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All 36 Comments

1. 

   Christy Matthews

   September 27, 2012 at 8:46 pm

   0

   Wow, do I need to check Bristol Rising a bit more often!

   As a potential entrepreneur in the future downtown, specifically interested in running a literary themed café, all this mixed hype is quite interesting to see. While I can see how the idea of Bristol’s failed Noble Scholar can be intimidating to anyone interested in opening something of a similar vein downtown, I think the successes of places like Parkside Café and Buono are being vastly overlooked

   Not only does Bristol have the community to support local enterprise, such as a literary themed café, connecticut has a microcosm of endorsement for it’s forward thinking movements; the Main Street Market Place in Torrington, Redscroll Records in Wallingford, The Space in Hamden, LaSalle’s in Collinsville, Jitters (prior to it’s tragic fire) in Southington, Real Art Ways, Swan Day, and RAW:Hartford. These are just a few of the places and events in connecticut with the shared intent of bringing together and promoting the kinds of people who would support a venue such as a literary café.

   Not to mention having a late open place of congregation for college students from UConn West Hartford, Uhart, Tunxis, and CCSU, if only for being open so late and less than 20 minutes from any of these places would add a draw to the venue.

   I agree, bookstores aren’t such a good idea in our modern age and current econonmy. The Kindle is the wave of the future and as any college kids will know, PDF’s of books are as easy to share as our MP3′s. Yet, even if you do have your issues with the idea of a café/bookstore combination, how about a café networked in with the local public library? Essentially making what you might call a “Library outpost”.

   I don’t see what wouldn’t sell to both the artist underbelly and the West Hartford chic about a cafe with it’s theme drawing inspiration from great writer’s and their works. Sell some stellar coffee, tea, latte, espresso, americano, cappuccino, smoothie, coco, ect, distribute some baked delicious goodies from our local pastry artists (Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes, anyone?), throw in a few rows of records until the fad dies out, have some comfy chairs to sit and read/write, a typewriter tucked somewhere descrete, some aged posters of classic book covers, author portraits, and of course my favorite element of my café, some quirky fun names for items on the menu “A Tale of Two Coffee; a two cup coffee couple specialty. Hopefully your love won’t have a fiancée headed for the guillotine.” or maybe a slice of “On The Road; You don’t have to be travel cross country with Kerouac to get a hunk of apple pie and vanilla bean ice cream rich as the south itself.”

   Then tack on the idea of making the place a venue for music; from a small set up for poetry slams to having a full on basement venue, additional opportunity for revenue and arts in the community has just quadrupled. Look at The Space in Hamden, they support a killer local music scene of young musicians, touring indie bands, and generally anyone looking to get a start, and they do it in a fun and obviously profitable way. By working with some of the supporters of all-ages music events you earn a major youth demographic, from all over the state.

   Granted, I’m still working towards my business degree, so my ideas are still being sorted out, but I don’t think it’s a business plan destined for failure. The only thing that really needs to get sorted out is if the community wants to complain about failed past businesses and force people like me to move to Boston – or if they’d rather put a cup of tea where their mouth is and help a girl out!
2. 

   Mark Walerysiak Jr

   September 4, 2012 at 10:25 am

   0

   We might have an entrepreneur interested in creating this concept for real downtown. Exciting! 
3. 

   Shadowfrost

   March 9, 2012 at 3:59 pm

   1

   This is the best idea ever.  I adore reading and it would be nice to go to a nearby book store whenever I want to instead of having to go all the way to west Hartford whenever I want to buy books.
4. 

   Jeffrey L.

   March 7, 2012 at 7:20 pm

   1

   This has to be the best idea.  My kids are avid readers and they always bug me to go to Banes and Nobles all the time.  It would be great to just take them to a place in Bristol.
5. 

   Dawn Zillich

   July 7, 2011 at 12:25 pm

   0

   Re: Noble Scholar
   Hard to make a bookstore work when you don’t have a sign on the shopping center’s marquee and don’t keep the hours posted on your door.
   Re: Bristol bookstore in general
   I think the key is having the coffee shop/bookstore combo. People will browse while they have coffee. But I think the key is advertising, location and community participation.
6. 

   Courtney Ouellette

   June 20, 2011 at 6:13 pm

   0

   I think this would be a great place for people to go and relax and listen to music, read a book, go online, and get coffee all in one place. It would also be a great showcase for local bands and performers.
7. 

