Gibson's Bookstore - Concord, NH

Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, NH

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If you want to see an example of an indie that's been getting it done for a VERY long time, you might want to check out Gibson's in Concord, NH.  The story here might not be as much about the bookstore but more about its longevity.  How long you ask?  Getting it right and selling books since 1898!  I would guess that some of the customers in Concord must be descendants of well-read ancestors.  I'm not sure if its the oldest one I've been to in my 400+ bookstore visits, but I know it ranks up there.  Remarkably, it is only in its 5th ownership.  I had a great time meeting current owner, Michael H., who has been here for 26 years.  The store has been in several locations and in their present location since 2013.  I don't know about their previous locations, but the current one is a perfect.  The store's interior is shaped like a lower case 'n' that can be entered through the bottom of the 'n' on either side.  Entering on the bottom of the left side of the 'n' is the children's store (not a children's section, a STORE).  This was made possible when Gibson's bought out a local toy store and integrated that inventory into the store.  At the top of the 'n' the children's items give way to the adult part of the store.  This continues around to the bottom right side of the 'n'.  Either space can be entered externally or internally.  At the top of the 'n' is an event space and at the bottom between the legs of the 'n' is the cafe.  Confused?  You'll have to visit and see for yourself!

What's in the 'n'?  EVERYTHING.  An incredible book inventory of mostly new books with a few used.  Lots of sidelines that are an important part of the business.  My favorite was probably the hand-made leather journals and bags from India.  The cafe occupies a large space within the store but is presently closed.  They hope to reopen in September.  Like all the other bookstores, their live events have been on hold.  They're planning to try one again in July.

In addition to Mike, Jo, one of the booksellers was terrific to talk to and told me a lot about the store.  Be careful if you use the Gibson's bathroom though.  You might find a kitten, like Jo.  And I know she's serious about her job because she named it Gibson.  Way to go, Jo.

This is a local and state award-winning bookstore and it's deserving of national recognition as well.  Plan a half day and pay them a visit.  You'll come away just as impressed as I was.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  Fleishman Is In Trouble, Taffy Brodesser-Akner. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Quilter's Kitchen, Jennifer Chiaverini.  The Inner Life Of Animals, Peter Wohlleben.     

 

This is the entirety of the building that is home to Gibson's Bookstore.  Looks like one long city block of bookstore to me!

The left side of that building pictured above is not the kids' section but the kids' STORE!  Enter here or crossover from either side of the store on the inside. 

Both sides of Gibson's has ample display window space.  This is part of that window space on the kids' side. 

View looking into the kids' store from the exterior entrance.  Continue to the back of this space and go to the right will take you to the adult side of the bookstore. 

The kids' store is a dreamland.  They will love it. 

Do you want to keep your local independent bookstore?  Buy local, shop local. 

Just outside the exterior entrance on the adult side.  A recognized award-winning store. 

Looking into the store from the entrance on the adult side.  Honestly, breath-taking. 

Looking to the right from the adult store entrance. 

They have reading glasses.  Perfect for people like me who sit on them once a week. 

Just a few of the bookstore socks available. 

There are many beautiful table displays throughout the store.  This one is shortly after entering the adult side. 

Just to the left after entering you'll find a selection of magazines. 

Picture this cafe with a bustle of business, tables full, people reading and chatting.  Closed during my visit but hopefully opening in September.  This is conveniently located in the middle of both the kids' store and the adult store. 

I always enjoy checking out the staff picks. 

Indie next picks in paperback. 

 

Newly released paperbacks. 

Lots of mug choices!

My second favorite display to see after the staff picks. 

 

Just a portion of the greeting cards available. 

A variety of popular journals available. 

 

If you enter on the adult side and walk to the back of that room, look left.  This is the connection over to the children's store. 

 

I'm a sucker for pictures like this. 

 

I love this old school display filled with maps. 

 

A few of the used books offered. 

 

Visual confirmation.  Not available at amazon. 

 

If you're on a budget, look for the bargain books table display. 

