Spring at Gramercy Books means we begin to see more people in the store, emerging from the winter and eager to make new connections, to discover through books. And when all of us think of spring, we think of a time of rejuvenation, reinvention, and rebirth.
As September arrives, the hot fall book titles tend to be on the minds of readers and booksellers alike. For this month’s blog, I want to share what Gramercy Books book buyer, Debbie Boggs, is most excited about, and what fall books are on my TBR list as well!
A Velveteen Rabbit is a century-old story about authenticity, an essential theme that Jennifer Egan explores in The Candy House amidst the complexities and innovations of a current and future context. Join the full discussion of her latest novel, THE CANDY HOUSE, on April 27, 7 pm, a Gramercy Book Club program moderated by writer and scholar Nick White!
Many in the community have asked how we are doing at Gramercy Books, given the world in which we now find ourselves. Thanks to YOU, Gramercy Books is holding its own. We are so grateful that you, our community, continue to call, visit, purchase books and other fun items (puzzles are back in stock!), and participate in our live streamed programming.
Overseeing a business, organization, or even a household during a pandemic—with its uncertainty as new information unfolds daily—is like driving a vehicle down a mountain through a deep fog. As Gramercy Books looks toward reopening our store later in May, I believe there is a silver lining to this challenging environment.
What follows is a diary of how COVID-19 has affected one locally owned, independent bookstore located just outside Columbus, Ohio. I started keeping a diary, just to keep track of day-to-day adjustments to this unfolding crisis. It now seems like a useful guide, revealing what one small business is doing to adapt to a pandemic.
Effective March 24 through April 6, Gramercy Books will be closed to walk-in traffic, in compliance with Ohio Governor DeWine’s stay at home order. Booksellers will continue to process your online orders from the safety of their homes. We’ll continue to offer free shipping on orders of $25 or more. And we will continue to engage with you every day.
We now have the gift of time: to read to each other, to read for ourselves. Gramercy Books is keeping our doors open to offer refuge when you need a change of scenery. We also have free shipping for purchases over $25 and curbside pickup. We’re here to take your calls, questions, and orders for books, games, puzzles, and more.
Harvard Business School professor Ryan Rafaelli spoke to booksellers in Baltimore in late January about how industries, organizations, and business leaders reinvent themselves in the face of radical technological change. After years of research of independent bookstores, he concluded that the indie seller provides a story of hope for community-led businesses through the three C’s.
The Gramercy Books staff has scoured the store! Here’s their list of books for all ages and interests during this holiday season. Don’t forget Bexley Holiday Hop (December 8th) with 25% off all calendars that day, and our December 12th birthday party (we’re 3!!) with 20% off everything in the store, our “grand merci” for your loyal support!