   Julianne

   June 7, 2011 at 11:24 pm

   0

   I think that having a bookstore/cafe would be a great addition to downstown bristol. It sounds like a type of starbucks thing mixed with books where people can come in and just relax. The only problem is, would this cafe/bookstore fit in with Bristol?
8. 

   Andy Adams

   May 26, 2011 at 8:11 pm

   0

   I think the idea you posted Jess makes sense. Bus Boys & Poets in D.C. is similar in concept and successful. The creative coffee house and restaurant that also encompasses light entertainment-music, poetry slams, book reviews, It’s described as a gathering place with “artsy character.” Andy Shallal has actually created a brand with Bus Boys & Poets. You can go there for drinks on a Saturday night or spend an afternoon sipping coffee and surfing the net on your laptop. How about an artist’s reception, a book signing, happy hour or an open mic night? People would be coming to Bristol and not leaving!
9. 

   Jessica Adams

   May 19, 2011 at 11:16 am

   27

   [20 likes needed on this comment to change entry name to Literary Cafe + Performance Space: Done!]

   Being an avid reader, I was thrilled, months ago, to see my fellow B.R. members voting a bookstore to be a viable aspect to our future downtown. After the initial feasibility report, however, our mindsets had to be adjusted. A bookstore on its own is hardly ever profitable and as a result, other amentities would need to combine with the bookstore to make it a possibility for our downtown area.

   This remains a concern still with many B.R. members, a discussion that was broached last night at our monthly meeting. In a small group, it was decided that a name change would be appropriate to give all members a better idea of what to expect if and when a bookstore opens.

   We propose this amentity to be called a Literary Cafe with Performance Space.

   With this in mind, we can better envision what this retail space will include. The cafe will be a large section, selling coffee and pastry- perhaps some luncheon food as well. There will be bookshelves set up in areas around the cafe, filled with new and/or used books that people could peruse at their leisure. If a book piqued their curiosity, they could buy it. In the back, a small performance space would be set up with a platform that the latest poet could recite their work, or a guitarist could play some lulling music for the other customers.

   My friends, put your concerns aside. The written word is going nowhere but for all intents and purposes, this retail space will ensconce more of a bohemian atmosphere, fit with refreshment but also bolstered by the timeless cultural themes of good music and good books.
10. 

    Mike Tonon

    May 15, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    0

    I buy books online, but with a book store I could read them without buying them. I also go to Boarders sometimes, but thats kind of far.
11. 

    Joanne Triolo

    April 19, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    0

    Regarding the info at tonight’s meeting, have to say I agree with the findings. While it’s a shame that bookstores are becoming dinosaurs, they are great..yet not profitable any longer. The mix of a cafe, etc. with a bookstore is a great idea. I always thought about a little shop that had a mix of a cafe, lots of greenery and books. I do hope the findings about this come to fruition!
12. 

    Mark Walerysiak Jr

    March 23, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    0

    Exhibit E:

    Leaves & Pages, New Britain:

    Here’s a link to their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leaves-Pages/270241940514#!/pages/Leaves-Pages/270241940514?closeTheater=1)

    And an excerpt:

    About
    .”Cheers – without the booze”, Leaves & Pages has become a cultural mainstay of downtown New Britain. Owned and operated by Arlene and Dan Palmer, Leaves & Pages opened in December of 2000. Books, greeting cards, coffees, teas, and great gift items!
13. 

    Mark Walerysiak Jr

    March 23, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    0

    Exhibit D:

    Hickory Stick Bookshop, Washington Depot CT

    What a cool name. A quaint little indy situated in a locale where ironically “Depot” is part of the name. Hmmm!

    Here’s their Web site (http://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/) and a short excerpt about them:

    Welcome to The Hickory Stick Bookshop!

    The Hickory Stick Bookshop is an independent book shop which has been located in Washington Depot, CT for over 55 years. Are you looking for a particular title or are you hoping for the unexpected? The owners and staff offer over 100 years experience (collectively) in the book business to help you find that book or answer a question.
14. 

    Mark Walerysiak Jr

    March 23, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    0

    Exhibit C:

    Atticus Bookstore Cafe, New Haven CT

    Books, Bakery, and Coffee Beans. Good stuff!

