After two years of pandemic times, independently owned bookshops are eager to renew their unique role beyond retail: A community gathering space. “There’s a magic that happens when people are able to wander around and find something accidentally.'
Cloth tote bags hang on the shelves at Russian Hill Bookstore. Independent bookstores are often institutions that provide an important sense of community in their neighborhoods. Bay Area Book FestivalAfter two years of pandemic times, independently owned bookshops are eager to renew their unique role beyond retail: They act as a community gathering space.
The pandemic has been anything but an easy read for owners trying to make a profit . Some shut down, and those without an existing sales mechanism on their websites were forced to flip the script — and quickly. “Bookselling is a notoriously underpaid profession. The margins are so thin,” said Andy Bellows, general manager of City Lights in North Beach. “Whatever you pay for hardcovers at a retail price is the same you’d pay in the middle of the country, but as costs increase you have to find another way to pay for these increases off the slim margin you’re already getting.”
Russian Hill Bookstore co-owners Jessica Tsang and Ben Bellouin credited a sense of scrappiness that helped keep them afloat throughout the different stages of the pandemic. The Bay Area Book Festival will draw thousands to Berkeley on May 7 and 8. In addition, booksellers celebrated“In the early days when we first opened, it felt like we were on an island. So many restaurants had closed, and customers would come into the neighborhoods for them; before or after dinner they would stop by the bookstore,” Bellows of City Lights said. “When Vesuvio reopened, it was nice to hear the chatter of people outside.
Other independent retailers took their time opening, too. After regulars banded together to pull the stores through, owners and managers were finally allowed to thank them — a welcomed reunion of old friends.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
EXPLAINER: How China is using metal barriers to fight COVIDSeveral districts in Shanghai put up metal barriers last weekend as part of the city’s battle against a COVID-19 outbreak, in a move that drew protests and anger from some residents
Weiterlesen »
Shanghai reports 38 new COVID deaths for April 30 versus 47 a day earlierChina's eastern commercial hub of Shanghai reported 38 new COVID-19 related deaths on April 30, down from 47 a day earlier, the local health authority said on Sunday.
Weiterlesen »
COVID Truthers Have Found a New ‘Pandemic’ to Freak Out AboutAs the coronavirus crisis shows (some) signs of waning, the same people who tried to argue it was all part of a sinister government plot are pivoting to a new boogeyman.
Weiterlesen »
CDPHE closes 40 COVID-19 testing sites across the state as demand dwindlesBeginning Sunday, 40 state-run COVID-19 testing sites across Colorado will have closed as the state health department transitions testing options to health care providers.
Weiterlesen »
Former CDC chief says Trump appointees blocked his agency from briefing public on COVID-19The former head of the CDC told House investigators during a closed-door testimony that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, former Pres. Trump appointees repeatedly blocked his public health experts from briefing the American public.
Weiterlesen »
Amazon Workers Won't Get Paid for Covid Leave AnymoreAll U.S.-based Amazon workers who test positive for Covid-19 will now get up to five days of excused, unpaid leave, the company told workers in a notice.
Weiterlesen »