Read Street Books: Home away from home
What's even better than a book blog named Read Street? How about a bookstore named Read Street, located on that very road?
Read Street Books is another perfect example of the thriving local literary scene in this city.
"When people in the neighborhood found out that the space was going to be a bookstore, bags of books started showing up at the front door," owner Chris Bittner says. "We decided that these books would be placed on a cart that we keep in front of the store and that all sales of donated books would be given to Chase Brexton Health Services."
You can find Read Street Books in a cute residential/small business section of town, in a gorgeous building that screams Baltimore. And Bittner does her fair share of supporting local artists, as well as providing good books to local readers.
"This past February, we started offering entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings," Bittner says. "We feature original singer/songwriters. Our next performance is scheduled for August 29 when the group Vote Yourself a Farm will be on our stage."
A little background
"After experiencing a decade of 'downsizing' during the Reagan Administration, I got the idea to try do to all I could to become self-employed," Bittner explains. "Since I’ve always loved books and reading and coffee, I thought that a bookstore-coffeehouse would be the perfect solution."
So after four years of renovating the Read Street property, she opened the store in February of 2006. "The mission of the business is to support and enhance the creative community and hopefully to do a little good along with way," she says. To that end, their house coffee is from the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Save the Bay Foundation.
Clientele
While Bittner didn't outline a particular demographic, she did highlight the importance of the store being a welcoming spot to all who enter.
"Customers often tell me that the bookstore makes them feel like they are in their own living room. Others have said that being there is 'just like Paris or London.' Either way it is great to hear that people feel at home at Read Street Books," she says.
Popular sections
"Our book selection is rather 'eclectic;' we have something for everyone one." she explains. "Basically if I think the book is interesting and would like to read it, I get it."
She names the classics, history and art section as crowdpleasers, as well as the store's selection of vintage paperbacks.
"You may not find the books that are listed on the New York Times Best-Sellers List, but you will find books that will get you thinking and entertain," she says. For example, the store has a vintage magazine sale this week, with celebrity and fashion magazines from the 1950s to 1970s.
Events
On Sunday, September 21 the store is hosting a Ladies Singles Tea featuring local author K.I. Thompson. "K.I’s debut novel, House of Clouds won the 2008 Golden Crown Award for Fiction," Bittner says. "She will read and sign her new book, Cooper’s Deale."
And the store offers a wide array of local artist's space to display their talents. You can find the performance schedule on the Web site and the Read Street Books MySpace page, as well.
Comments
Thanks fo he info onRead street Bookstore. I paln to visit sometime and bring som books!
Posted by: brian michener | August 30, 2008 10:30 AM
The above article does not say where Read Street Books is located. Please give me location as I would like to visit. Also give me information on Ladies Tea on Sept. 21st. Thank you.
Posted by: Peggy Westerhold | August 30, 2008 10:46 PM
I'm sorry, Peggy! I thought I had included the link to their Web site, and I hadn't. It's now in the article.
And if you don't feel like clicking the link, the address is: 229 W. Read St. As for more information about the Ladies Tea, I'm sure you can contact the store directly, at 410.669.4103.
Posted by: Nancy | August 30, 2008 10:52 PM