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Hastings… where else might a reader find three different bookshops close to each other, all with a different emphasis?
At Prairie Books and Gifts, 641 West 2nd, Bernie and Jane Tushaus have a large inventory of new books and a special collection of books about Nebraska or by Nebraska writers, and they’ll quickly find whatever you want or, almost as quickly, order it for you.
Across the street, at 706 West 2nd , the Well-Read Book, owned and operated by Tana Seymour, sells used books of every kind, charming her customers while doing it.
And now, just two blocks away, at the Hastings Public Library on the corner of West 4th and Denver, is a small shop operated by The Friends of the Hastings Public Library!
The Friendshop opened on November 16th, 2009 as another option for those who love books. This is a new way for the Friends of the Hastings Public Library to recycle books locally while supporting our public library. For the past 26 years, the Library’s main source of support from the Friends has been its annual, ever larger, summer book sale. Then three years ago, as they were outgrowing their quarters at the city auditorium, Friends began selling books of special value through an online bookstore and currently have more than 1000 books listed at www.amazon.com.
So, while there had been previous talk of such a store to augment the group’s other fund-raising efforts, the idea “took off” after Amy Greenland was hired as the new Library Director. Now, in a newly and tastefully decorated room on the main floor, near the rear entrance to the library, gently used books are displayed for sale in dozens of categories. “Collectable” items, similar to those listed on Amazon by the Friends, are displayed in a brightly-lit case near the store’s entrance.
All of these generous donations from local Friends and patrons of the library provide a small, though ever changing, inventory of the kinds of books to be found at the annual book sale, but with a little more emphasis on selecting books nice enough to be “gifts.” Depending on donations received, the Friendshop may also offer puzzles, photo albums, journals and calendars. Gift cards are available and specialty gift baskets, put together by volunteers, are also for sale. These baskets, each one unique, contain at least one book and other theme-related merchandise.
The Friendshop is staffed by volunteers and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and (possibly) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Prices start at $1.50 for mass market paperbacks; newly-released hard cover books sell for $8 to $12 and prices on collectable books will vary, based on the item’s condition. None of the books offered in the Friendshop are those withdrawn from the library’s collection.
I enjoyed being a part of the team that made this happen, and as I reflect on the effort and on its realization, I think this is ultimately about three things:
- Friendship: The emphasis of this store is to support reading as a healthy habit, not to compete with others!
- Friendshop: With three entirely different book store choices, we have it all here.
- Friends Up: As they do over and over again, Hastings volunteers “stepped up” and made a difference!* Thanks!
*Friends has a membership of over 500 families who support the library in many ways, including membership dues, donations and volunteering for library tasks and fundraisers.
Tags: books, bookstores, Hastings
About the author: Jack Sandeen
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…. though the Library ,and the Friends of the Library had positive intentions I’m sure …. it seems an ill advised move to open a bookstore, under the umbrella of a non-profit in direct competition with 2 shops that are the livelihood for owners Tushaus and Seymour. Books, calendars, gift cards, etc …. all arranged and shepherded by volunteers. While over on 2nd St., Bernie and Tana are opening their doors every day to welcome folks into the wonderful, magic world of books. Opening their doors, shoveling their snow, paying their taxes, covering that devil over-head, and running a successful business through the ups & downs of countless years and varied economies. I am not very happy about my tax-payer dollars going toward a Library that appears to want to play in the same sphere as Prairie Books and The Well-Read Book. Fortunately for Tana and Bernie … the Library can not even come close to offering the most important aspect …. Tana and Bernie’s knowledge, love of books and warm hospitality. Two people TRULY doing what they love.
Kudos to the Hastings Public Library on their new venture. As non-profits, it is important for organizations such as the Library to continually look for ways in which they can secure the position of their ogranization for the future. Even better, by doing so they are adding to the scope of services provided in Hastings (which is what our community needs to thrive!). Jack, well-stated. The fact that Hastings has several quality places in which to discover the art of literature is a major asset to our community. A community that offers more than one outlet for a particular hobby or interest? I cannot imagine a rational argument against this.
I agree completely with Susie. As a business owner in downtown Hastings, I was in shock to see the city go into competition with these two great stores. The idea to raise money for the library is understandable, but the way it was done, isn’t.
What’s next? Adding a coffee bar, gas station, clothing store…
Enterprising library staff and boards should be able to supplement city and federal dollars with inventive and creative use of their assets without resorting to competing with local business. Even online sales, and seasonal book fairs impact traffic in area bookstores. This is a controversial decision for large, metropolitan areas, so to believe there is no rational argument here, is a simple reply to a complex issue. Our community will continue to thrive with compassionate, intelligent and vision-seeking leadership. It does not and will not rest upon the ability of the library to sell books.