What's not to love about a local, independent bookstore? Here in Madison, I fell in love with the sign outside before even stepping through the doors of the store. "Dog Ear Books" it reads -- a thoroughly weather-worn wooden sign, emblazoned with a perky pup who, with one ear pointed up and the other one flopped down, is looking at -- maybe even tousling with? -- a well-worn book. You know a store is going to be good when you can't get over the sign outside.
Inside is owner Jon Tonge, writer, musician and collector extraordinaire. He was made to be surrounded by these stacks -- though his genuine and unassuming social skills are as good, if not better, than his literary ones. And that's why, when the call went out to see if anyone could help him move his bookstore to a new, better, bigger, more-centrally located and possibly haunted shop (yep! that's a bonus for a bookstore, you know...), I was quick to lend a hand. Me and about 180 of Jon's closest friends, that is.
So, like an old-fashioned bucket brigade, we lined the streets and alleys from his old store to his new one. And hand-over-hand, about four books at a time, we passed several thousand books down the row and on to new, improved shelves.
As the call went out to start, the laughter did too. Comments on bookcovers and authors got passed along, too. "The Civil War is starting!" came the shout as we dug into the history books. The little kids, who were meant to play upstairs with toys, couldn't resist joining in and getting their hands on passing the stacks. Jon ran up and down the road shouting encouragement and updating the count on number of books passed. I dare say everyone had a blast. I know I did... I meant to stay about 90 minutes and had to tear myself away at 2 hours.
Jon promised if we came, we'd be a part of history in the making. I like to think, like neighbors at a barn-raising, we were helpful in lightening his load and letting him know what he means to us in this community.
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~ from my friend Julie Harrington:
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it was such a success! I kept Nolan for Meredith so she and Cole could go, and she took Luke to help, as well. Although I missed the physical brigade, I was proud of the efforts of so many Madisonians (and our children!) to help such a wonderful artist & entrepreneur, Jon. My support will come in the way of an antique horse-hair sofa for use in the store's coffee shop or book clubs, etc., as well as an antique chopping block (if it's in any condition to move from my mom's house in SC, and if Jon finds a need for it!).... It's fun to feel like you are a part of something; especially something so meaningful to the town. I'm glad to know we'll be enjoying even more of Jon's services for years to come! :)I enjoyed your musings, as always!