertise.  And if his artistic talents aren't enough, he's also a devoted Marx Brothers scholar having even written a book about them.

So this is where you come in, Warren.  Regular customers, keep returning and bring a friend or two who've never been to Authors Books & Music.  Even if they're not readers, surely they can find a gift, some music, or a movie.  This is a great place with a great owner and I don't want Warren to lost it.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Schlump, Hans Herbert Grimm.  If you like WWI lit you'll like this.  Published anonymously in 1928 and subsequently burned in the 1930s by the Nazis, this work of fiction depicts the stark realities of war through a German soldier, Schlump.  From his duty as administrator of a French village to the depressing experience of trench warfare.  It's labeled fiction but it is most certainly semi-autobiographical.  Recommended.      

CURRENTLY READING:  The President Is Missing, James Patterson & Bill Clinton.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Freddy The Cowboy, Walter R. Brooks.  Freddy And The Baseball Team From Mars, Walter R. Brooks.  

One of the store's front display windows.  

Always check out the quote of the week.  I think Michael is very creative in presenting the store.

A beautiful sign at any indie.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  Intrepid readers undoubtedly recognize the famous right elbow of an illusive celebrity.  Yes, that's my mom.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  

A couple of great places to sit and try out a book near the front entrance.  

This is the display you'll see just inside the front door.  

Shakespeare fans will want this set.  

Check out the pick-of-the-week display just to the right after entering the store.

Start browsing, this will take awhile!

A great inventory with super prices.  

Looking for a unique button?  Make sure you find this display.

Classic sheet music.  

Just a few of the movies available on DVD.  

They even have movies available on VHS for dinosaurs like me!

Lots of music on CDs.  

Baseball history buffs should be all over this.  

Their collection of music on vinyl is extensive.  

I told my mom I would buy her this.  She passed.  

A clever way to have King Kong display his movie.  

Piano players will enjoy looking through their inventory of sheet music.  

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

Michael is a Marx Brothers expert. Ask him anything!

With Michael on the right, the fine co-owner of Authors Books & Music.  Thanks for a great visit.

 (Here's your answer for the authors in Mt. Readmore, L-R, Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain.  How did you do?)