There are many things I should be doing today and writing this post is not one of them . But darn it I feel like writing so I shall. Danielle at A Work in Progress wrote a lovely post about book shops, real bricks and mortar as opposed to Virtual stores and it made me remember many book shops that I have haunted in the past. The atmosphere and staff varied wildly. Some were home from homes, some meh Ok , some really untidy and disorganized and some home of the really eccentric. Thinking back a few stand out in my memory.
I remember a rather squashed store in Hanley (one of Arnold Bennett's Six towns) it appeared to be physically squeezed between it's neighboring shop fronts and was full to over flowing with books. Overfull actually, one of those stores where you have to move books to see the shelves and squash and squeeze between the piles of books to navigate around. Strangely enough, I didn't find many books at this shop. Possibly they were too well hidden? but I did enjoy having long conversations with the ancient (and a little bit smelly) but never the less charming Labrador who filled in as a friendly customer service rep. His Owner was hidden behind a crowded desk, barricaded from the World (and his customers) by books. He wore glasses low on his nose and only occasionally did peer mildly quizzically in my direction and gave the impression of being surprised when a customer actually purchased a book and puzzled by the interruption to his peace and quiet.
Another bookshop that comes to mind is a delightful book store that lived on a street leading to the Quarry in Shrewsbury. This shop was a 'must visit' when ever I made it to town and always had more treasures on it's shelves than I could afford to buy. I used to search and ponder and puzzle over which delight to buy. The time spent sitting on the floor by the book shelves is indicated by a genuine request on what I'd like to drink at tea time and the arrival of a nice cup of tea! It was a shop of many shelves and mismatched carpets, sunlight and friendliness. Lovely.
Another favourite Shrewsbury bookstore that I haven't visited in many years is Candle Lane Books bookshop on Princess st. (and I think it's still going .I hope so!) I remember climbing winding stairs to find treasures which sit proudly on my shelves today,thousands of miles away from Shropshire but still loved. This book shop always wrapped your purchased books crisp brown paper and I would leave the shop with nice neat parcels under my arms and on especially good days when funds were spare..very large parcels. It was like a treasure hunt when searching for old friends you make new and have to find more shelf space at home.
Where else? Barn Books, Pear tree Farm, Norbury in Shropshire.. situated down narrow country lanes that wiggled between small green fields. Open just few days a week, you parked your car in the farm yard, the book shop was a converted small barn or farm building. Lots of books and a knowledgeable owner who was quite prepared to go on the hunt for books you were searching for! Still going in 2013 now ..I don't know ..again I hope so!
Well the World intrudes and I must curtail my reminiscences however delightful. I wish you good book shops and a good read in a comfy spot.
I remember a rather squashed store in Hanley (one of Arnold Bennett's Six towns) it appeared to be physically squeezed between it's neighboring shop fronts and was full to over flowing with books. Overfull actually, one of those stores where you have to move books to see the shelves and squash and squeeze between the piles of books to navigate around. Strangely enough, I didn't find many books at this shop. Possibly they were too well hidden? but I did enjoy having long conversations with the ancient (and a little bit smelly) but never the less charming Labrador who filled in as a friendly customer service rep. His Owner was hidden behind a crowded desk, barricaded from the World (and his customers) by books. He wore glasses low on his nose and only occasionally did peer mildly quizzically in my direction and gave the impression of being surprised when a customer actually purchased a book and puzzled by the interruption to his peace and quiet.
Another bookshop that comes to mind is a delightful book store that lived on a street leading to the Quarry in Shrewsbury. This shop was a 'must visit' when ever I made it to town and always had more treasures on it's shelves than I could afford to buy. I used to search and ponder and puzzle over which delight to buy. The time spent sitting on the floor by the book shelves is indicated by a genuine request on what I'd like to drink at tea time and the arrival of a nice cup of tea! It was a shop of many shelves and mismatched carpets, sunlight and friendliness. Lovely.
Another favourite Shrewsbury bookstore that I haven't visited in many years is Candle Lane Books bookshop on Princess st. (and I think it's still going .I hope so!) I remember climbing winding stairs to find treasures which sit proudly on my shelves today,thousands of miles away from Shropshire but still loved. This book shop always wrapped your purchased books crisp brown paper and I would leave the shop with nice neat parcels under my arms and on especially good days when funds were spare..very large parcels. It was like a treasure hunt when searching for old friends you make new and have to find more shelf space at home.
Where else? Barn Books, Pear tree Farm, Norbury in Shropshire.. situated down narrow country lanes that wiggled between small green fields. Open just few days a week, you parked your car in the farm yard, the book shop was a converted small barn or farm building. Lots of books and a knowledgeable owner who was quite prepared to go on the hunt for books you were searching for! Still going in 2013 now ..I don't know ..again I hope so!
Well the World intrudes and I must curtail my reminiscences however delightful. I wish you good book shops and a good read in a comfy spot.