 

No time to read but plenty of time to listen?  Here you go. 

 

So many senior citizens appreciate bookstores that have large print books. 

 

Unique and attractive sideline.  Impressive. 

 

Gibson's has its own book podcast.  Check it out. 

With Michael on the left, the fine owner at Gibson's Bookstore.  Thanks for a great visit. 

The Toadstool Bookshop - Peterborough, NH

The Toadstool Bookshop - Peterborough, NH

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When I was at Brookline Booksmith a few days prior to my trip to Peterborough, I was talking to Lisa, one of the staffers there.  I was talking to her about some of my upcoming bookstore visits and when I mentioned The Toadstool in Peterborough, her exact words to me were, "top notch in every way."  I think her comment might have understated this independent book store.  More like, "incredible in every way."  All the more impressive when you consider this expansive, one-level bookstore is located in a small town with only 5000+ population.

When you visit here you will be driving through some of the best scenery in the country, especially in October.  After enjoying the great views you'll arrive in a picturesque New England town which is the beautiful vision of what you would expect in this part of the country.  This store truly is top-notch in every way.  Offerings of new and used books, the used books in a large room of their own and impressively organized and inventoried.  Not all indies inventory their used books.  A fairly large music room with CDs, vinyl, and DVDs.  Lots of offerings here featuring local musicians.  Multiple places to sit if you want to get off your feet and try a book.  Photography and art work by local talent can also be found here.  This store has frequent author events, all held on site, and almost always focused on local or New England authors.  There's also a café in the store but it is independent from the bookstore.  This store is family owned and been around for 40+ years.  As with other successful indies the buiness here is largely local.  They draw business from local schools and libraries, a true institution in the community.

I didn't get to meet Willard, or his wife, the owners, on this visit but I had a great conversation with Craig and Steve, two of the fine staffers here.  They were super to talk to and took a lot of time to answer all my questions, even as customers were coming and going on a Sunday morning.  Even though this is a smaller community, there are many professionals living in the area who are an important part of the customer base and value having an independent bookstore.  They have some sidelines here and they are important, but not critically so.

What else?  A very roomy store and a large parking lot, all free.  A great café, Aesop's Tables, but it wasn't open on the day of my visit, my only disappointment.  When the weather's nice you can enjoy outdoor seating.  But I'm sorry to report to the cat-lovers that there is no cat at this indie.  This store may be somewhat hidden or remote for some of you, but don't let that keep you from visiting.  Like maple syrup, apples, and pumpkins in the fall, this is just another gem to enjoy in New England.  Don't miss it!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

RECENTLY FINISHED:  Dad Is Fat, Jim Gaffigan.  Absolutely hilarious.  A must for any Jim Gaffigan fan and a must for parents with young children.  You will identify and laugh your head off.  If you've never seen Jim Gaffigan live, YOU MUST GO!  He's outstanding.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Boy In The Suitcase, Lene Kaaberbøl & Agnete Friis.  Just started but I think it's going to be a real thriller.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Orchardist, Amanda Coplin.

View from the parking lot where you can park for free.  

Some great seating outside during nice weather.  

Here's the view just inside the front door looking straight to the rear of the store.  

Just inside the front door to the right a great café, Aesop's Tables.  I love the name of this place!

Local and regional interests can be found here.  

The check-out area.  This bookstore in a small community was doing a good business on a Sunday morning.  

Many of the greeting cards are done by local artists.  

A great place to sit and try to read a book.  Just don't let your snoring disturb the other customers.  

Or have a seat here, on a toadstool of course!

CDs, vinyl, DVDs in this room which is off to the right of the main store area.  

A great children's area.  

In the used book room, you can look at lots of accurately detailed model airplanes.  

A long aisle of books in the used book room and model airplanes above.  

A great chair for the young customers at Toadstool Bookshop.  

L-R, yours truly with two of the fine booksellers at Toadstool, Craig and Steve.  Thanks for a great visit, guys!