Requests

When we don't have a book in stock, I often encourage people to leave a request.  There is something supremely satisfying in finding said requests... sometimes it takes all of a day for a book to make its way to us after someone asks for it... other times, it takes years.  However long the process, it's that moment when I get through to my customer and tell them that their book is in that defines that particular sensation of satisfaction.  I love connecting people to books, and it makes me feel proud to find what you're looking for.  Truly.  So leave a request!  I will find it for you!

Sep 25, 2009 at 3:31 PM

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Afterthoughts

Back in the day when cheques used to be a very acceptable form of tender, we used to provide customers with a stamp that had The Book Man for the "Pay to the order of" line.  That stamp has been sitting unused, but a certain nostalgia in me for the days of yore has kept that stamp kicking around in the office for some time.  With that subplot in your mind, let's now move to The Book Man Concert Series.

When Ryan was thinking of coming to devote his life to The Book Man (he's since decided to be a teacher, and will be going back to school soon) he and I had long talks about what direction we wanted the bookstore to take.  We both decided that we wanted to create more community and culture in Chilliwack, and use the bookstore as a platform to promote concerts, poetry readings, book events of various natures....

And then that crusty old stamp came in handy again.  As we opened the doors on our first concert series, I stamped hands, wrists and forearms as people filed past, relinquising tickets for a "Book Man Brand" as they headed in to listen to good music.  Three events in, that stamp has seen more action than it has in over a decade and I can feel it in the basket behind me.

Never underestimate the power of something that you think might be redundant in your life.  It may tie into a new dream in a way that you hadn't expected; the past can always be found in the present if you find the right place to incorporate it.

Sep 16, 2009 at 9:17 AM

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