Why would I go drive my car to the local bookstore and pay for parking when I can just order a book on an ecommerce behemoth and get it delivered to me? And it’s way cheaper. They are old dinosaurs and we don’t need them anymore.
While not a direct quote, we hear and read comments like this a lot. In fact, any one of the founders of LOCALMOTIV may have thought along these lines at one time or another. That is, until we all became much more aware of the importance, benefits, and joys of shopping local. And, the answer is quite complex. So we thought we’d look at an unpretentious bookstore in Montclair Village to form a response to this mindset.
A Great Good Place for Books is Everything that Giant E-tailers are Not
As the story goes, just over twelve years ago, Kathleen woke up one morning and owned A Great Good Place for Books (a.k.a. GGP). And since then, she has been building and nurturing a beautiful book loving community. No doubt, she has done an exceedingly good job. First, she seems to know every book in her shop. And, she knows almost every customer too. As such, she can effortlessly make a recommendation. But especially important is the vibe. It’s so warm that you just might instantly connect with another customer and enjoy a conversation about books.
But more than that, this tiny bookstore does some very big things for the community. For example, Kathleen hosts countless author readings and book signings. In fact, she has held so many events that we’ve even wondered how she secures all these choice happenings. Does she use blackmail? Or, does she have a secret fortune so she can pay off authors to come to Montclair? We just don’t know. But, these events inform, educate, and delight the community.
And, last summer she organized Read-a-Palooza, a very cool reading contest for kids. The winning power reader absorbed eighty titles and received a $50 gift certificate as the Grand Prize. But we think Kathleen inspired at least dozens of kids to read hundreds of books. One participant proudly sported a shirt that captures the significance of this feat: READING POWERS IMAGINATION. Imagine that. We have to say, it’s pretty adorable to watch children devour a book or explain their latest read.
She also entertains kids with scavenger hunts and participates in community events like the Montclair Village Holiday Stroll. Of course, there’s more too but we suggest you visit the shop and experience the rest of the story.
Indeed, it’s a cozy little shop in the heart of Montclair Village and it’s one of the shop local reasons to hang out there. Every neighborhood needs a Great Good Place for Books.
Does that answer the question?
More about GGP
Address: 6120 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone number: (510) 339-8210
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greatgoodplaceforbooks
Website: www.ggpbooks.com/
Neighborhood: Montclair Village
