Well, the time has come to say good-bye. As of the first of next month, I will no longer be the owner of Cherry Street Books. It has been a wonderful journey; along the way I have met so many terrific people and made so many great memories both in the store and at events around the country. What an exciting 15 years it has been since I first began dreaming about and planning for the store in early 2007! I have met fellow booksellers and store owners from all over the country at various conferences and they have always been supportive and willing to share good ideas and advice. Booksellers cheer for the success of each new store and I am glad to tell you that despite all the on-line competition, the indie bookstore business is thriving! That, of course, is thanks to loyal customers like you who continue to support us and believe in the importance of small, independent businesses that keep their communities alive.
One of the benefits of being in this business is the opportunity to meet and talk with so many writers, both those who are established, well-known and famous and those who are new, aspiring writers. I have found most of them to be very humble, interesting people who have universally expressed support and gratitude for independent booksellers/stores. Many of them would not have achieved the fame and popularity they now enjoy without support of their early work by indie booksellers. Over the years, we have hosted hundreds of author events at Cherry Street Books which many of you have attended. Probably our most popular event has been the almost annual appearance by beloved Minnesota author, William Kent Krueger. We always know there will be a great turnout for him! You will be glad to know he’ll be back this year with his newest book in late summer.
Before closing, I want to express my appreciation for the wonderful staff I have at the store now and also for several who have preceded them for various lengths of time in earlier days. They have all brought unique values and perspectives to the store and made useful contributions to how we grew over the years. Emily inherits a great group who all have real passion for reading and for bookselling. I also want to thank our new owner, Emily, for stepping up right when I needed her. She will have new ideas and I know the store will grow and evolve in good ways! As long as we have your support, Cherry Street Books will continue to be a strong and vital presence in downtown Alexandria. What exciting times are ahead!
Farewell and thanks to all. Keep well and keep reading!