Many years ago I was a member of a group shop that was wholly minority-owned: four-and-a-half Black People, and me, the solitary Jew Boy. The half was the son of one of our partners. Now, two African Americans still remain there - yes, things have changed as has vocabulary. But, I'm still with Cynthia and Dan in spirit. Cynthia sent this article to me from the local rag, and I thought you might recognize the store. Hint: it's quite similar to the one Barb & I have here in Las Vegas. Now, if we can only get Cynthia to come out here for a visit we'll be happy !
The Silver Bee by Debbie Cook, 3/24/2011
Unique, Cozy, Funky and Vintage – Silver Spring Books
I’ve always liked this bookstore. The atmosphere, arrangement and smell remind me of the “bookmobile” that used to come to our neighborhood when I was a kid. Remember them? This place is exactly what you think of when you think of a great used book shop. Long rows of tall bookshelves, cluttered, dusty, books piled almost to the ceiling. It’s packed with books, hardbacks, paperbacks, periodicals, reference books, magazines and a huge selection of romance novels. The organization here is a little crazy, but searching for a book is half the fun of visiting this shop. Just browsing in here is a great relaxing escape and I could do it for hours. Rooting through shelves and stacks of miscellaneous books is a experience you can’t put a price on. The prices are decent, higher but sometimes much lower than online used bookstores but competitive if you consider that you don’t have to pay for shipping or wait for your books to 
arrive. Looking for a specific category or author? You may need to look in two to four different places. Because the store handles books for multiple used book dealers, and they each get their own area of the store, one book or author may exist in a different section for each of the sellers.
Co-owner, Cynthia Parker, is an expert in Romance Novels. She has won an award for promoting romance novels and writers. The award is proudly displayed at the front desk. Cynthia was wearing a pink “Books – The Original Search Engine” T Shirt when I visited. She says they are struggling to stay in business right now.
There used to be a lot of these used bookstores, but they are mostly gone. Remember Bonifant Books? This one moved to Wheaton – then died. I also remember a cool little used bookstore being on that strip of Sligo Avenue where Jackie’s Restaurant is now. It is great to see this one still hanging on after 20 years in business. Shop this store, and support a local Silver Spring business. It’s definitely a different experience than you will have around the corner at the huge Silver Spring Border’s Store.
This perfect little independent book store is within walking distance of 
Downtown Silver Spring/METRO. Located on the “eclectic” part of Bonifant Street, between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street. Don’t drive or walk down this street too fast, or you might miss it, the storefront is inset next to the Ambros Tattoo Parlor, just past the Atlantic Gun Shop.
Downtown Silver Spring/METRO. Located on the “eclectic” part of Bonifant Street, between Georgia Avenue and Fenton Street. Don’t drive or walk down this street too fast, or you might miss it, the storefront is inset next to the Ambros Tattoo Parlor, just past the Atlantic Gun Shop.
No comments:
Post a Comment