Read Spotted Newt - Hazard, KY

Read Spotted Newt, Hazard, KY

 

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There are many things that contribute to the success of a bookstore but I was most amazed to hear about the beginnings of Read Spotted Newt (pronounced "red", not "reed," OBVIOUSLY) from owner Mandi F.S.  This indie has been open for three years but at the start it had horrible luck.  Or did it?  To most, a flood and a pandemic would be a death knell but it was just the opposite here.  Read Spotted Newt not only survived but thrived thanks to a deluge of local publicity.  As Mandi told me, during those days she felt like someone was shoving a mic in her face all the time, asking about the store and its challenges.  The result was a mountain of free publicity for a determined store and owner, with the store relocating to a new space.  They survived the pandemic with the same formula as many other indies.  Phone orders, online orders, and enlarging Facebook photos of the store to see the book titles they wanted to order.  And lots of puzzles.  Good grief, if Read Spotted Newt can survive all that I'd say the future is nothing but bright.   

I've been following this bookstore ever since they opened for two reasons.  Their name (I love it), and the uniqueness of the building.  The store is located on a prominent corner as you enter the town and was originally The Hazard Welcome Center.  Those two things aside, once you visit the store and meet Mandi and Warner, a bookseller, your impressions and experience will take off.  In this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover!  A beautiful, cozy and comfy space with mostly new books and a few used.  The books of regional interest sell especially well.  Its a smaller space but does not feel crowded at all.  Despite the size, the sidelines are plentiful and include greeting cards, bookstore swag, and jewelry to name a few.  The stickers sell well as do the Tarot cards which is surprising given the stores' location in the Appalachian Bible belt.

Before Mandi started this business she was a stay-at-home mom with a background and degrees that have NOTHING to do with bookstores.  You'll want to follow her because in addition to owning a bookstore she's a promising author.  What a wonderful benefit for Hazard (population approximately 5000) and the surrounding communities to have this resource in a region where there is nothing else like it.  Congratulations Mandi!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  Rules Of Civility, Amor Towles. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Appalachian Reckoning, Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll.  

 

I think this store has a gorgeous setting and it is probably even more so in the summer and fall seasons.  On the corner nestled inside a small bluff on the edge of downtown. 

Closer view of the store.  Notice the "welcome" sign atop the building.  What a great sign for any bookstore but honesty compels me to tell you that was already there when the building was the Hazard Welcome Center. 

A very creative bench outside the store. 

Everyone needs to be reminded of this. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Take a look below the checkout counter when you purchase a book.  I think you could use a beverage and a treat. 

Like everywhere else I've been lately, the stickers are hot. 

Looking to the right from the store entrance. 

Relevant display for the approaching Easter season. 

If I were a regular at this store, one of these seats would be my usual spot. 

Popular sellers for the store. 

I can usually find unique and locally created items in many bookstores. 

If you call yourself a University of Kentucky fan you'll need to consider this book. 

Very unique earrings. 

Current non-fiction display. 

These literary candles are a popular sideline in many bookstores. 

A variety of books and sidelines displayed.  Behind this display is the children's area. 

I love these stickers. 

 

Just a few of the greeting cards offered.

Looking into the children's area.  They have their own room in the back of the store. 

One more activity for the children who come to the store. 

The red spotted newt!

Another overview of the children's area. 

View of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  Notice all the window space for excellent natural lighting.  Warner is at the front counter waiting for your purchase. 

With Mandi, the fine owner at Read Spotted Newt.  Thanks for a great visit.

Brier Books - Lexington, KY

Brier Books, Lexington, KY

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Readers, I will remind you again do not fall for the occasional national article lamenting the demise of independent bookstores.  It is not true and every indie owner is in agreement with what I hear, see, and experience.  There are far more indies opening than are closing and I give you yet ANOTHER example in Lexington, KY.  A big welcome to Brier Books to the independent bookstore community and their owners Jay M. and Savannah.  As the proud "parents" of this bookstore, readers, you have nothing to worry about.  They come with lots of bookstore experience as former employees of the recently closed Morris Bookshop where Jay was the general manager.  With their background in the book business, this new store can't help but be successful and get off to a good start.

Brier Books is located in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Lexington.  As Jay told me, it is a great location.  Very visible and very walkable for the local neighborhood.  The store takes up the main level of a historic and picturesque house that has been many businesses in its lifetime.  The several upstairs rooms are rented out and can be reserved by community groups, like a local dance company does now.  This is a great asset for the bookstore as is their reasonable lease.  

The store offers all new books and some sidelines in multiple rooms with an emphasis on locally created items like soaps, scents, hand made journals, and unique art.  They have a great area in the front rooms that can be cleared for store events.  My advice when you visit here is to browse, wander, and meander throughout.  It's a very comfortable space to wander from room to room and enjoy the different book displays.  And this wandering includes checking out the children's room in the back of the store.  

I didn't get to meet Savannah on this visit but Jay was great to meet and kind enough to tell me about the store and business.  Even though I didn't meet Savannah, I know that they both know their stuff.

