Comments on: Columbia City Continues to Change; Bookworm Exchange to Close by Year’s End

By: Chris Jarmick

Chris Jarmick — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 01:53:00 +0000

One of the finest used bookstores in the South End of Seattle and it’s such a loss that the location and community couldn’t support an independent bookstore like this one. Fewer and fewer independent book stores survive… Bookworm is/was one of the best–and wonderfully laid out.

I’m forever indebted to Jim and his staff for hosting the 3rd Friday Take a Poem From Your Heart poetry series (which began at the now defunct Take Another Look Books up the street from Bookworm in 2001, moved to the old Lottie Motts coffee-shop and when that turned into a bar/pub moved to Bookworm over 5 years ago).

We’ll be doing a 3rd Friday in August Poetry reading beginning at 7 p.m. for sure with two featured poet and open mic poets. It’s free.. all are welcome.

By: Chinaman

Chinaman — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:07:41 +0000

That’s odd. He must not have had many copies of the “Communist Manifesto” on hand.

By: Thomas F

Thomas F — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:44:13 +0000

“one of the only bookstores in the Rainier Valley,”

We also have Amazon.com in the neighborhood.

By: SolvayGirl

SolvayGirl — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 04:45:07 +0000

I have to admit I have not shopped there in a long time—haven’t shopped much of anywhere in a long time. But when I did want a book, I always checked them out and browsed whenever I was in the neighborhood. It’s a big space and I’m sure rent was not cheap.

And as Venn noted, a database would have been helpful for everyone. I think it’s saddest for the kids because Jim always had a great selection of kids’ books.

By: graham

graham — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:25:47 +0000

It’s sad to see it go. I’ve browsed and bought there many times.

By: Venn

Venn — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 23:28:11 +0000

While I’m disappointed that the bookstore will be gone, they haven’t done many of the things other used bookstores do to stay in business.

First, there is no inventory system. With no inventory system, there is no way to order online or post inventory on Amazon or Ebay.

I’d happily buy more books if I knew what they had in stock. I tend to be one who shops for a specific title, and making my way down there or having to call to see if it’s there is a waste of everyone’s time.

By: Joy

Joy — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 18:53:04 +0000

I’ve seen a number of “shared” retail spaces in other neighborhoods – where two businesses split the space (and costs) to better their chances of survival. There’s a record/book store in Cap Hill (pine st, maybe?) that’s a good example. Has the owner considered pairing with another business venture?

By: Editor

Editor — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 17:10:38 +0000

@Dawn Mason: With all due respect, I’m very familiar with Vickie’s great store which is why – if you read the article more closely – you’ll see that it says “one of the only bookstores in the Rainier Valley,” which is true if we’re talking about a grand total of two.

With regard to the Rainier Valley Post reporting diversity, the community would do well to contribute and help make it so:

http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/join/
http://www.rainiervalleypost.com/got-something-to-say-say-it-at-your-rvp-18/

For instance, a well-written article about Dr. Mimms and her connection to Life Enrichment – or anything else of interest to Rainier Valley readers – would be most welcome.

By: Dawn Mason

Dawn Mason — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:11:37 +0000

Sorry to see it close but it is not the only bookstore in Columbia City. Life Enrichment Books owned by Vickie Williams and Aaliyah Messiah is located in Columbia City. It has been located in various areas of Rainier Valley for 16 years and specializes in African American literature, history and artifacts. It is the only such bookstore in the Pacific Northwest. It likewise is a gathering space for book clubs and discussion groups. It likewise almost had to close its doors this year. Because of its value, the community came together and devised a strategic plan to save it. This included a Birthday party for Dr. Maxine Mimms who contributed her gifts of checks for $84 (her age) to Life Enrichment. For any who has not attended a third Friday “Community Conversation with Dr. Mimms” has missed a treat.

If Rainier Valley is the most diverse zipcode it would do well to make sure that the Rainier Valley Post report diversely if it wants to be relevant to who we are.

By: RV Dude

RV Dude — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:35:08 +0000

Sorry to see them go. Always a good browse in there, and I’ve acquired lots of vacation reading from them. A bookstore is a tough business these days, especially for the non-corporate ones.