The Book Beat

ACCORDING TO THE BOOK BEAT STORE OWNERS CARY LOREN AND COLLEEN KAMMER, BOOKS ARE THE MOST HUMANE PRODUCTS PEOPLE HAVE CREATED FOR OTHERS. “DO YOU KNOW OF ANYTHING ELSE THAT CAN EDUCATE PEOPLE? THAT CAN IMPROVE PEOPLE? THAT’S WHAT BOOKS DO.” LOREN SAID.

Loren and Kammer, who’ve been married for more than 40 years, share a passion for books and decided to open The Book Beat in August 1982. Before opening a bookstore with his wife, Loren worked as a manager for a bookstore and other booksellers. “It was something he knew how to do so we knew we could do it.” Kammer said.

When they started looking for a store it was Loren’s mother who found the Oak Park location, and the couple loved it. “We grew up in the Berkley school system so we are not too far from there.” Loren said.

The Book Beat specializes in children’s books, young adult books and art books. “Those are areas we have strong sections on.” Loren said. They order books through publishing catalogs and publishing representatives. “We see what’s coming out each season. Like we’re buying for the Spring right now and the Summer.” Loren said.

The store has a wide catalog of books including: arts and culture, literature, black studies, music and film, photography, Detroit-themed, and much more. In addition, the store sells rare books, used books, signed books, and first edition books. If they don’t have a book in stock, staff will order the book from one of their many suppliers.

IN ADDITION TO SELLING BOOKS, THE BOOK BEAT has been running a book club for more than 20 years called World Lit Reading Group that focuses on reading international books. “What we did was specialize in international books. So our group reads books in translation. It’s kind of a favorite area of mine to read in.” Loren said. Reading international books allows readers to explore various cultures. The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month. They used to meet at local coffee shops in the area, but after Covid they transitioned to meeting online.

Throughout the years, dozens of authors have been hosted at The Book Beat including Tommy Tutalo, Erin Carlson, Anne Rice, Nikki Giovanni, Terry McMillan and many more. “We’ve been doing that for a long time.” Loren said. This gives readers an opportunity to meet and speak with the author in person.

Although The Book Beat only sells print books in the store, audio books are available via their affiliation with Libro.fm. “I do believe there are good uses for audio books and I think if people would like to support an independent bookstore, like our store or any other store, they can go to Libro.fm online and download books there.” Loren said. He compares it to Audible and said Libro.fm has the majority of the same type of books for people to buy.

FOR DECADES KAMMER AND LOREN HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING local school libraries and nonprofits. Recently they hosted a fundraiser for Gesu Catholic School in Detroit. “We raise money every year for their library to buy books. That happens at our store. We donate 20% of the funds gathered that day to go and buy more books for the library.” Loren said.

They also recently held a fundraiser for Trinosophes Projects (a nonprofit in Detroit). “Trinosophes is an art and a performance space; one of the few that feature jazz in Detroit and progressive music. They also have a journal called Threefold which I think is one of the most important journals in the city for new writers.” Loren explained. Ensuring that libraries and schools have books is something the couple is extremely passionate about and has donated thousands to charities.

Loren and Kammer still share a love for books after all of these years and will continue to share that love through their store with other book lovers. “Reading books is an addiction.” Kammer said.

VISIT THE BOOK BEAT AT 26010 GREENFIELD IN OAK PARK or visit their website at www.thebookbeat.com to sign up for their monthly newsletters, join their book club, and more.