    Here’s their Web site (http://atticusbookstorecafe.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=36) You can read their entire story of how they go to where they are today. Cool and interesting stuff!
15. 

    Mark Walerysiak Jr

    March 23, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    0

    Exhibit B:

    The Book Barn, in Niantic, CT

    What a cool looking place! The building certainly won’t be able to be standfree like this one, but it’s possible to have a cool theme in the vein of something charming like this…. It’s a Used books place too, keep in mind…

    Here’s some excertps from their Web site (http://www.bookbarnniantic.com/default.htm)

    “One of CT’s truly great bookstores.” – New Haven Advocate

    Connecticut Magazine – March 2007 issue claims The Book Barn to be #9 on their list of 20 Treats to treat yourself:

    “Book Binge: A bibliophile’s bliss awaits at the Book Barn in Niantic. No ordinary bookstore, this reader’s and collector’s heaven maintains over 350,000 volumes of gently used books, on almost any subject you can imagine. Old books to current bestsellers to new releases are housed between two sites – The Main Barn, which is made up of multiple buildings, and The Book Barn Downtown. At every turn, books are literally stacked from floor to ceiling, and friendly cats roam freely. The collection is not computerized, so if you can’t find a particular title, ask one of the helpful staff. This is definitely a place to browse, so be sure to set aside time to enjoy it.”

    “Best Used Bookstore to Get Lost In” – New Haven Advocate
16. 

    Mark Walerysiak Jr

    March 23, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    0

    Let’s post different examples, and vote on the actual comments too. So we know what type of bookstore/cafe people are drawn to. Exhibit A:

    R.J. Julias in Madison, CT

    Here’s a small excerpt from their Web site (http://www.rjjulia.com/about-us-0)

    RJ Julia Booksellers has always been a place of inspiration, information, and excitement.

    RJ Julia opened 20 years ago as an independent bookstore whose mission was, and is, to be a place where words matter, where writer meets reader, where the ambiance and selection and merchandising of books creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and presents the opportunity for discovery. Ultimately we are fiercely committed to putting the right book in the right hand.
17. 

    Camille Essel

    March 21, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    0

    There was a place in Waterbury near the Bonanza bus stop that sold used books, beverages and light snacks. A round low coffee table covered with a tapestry in the main room; a variety of chairs–looks like came from here and there. Plus two old fashined oversized chairs and a “couch”. Very inviting for lively discussion or, if you prefer, solitary musing. Lit just right–not glare- bright. nor too dim. Another near Windsor Locks–same limited, but cozy offerings. Our storytelling group met there on Tuesdays–late afternoon– to tell our tales at open mike. We browsed leisurely and felt very welcome. A while back so I don’t remember the names of these book stores, but I do remember the ambiance–warm feelings of camaraderiie,,,and that’s where my vote goes.
18. 

    Evan

    March 18, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    0

    I was in Brattleboro, VT in autumn 2009 and found a nice little independent bookstore that has been in business since 1948; very clean and better yet, very New England – I actually felt like I was IN New England while I was there than I do when I go to Borders/Barnes and Noble in Farmington/West Hartford.

    Assuming that bookstores are still feasible businesses, we should look into how bookstores like this one have stood strong over the years.

    http://www.bookcellarvt.com/about/about-us
19. 

    Joanne Triolo

    March 16, 2011 at 12:31 am

    0

    Remember the movie ‘You’ve got Mail’ ? We need to preserve small bookstores…I don’t care what Kindle can do…it’s the feeling like being in R J Julia in Madison…meet authors, etc. Why can’t Bristol do this inland? When I moved to Bristol 7 ys ago, I could not believe there was no bookstore in town…is there a retired Librarian with a dream to do this? Pls step forward, we will support you!
20. 

    Diane

    March 13, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    0

    Yes to bookstore and cafe but not a chain.
21. 

    Gail Leach

    March 4, 2011 at 7:09 am

    0

    Agree with you! How wonderful it would be to have such a book store with coffee/tea and reading areas. Maybe small musical groups of diverse ethnicity on the weekends to focus on local talent and the diverse population of Bristol.
22. 

    ggdeluz

    February 21, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    0

    Much as I love books, I think Mr. Butterworth is spot on; How about a used book store along the lines of an Annie’s Bookstop.
23. 

