In the age of digital books and Amazon, a bookstore may seem quaint and old-fashioned. But bookstores remain popular, enough so that The Book Tavern recently relocated to a more spacious location at 978 Broad Street, about half a block from its previous location in the J.B. White’s Building.
The Book Tavern opened in its new location on April 1 but a Grand Opening with special events is planned for April 30 in conjunction with Independent Bookstore Day. The move is the culmination of several years of seeking a new space.
“The primary thing we were looking for was space,” owner David Hutchison said. “This allows us to stretch out and do more displays. We’ll have seating areas once we find furniture we like.”
The new location offers an additional 750 square feet of space, plus high ceilings that allow for 12-foot shelves. It is already earning praise from The Book Tavern’s clientele.
Kristi Sykes, a regular customer, made her first stop in the new location on Monday.
“I love the way it feels in here,” she said.
Hutchison said that contrary to popular opinion, many people still read and enjoy actual books. Book sales continue to rise each year, and the number of independent bookstores is growing. The popularity involves more than just a place to purchase a product – independent bookstores provide a setting for bibliophiles to meet and talk about books.
Although big-box stores and online companies have cut into some of the “bread-and-butter” books such as the national bestsellers, independent bookstores that reinvented themselves for niche markets or that offered the general blend local customers desired, like The Book Tavern, have thrived.
Hutchison said his customers are diverse and have a wide spectrum of tastes in books.
“One reason I have a general bookstore is that I find that people are interested in almost everything,” Hutchison said. “We have a quite large demographic, from toddlers to ‘antique’ folks. The spending power of the older crowd is larger but the young crowd makes up for it in enthusiasm.
Bookstores also offer a personal touch that ordering online can’t match.
“David has always been super helpful in helping me find what I need,” Sykes said.
Hutchison believes that as long as people understand the importance of reading, independent bookstores will remain popular and even outlast Amazon’s popularity.
“Reading is such a gift,” he said. “Reading is how we gain access to the world. If you read well, the world is at your fingertips.”
