Toadvine

LONG LIVE BOOKS!

By Lisa Howard

ONCE A BIBLIOPHILE, ALWAYS A BIBLIOPHILE… OR IN LUKE JANES’ CASE, A SELF-DESCRIBED “BOOK GRUNT” AND NOW BOOKSTORE OWNER. HE OPENED TOADVINE BOOKS (COMPLETE WITH A VERY COMFY CHAIR) IN 2019 AND HAS BEEN GOING STRONG EVER SINCE.

“We work hard to have an interesting and great selection of books at reasonable prices and without too much filler cluttering the shelves,” Luke says. “We're always buying and trading books, too, so that our inventory doesn’t get stagnant. We want our selections to feel fresh every time a customer visits.”

Luke initially worked at a bookstore in Denver and then opened his own store with a friend. To this day, Kilgore Books in Denver is still welcom-ing readers and still publishing independent comic books as well as art prints. While Luke isn’t running his own press at Toadvine, his passion for indie and small press comics and zines is very much on display, with a robust collection on offer to curious readers. He also loves to spotlight local artists and writers and is always looking to grow his local offerings.

“OUR PHILOSOPHY OF ‘GOOD BOOKS, NO FILLER’ started in my Denver days and continues here,” says Luke, noting that he and his wife were originally from the Mitten State and felt a strong pull to return to their roots once their family grew. Given that the book biz was in his blood, opening his second bookshop was the logical next step. Berkley ended up being the perfect spot – it was close to home and home to a book-hungry, supportive neighborhood.

“There are so many readers in the community! Berkley has a laid-back vibe, and the people who live and work here care about their community and want to see the businesses they care about survive,” Luke says, adding that it’s always fun to participate in city-wide events like Ladies Night Out and Book!ley Nights. No matter the occasion, bibliophiles will find plenty of stories to entertain and inspire at Toadvine.

2783 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley MI 48072 | 248.439.0409 www.toadvinebooks.com | www.facebook.com/Toadvine-Books-858721890987673