Arts & Entertainment
For Independent Bookstore Innovation is the Business Plan
Millrace Books reinvents itself to draw readers, artists, residents.
When Jan Owens purchased on the Farmington River almost 40 years ago, she began an intriguing journey following the path of independent bookstores into the digital age.
Looking back, she relates in her essay Light on the River, “Perhaps Ratty’s words to Mole were filled with wisdom after all when he said, “Mole, there is nothing—-nothing so much worth doing as simply messing about by a river.”
Her messing about in the independent book store business has included holding author events, locating and ordering out of print books, serving as a gallery for local artists, becoming home to a literary arts center, and offering a lifetime Millrace Membership which carries a discount on purchases.
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The newest innovation, begun this week, is the addition of Google eBooks to the inventory through Millrace Bookshop on Alibris. Google eBooks differ from device-dependent eBooks such as those specific to Nook or Kindle in that they can be downloaded or read on any supported device: Adobe-compatible devices, Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac computers, Nook, Sony Reader, Windows computers, and Windows Mobile devices. There will be a demonstration on how to buy and read Google eBooks at the Millrace Bookshop this Saturday at 2:00pm.
“I have always been open to trying new ways to bring people in to the store, like participating in Think Farmington First, a buy local promotion. My approach has been to be a community resource,” Owens explained. “I have a unique section of books on Farmington. I have always tried to promote Millrace as a destination bookstore. People love it when they find it.”
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Getting personal service and reading recommendations has been the attraction of the store all these years.
The book store is also home to the (FRLAC), which offers writing workshops for children and adults, book talks and poetry readings.
There will be a fundraiser next Saturday, February 26, 2011, 5:30 – 7:30pm, to benefit the Farmington River Literary Arts Center and The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra. “SPRING from WINTER” will be held hosted by La Vinotheque at the store in Post Office Square, 206 Main Street. In addition to a wine tasting, there will be live music, hors d’oeuvres from Apricots, Grist Mill and Highland Park, etc. For Tickets call 860-677-9662 or 860-584-1055 - $50 per couple $30 single.
Visit Millrace Bookshop at 40 Mill Lane. 860-677-9662.
