Spotlight on Bookstores: *Grass Roots Books* in Corvallis, Oregon

Today’s “Spotlight on Bookstores” is written by John Addiego, author of The Islands of Divine Music.  John calls this essay “A Special Bookstore”; I think his opening comments echo the way many book-lovers feel in today’s economy.  It’s an apt thesis, illustrated by his Spotlight on Grass Roots Books & Music.

 
I will admit to being a tight-wad about many things, but over the years I’ve come to rethink some of my thrifty habits, and I’d rather have my dollars go to the right places: the good authors, good publishers, and good stores.

When my family moved to Corvallis, Oregon sixteen years ago we scoped it out for a few livability indicators, and at the top of my list were good books and good coffee. Grass Roots Books on Second Street has both. It’s an elegant, smallish independent with a community vision.

Corvallis is a smallish town, but not so small as to seem provincial or completely out of the loop. Grass Roots is tasteful and filled with well-chosen books. They feature new fiction and poetry as well as issue-driven nonfiction. I know that’s a terrible simplification, but their being small and independent seems to have forced them into choosing their titles carefully, along personal and progressive lines.

Reflecting their community spirit, they devote a nice, open space in the upstairs for readings and talks, and big comfy chairs to browse in, and espresso and desserts. These are all the stuff that dreams are made of.

I buy gift books there more often than for myself, beautiful new books, but I’ll admit that I usually read them before wrapping.

It’s a terrific store, and the owners and staff really promote writers and the aesthetics of books. Their work is obviously a work of love, and our town is lucky to have them here.

Have any readers of this blog ventured in to Grass Roots Books & Music?  Do check out their website – they have staff picks, event listings (and archived photos of some events, like the Breaking Dawn party), and a description of the I-card (Independence-Card) a customer loyalty program.