We at Gramercy Books believe that the freedom to read is foundational and produces engaged well-informed citizens of the world. It is critical that all of us use our voices and our votes to fight these bans which attack our freedom of speech and are a threat to the democracy of our nation.
When we approach Valentine’s Day at Gramercy Books, we tend to get in the romantic mood. For someone like me, an author and bookseller, I am noticing that there are a lot of people drawn to romance novels, and not just in February!
Gratitude is always on our minds at Gramercy Books, not just on Thanksgiving. Our name is taken from the French, “Grand Merci,” translating to “Many Thanks!”
Gramercy Books has established an author event rhythm, hosting one every week so readers can hear writers talk about their new books. The October author event schedule is a great example of the diverse mix of selected authors and books, and the multitude of ways to present these authors to the community.
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 year ago, we didn’t foresee that everything was about to change. We were facing the shadow of an incipient epidemic, resulting in lives lost and much suffering. It is exactly one year to the day—March 23, 2020—when Gramercy Books had to close our physical doors to you. So, today is a day of reflection and looking forward.
Today, I want to share our deep appreciation to you, our community, for embracing Gramercy Books through this pandemic. You have been here for us and we will be here for you.
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.