    Neil T

    February 16, 2011 at 11:20 am

    0

    I agree that books cannot realistically be the profit point for this venue, but more of a marketing investment to set the conversational tone for the areas that are profitable: namely drinks, followed by food, and then entertainment.

    The Busboys & Poets venue I mentioned has a small bookstore section, but it’s mainly viewed as a creative coffeehouse and restaurant.
24. 

    William Butterworth

    February 16, 2011 at 12:59 am

    4

    Hate to be the voice of doom here, especially as an English major and book lover, but we’ve just lost another book store in town. Looks like Noble Scholar is gone, just like Little Professor before it. Hard to believe anyone would lend money for another book store start up here. By the way Borders is entering bankruptcy and both chains were already contracting. Barnes may make more money on e-readers this year than books. A coffee bar with wi-fi that has a newstand, absolutely but a new bookstore? Tough sell.
25. 

    Tina Taylor

    February 5, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    2

    I am glad that you mentioned Noble Scholar…she has tried so hard to make the independent bookstore work in Bristol…would be nice to include someone who has been loyal and committed to the city already…
26. 

    Robin Messerli

    February 1, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    5

    http://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/

    I lived in this bookstore in Paris for a week. It had a floor-to-ceiling library upstairs with piles of books everywhere (and a piano) where you could sit and read, as well as an awesome selection of new and used books. They collected first editions, had author reading series and hosted a number of writing groups for anyone to come share their work.

    I love the idea of a co-op trading post. Instead of going to the salvation army to find and get rid of cheap used books, the town could direct book donations to a place like this.

    I can’t wait for this to be a real place, as long as there is fair trade coffee–anyone know who the local Dean’s Beans hero is?

    Maybe the reason small bookstores don’t survive in Bristol is because they don’t have the competitive advantages in price, promotion and atmosphere. Is there a cafe in Bristol, either? I think the key to a place like this will be its function as a social space–having authors come read, sponsoring local artists and musicians–and keeping it from feeling corporate.

    Does anyone know if the noble scholar is involved with Bristol Rising?
27. 

    Lindsay Vigue

    January 31, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    0

    Bar and Books in New York City has made it work for a long time!
28. 

    David Haberfeld

    January 25, 2011 at 7:59 pm

    0

    Neil, did you say bar? Beer and reading don’t commonly go together, but I’m willing to try it! lol
29. 

    Neil T

    January 25, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    0

    It seems something like an independent Busboys & Poets bookstore-bar-cafe-art gallery-theater-coffeehouse-in-one is what people may have in mind?
30. 

    Cheri Bouchard-Duquette

    January 25, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    0

    I would love for Bristol to have this. But, we have in the past had several bookstores that have not made it in this town. We need to understand more as to why they didn’t make it. I am tired of going to West Farms Mall area to buy my books.
31. 

    Tony Di Pietro

    January 25, 2011 at 9:14 am

    1

    Every downtown needs a bookstore. I am thinking of even a used book co-op trading post that also deals in vintage books, so that we can keep it local and easily sustainable (There could be a new book selection as well.). I can’t count how many books I have bought to read once for which I now have no use. It would be great to be able sell them somewhere, even at a fraction of the original cost.
32. 

    Michael Seery

    January 25, 2011 at 8:35 am

    0

    I am on the fence on this one. I am still in love with physical books, but I think I’m a dying breed. The bookstores that are succeeding do a combination of new, used, and rare and collectible, in conjunction with comprehensive online sales. I’d like to hear more discussion of how this would even stay in business in Bristol where at least one bookstore has recently and quickly failed.
33. 

    Margo Walerysiak Parenti

    January 23, 2011 at 12:03 pm

    0

    A used book section would be great as well!
34. 

    Evan

    January 22, 2011 at 2:26 am

    0

    Definitely need to keep track of eBook vs. physical book sale trends during the next decade or so and see how quickly or slowly eBooks catch on. But right now I would love to see a decent bookstore in town.

    Would be nice if such a bookstore sold new as well as used books. It’s always great to get good books for cheaper than retail price.
35. 

    Margo Walerysiak Parenti

    January 21, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    0

    This is an actual bookstore in San Francisco.
36. 

    Mark Walerysiak Jr

    January 21, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    0

    This…….. I woud love!