Friday, November 1, 2013
kitsapweek
page 5
A bright chapter for bookstores Kitsap’s independents find ways to remain competitive in the modern literary economy By Seraine page Kitsap Week
T
here’s something cozy about bookstores. The way they smell. How one can transport a reader into another place and time. How peace and quiet can always be found in a nook or cranny. It’s where information abounds, and there’s no limit to how many questions one can seek answers to. In recent years, technology has taken over the book realm with the introduction of tablets, eReaders and more. While technology has damaged book sales at some locallyowned independent stores, owners refuse to back down and say that print is dead. “A lot of [bookstores] have closed, unfortunately, because of eBooks,” said Geri Schempp, co-owner of Port Orchard’s Book ’Em. “I think there will always be bookstores because people want the experience of holding a book.” Schempp said eReaders in particular have “significantly” hurt Book ’Em. But she knows that some of her customers love their paperback books as much as they love electronic
books. It was about three years ago when the business saw a decline in customers. In an age of evolving media, some independent bookstore owners see this as a time to develop a stronger entrepreneurial sense. In fact, some are getting more creative with how they go about their business, said Oren Teicher, CEO of American Booksellers Association, a non-profit organization that protects and promotes the interests of independent retail book businesses, and advocates for the First Amendment. “Over the last two years, there have been lots and lots of successful stores with new owners,” Teicher said. “The stores succeed when they engage in their community. It is that engagement in the community that often sets those businesses apart.” Pages Books in Silverdale is one such store, nestled so comfortably in the community that it’s easy to miss. However, owner David Hunt, works hard to make sure he takes care of customers and encourages repeat visits. For him, summer is the best time to sell books. It’s when
Cover Story
Eagle Harbor Book Co. co-owner Tim Hunter holds a Kobo eReader. The bookstore has embraced new technology as an option for its customers.
Richard D. Oxley / Kitsap Week
Owner David Hunt gives Ender a treat. The cat has become an unofficial mascot of Pages Books in Silverdale. Seraine Page / Kitsap Week people are taking off to the beaches or heading off to a secluded cabin on a lake. Books just fit into those settings, he said. To make the bookstore experience even more unique and enjoyable, Hunt has an unofficial store mascot named Ender, a white cat with splashes of gray on his coat. Ender spends most of his days sleeping, his head on his book choice of the day. Several customers have fallen in love with Ender and the space behind the register is fill-
ing with toys and treats. One periodically brings Ender fresh catnip. “They don’t come to see me. They don’t come to see the books. They come to see Ender,” Hunt said of the store’s cat. Although Hunt isn’t a fan of how electronic readers have impacted bookstores, he understands how someone going on an extended vacation might want to store hundreds of books they might not otherwise be able to carry in a suitcase. He still prefers books with real pages. “The eReaders and the tablets have their use,” Hunt admitted. “(But) each book has its own texture and smell ... I think for the rest of my lifetime, books will still be around.” While some bookstores have long fought hard against eBooks, others are embracing the change in technology as an opportunity to do something different to maintain sales. Eagle Harbor Book Co., a Bainbridge Island-based bookstore that’s been in business for more than 40 years, began embracing new technology within the last few years. The island merchant now offers customers the option to purchase elec-
tronic books to be read on a variety of readers. The books can be purchased online through Kobo, a digital book provider. The island store gets credit for the sale. It’s a way for customers to shop electronically, and still locally. The store also sells various models of Kobo eReaders. “Our customers have shown great enthusiasm for having an eReader option that allows them to support their local bookstore,” Eagle Harbor Book Co. co-owner Tim Hunter said. “The combination of flexibility, openness and
local support has allowed electronic books to supplement traditional books in the small-town community.” Hunter notes that eBooks are an option, but they won’t become the only option. “Electronic books seem unlikely to supplant paper books, but the ability to offer electronic versions of See Bookstores, Page 6
On the cover The hallway of books at Book ‘Em in Port Orchard. Photo by Seraine Page
Portable Reality Show Improv “Hatched, Matched, and Dispatched” is the theme for improv duo Spellman & Hibbs 8 p.m. Saturday, November 2nd Follow them as they continue to meet up during major life events. There will be music (and possibly some leftover Halloween candy.) Tickets are $8 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com $10 at the door ($8 senior/student/military).
225 Iverson Street •360-697-3183
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