I asked our Assistant Director of Publicity, Jessica Pellien, not to make me choose when she suggested that we write about our favorite bookstore (singular). Usually if a store has books and they’re willing to sell them to me, I’m a happy camper, but over the years in the fruitless effort to satisfy an insatiable appetite for books I have found a few that I like. Thankfully she obliged my request. As luck would have it for me (and my pet beagle Wendy), my two favorites are both within walking distance of where I live. The first, hands down—and shame, shame on me as a book publisher, it’s a second hand bookstore—is Phoenix Books in Lambertville, NJ. I have a penchant for older, not necessarily rare, editions of books and Phoenix keeps me in good supply. It’s a wonderful little store with a very friendly staff (okay, it鈥檚 Wendy they really like and they allow me to bring her in the store—another big plus in their favor). They also have a good turnover of books. The secret to a good used book store is a consistent turnaround of new used books on the shelf. This is known as intermittent reinforcement in behavioral psychology. If they had the same books every time I went in, I’d be less likely to make my weekly visit (and I do go in every weekend) in search of some lucky new score. Phoenix is located in the center of Lambertville and it has a lovely old-fashioned display window in front that is regularly updated. Every morning when I walk Wendy, I pass by to see if there is anything I need to e-mail Andy or Joan and ask them to remove from the window for me. Now, I do buy new books as well. No self-respecting editor would fail to support the industry which pays the bills. And as luck would have it, the great bookstore is a short walk across the bridge into New Hope, PA. And yes, Wendy approves of 贵补谤濒别测鈥檚 too, though when she visits, they have to scramble to get their cat and put her in the office. Farley’s is a small store that practically explodes with books. They pack them in wherever they can here. And, perhaps best of all, they are open until 11PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 just about every other night, which allows for late night impulsive purchases. Having two bookstores in walking distance is a blessing and a curse鈥攁 blessing for me, a curse for the rafters of my home. I can’t sign off without plugging two other bookstores that have been important in my life with books. in New York City is the rare place that allows one to indulge in their passion for buying books and support a good cause at the same time. All the books are donated, all the staff volunteer, and all the proceeds help to provide housing and services for homeless people suffering from AIDS and HIV. It’s also a wonderful space with a nice little coffee bar making it a great place to spend an afternoon in Manhattan. Finally, the in Montclair, NJ is where I got my start in the book business working as a sales clerk and shelf stocker (alas, it was also my job on Thursday evenings to pack up the returns to be sent back to publishers and distributors). They sell new and used books and a lot of them with over 15,000 square feet of space. There you have it. Some of my favorite bookstores. Thanks for indulging me. As my friend once said to me, 鈥淚 love going to bookstores. They relax me.鈥� He’s right…as if I needed another excuse to frequent them.
Rob Tempio acquires titles in Philosophy, Classics, and the Ancient World. Follow in Rob’s footsteps by visiting these wonderful bookstores! Phoenix Books Lambertville 49 N Union St Lambertville, NJ 08530 (609) 397-4960 Farley’s Bookshop 44 South Main Street New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 862-2452 Housing Works Bookstore Cafe 126 Crosby Street New York, NY 10012 (212) 334-3324 Montclair Book Center 221 Glenridge Ave. Montclair, NJ 07042 (973)783-3630