One thing to note before your visit.  There is free parking on the side and in the back.  Don't use the meters on the street, like I did.  Save that meter money to use on the books you'll buy when you visit Brier Books.  Congratulations Jay and Savannah.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Montana 1948, Larry Watson.  A very unassuming title for an outstanding book.  The story of a family in small town Montana, dad, Wes Hayden was the sheriff, mom was a secretary, and David, their 12-year old son.  They had a native American girl who was their housekeeper.  After her mysterious death and reports of sex abuse on the nearby reservation, Sheriff Wes Hayden must choose between upholding the law or his family.  A quick read that poses a moral dilemma, great for bookclubs.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  In The Unlikely Event, Judy Blume.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia, Elizabeth Catte.      

Another exterior view.  

This bookstore has space that allows for some landscaping and they've done a great job with this.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  This is a wonderful enclosed porch area, a nice place to sit and look through a book.  Notice also the attractive stained glass windows.  

View looking into the front room of the store and slightly to the left.  Diligent readers will undoubtedly recognize the celebrity on the left.  Yes, that's my mom.  

View looking straight through the main room and into another room toward the back of the store.  

Some of the locally created sideline items.  

Another one of my favorite bookstore sale promotions, blind date with a book.  For only $2 you get to take a chance on what you're buying, a fun adventure at bookstores who offer this.  

The neatly arranged sales room toward the back of the store.  

Great customer service.  Always ask your indie about these things.    

I always like seeing the staff favorites and I can guarantee that no two bookstores have identical displays.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

A portion of the children's room.  

Another overview of the children's room.  

View looking toward the front entrance from the back room.  

A fireplace, a mantel with books displayed, and a great place to sit.  What more could you want?

View looking out the front window.  Notice especially the stained glass here and around the store.  

Many bookstores offer works of art created by local talent.  

Always ask your bookstore about gift cards.  

With Jay on the left, the fine co-owner at Brier Books.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Roebling Point Books & Coffee - Covington, KY

Roebling Point Books & Coffee, Covington, KY

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I'm always fascinated when I visit independent bookstores that are housed in historical buildings.  Roebling Point Books & Coffee is one such bookstore located in the Roebling Row neighborhood of Covington, KY, just across the river from Cincinnati.  The building dates back to 1842 and it is believed that John Roebling (bridge builder and designer of the suspension bridge near the bookstore and the Brooklyn Bridge) spent time here.  The bookstore, the bridge, and the neighborhood have all been named after Mr. Roebling.  To go along with the building's history, you'll enjoy seeing lots of antiques as you browse through the store.  But you'll be distracted by all the books and the warm and cozy rooms they live in.

Roebling Point is a one-level bookstore with multiple rooms and a very visible location.  When you enter the store you'll be in the coffee/cafe portion of the store with some books and sidelines in this entry room.  At one time, this was a private residence and you can still feel that here with the several rooms the books are in.  The children's section has a room all to itself located straight through the entry room.  I thought the offerings of local and regional interests were especially good.  You'll find mostly new books and a few used books, but they don't actively pursue acquiring the used ones.  The store hosts occasional events, including venues off-site for larger crowds.  Roebling Point has been here for 7 years now, hopefully a good sign for future success.

When you visit here you'll easily be able to find public parking within a block of the store.  Or you can use the public bikes and ride here from anywhere in the greater Cincinnati area and park at the bike station right outside the store.

I didn't get to meet owner Richard H. on my visit but the store was in good hands with Claire who was able to tell me a little bit about the store and the business.  But I must say, I'm a little concerned that some people in this metropolitan area haven't discovered Roebling Point yet.  Find your way to this comfy store in a historic building, sink yourself into one of the comfortable chairs, and start trying out books.  You won't want to leave.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon, Kelley and Thomas French.  This husband/wife author team relate the story of their unlikely courtship, unlikely marriage, and unlikely birth of their child, prematurely at 23 weeks.  This book tells the challenges they encounter for many months and the incredible medical team and hospital support staff that helped them on their journey.  This is a must read for young couples considering a family or others who have struggled with the birth of a premature child.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Tell The Wolves I'm Home, Carol Rifka Brunt.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Trampoline, Robert Gipe.  The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears, Dinaw Mengestu.    

Another exterior view.  These tables are the perfect place to be with your coffee and a book.  

You can find the best quotes posted at independent bookstores.  

Consider riding a city bike here from the metropolitan area, a fun and easy way to get to the bookstore.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Immediately left of the front entrance is the cafe.  

Great display just inside the front door.  

A few of the sidelines available in the entry room.  

I love seeing things like this in bookstores.  Antique model of a paddlewheeler.  

Considering the image of this book cover, it seems the author's last name is appropriate.  

A portion of the children's area.  

Follow this sign to some bargain buys.  

If you followed that sign, this is where you'll locate the bargains.  

The second room after entering the store, very spacious with comfortable seating.  Alert readers might recognize the celebrity browsing the store.  Yes, that's my mom.    

Music on vinyl is making a comeback in many bookstores around the country.  

I love this fireplace and the tile lettering in front of it.  

At least pretend to be reading when you stretch out here.  

An overview of the second room.  

Looking into the third room, after passing through the second.  

Book display in the third room, including some local interests.  

Follow this sign...

...to a great gathering space.  

An antique phonograph.  

You can browse this display while you place your coffee order.  

A great picture of the bookstore's building.