The Book Store

Interview with KALAN BAVINCK of The Book Store

When did you get started in bookselling?

My very first job in the 90's was a used bookstore. I was not a reader when I started there, but quickly became an avid one. I loved the hunt, loved the organization, loved the sweet little old ladies that needed me to pick out books for them. Ever since, I have almost always worked at a used book on the side. When it was time for a career change, going to what I already knew seemed like a good idea. The Book Store has been independently owned and operated since 1977. I purchased it in 2017 and am carrying on that tradition.

What drew you to bookselling?

The hunt, the organization, the smell, the sweet little old ladies that needed me to pick out books for them, the lower stress level (in comparison to previous career), helping others geek out.

Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?

Roma from my first job and Laura who used to own The Book Store.

What are your specialties as a dealer?

Laughs and wise cracks with our fun customers in the store. Hunting down books for our great customers. We are a general new & used bookstore, but we have an especially EXTRA LARGE selection of Used Romance Novels, does that count as a specialty?

What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?

Amazing is in the eye of the beholder, but I do love when I can get someone to give Octavia Butler's Kindred a try.

What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?

Helping people find there missing book in a series or their new favorite author. I kinda geek out over it.

Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?

YES!

If so, do/did you have any bookstore pets?

My dogs come to work with me frequently, but they have to stay in the office area so not to trip customers. One in half blind and the other is his buddy. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome to visit.

What is the funniest / strangest / scariest thing that ever happened in your store?

Every day is a funny day - we laugh a lot here. Scariest thing... when a customer became a stalker... not fun going to court to get a restraining order... not fun at all.

What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?

#1 in my heart will forever be the first bookstore I worked at. Sadly it is no longer in business. I love A Room of One's Own in Madison, Wi and The Last Book Store in Los Angeles. If you ever go to the LA area it is so worth the trip to swing by.

What do you personally like to read? Collect?

I am an ADD reader. I am all over the place and generally read 3 at a time. Non fiction, mystery, historical, women's studies, urban fantasy, humor, art...

What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?

I Am Monster. It is a Sesame Street book from my childhood that me and my brother loved. There may be a fight over it when my parents pass away, custody arrangements may have to be made. "Monster meals are really great. We eat the food and then the plate!"

What one book would you buy if price were no object?

One book? I don't think I could limit myself that way. I would buy a BUNCH of used books instead.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?

I am generally not a re-reader. If stranded, I would want something funny, something thought provoking and something suspenseful on hand to pass the time. Something new by David Sedaris, Roxanne Gay and William Kent Krueger would all be a good fit.