Clayton Fine Books: Come in for the literature, stay for the conversation
Cameron and Donna Northouse have been selling books for 32 years.
And while Clayton Fine Books and Cyber Cafe, tucked between office buildings at 317 N. Charles St., is soon closing up, the Northouses seem happy to have spent their lives reading and sharing literature.
Whether you're in the market for a great book, a little piece of history, local art or just a quick bite to eat, you'll find it at Clayton Fine Books.
A little background
They originally sold books as Library Books, but they changed their names to Clayton when they widened their selection and their clientele. "We figured, if it was good enough for our son, it was good enough for our bookstore," Donna explains, referring to their son, an author in his own right. You can buy a copy of his book, Protecting What Matters: Technology, Security and Liberty Since 9/11, and browse through it over lunch.
Their lease is up Dec. 1, and they decided not to renew. Instead, they're in the market for a house in Sheperdstown, W.Va. When the store closes, they plan to continue selling online, and to possibly open a small store on the Sheperdstown main street.
Clientele
Clayton's clientele includes businessmen, government workers, lawyers, Peabody students and law students. "Some people we see actually everyday, which is nice." Cam says.
As if to illustrate the point, a guitarist from Peabody comes in about 9:45 for his morning espresso, with newspaper in hand, greeted by the smell of coffee and the sounds of NPR in the air. "I came here once, and knew I had to come back," he explains, while chatting with Donna.
Popular sections
The walls of their store, which can only be described as cosy, are lined with works by local artists, including Art Palmer and Barbara Cox, all beautiful and all for sale. And if you're looking for a special gift for that bookworm in your life (even if it's you) many of the books are tagged, indicating they've been signed by the author. Book prices range from a couple of bucks to thousands of dollars.
The Northouses report that their arts and music sections are especially popular, crediting the nearby Peabody students for the interest. They also sell old newspaper prints, including a Columbia Centinel from the 18th century and a $450 April 29, 1865 Harpers Weekly featuring the capture of President Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. According to Cam, a like-new copy would cost closer to $950.)
Events
The Maryland Poetry Society is holding readings through October, in a show of solidatiry for the store, hopefully drumming up support in its final months.
Follow their example, and stop in before it's too late.
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
Comments
Cam and Donna are very gracious hosts of the MWA Baltimore Chapter, which meets at Clayton Fine Books on the fourth Monday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. (In alternating months, we meet at Ukazoo Books in Towson.) We hope to sponsor at least one book signing event there before they leave, too. So MWA is another way you can show your solidarity with this fine Baltimore literary institution.
For more information about the MWA Baltimore Chapter, visit www.mwabaltimore.org.
Posted by: Paul Lagasse | July 7, 2008 7:24 PM