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by LAURA TABOR
Lifestyles Reporter
When life gets distracting on campus, Carley R. Nobles, sophomore elementary education major, seeks a quiet place to drink her coffee and study.
That place is Black Bear Books, an independent bookstore on Blowing Rock Road.
“The atmosphere is
more academic and intellectual,” Nobles said. “It’s a nice change from
being on campus, and has different things available.”
The store has been under its current ownership for seven years.
Before that, it was called Book Warehouse and located where Walgreen’s is currently.
“We
moved into the new building and added the café to make it more
welcoming,” Erin M. Thompson, assistant manager of Black Bear Books,
said. “We changed the name to Black Bear Books because my grandparents
live in West Jefferson, and they have black bears up there.”
The term “independent” means the bookstore chooses its own selection of books.
Black
Bear Books carries some bookstore staples, but also carries authors
recommended by patrons of the store, a large regional section and a
section on green living.
The staff prides itself on knowing many varieties of literature.
“We have
very different tastes… When a customer walks in looking for a mystery,
or a romance, or literary fiction, the staff will give a great
recommendation,” Thompson said.
The coffee shop features Bald Guy Brew, a local coffee, and the lounge has Wi-Fi and a fireplace.
There is also a meeting place in the back of the store, where book clubs and local groups can meet.
In addition, the store hosts local authors and children’s programs around the holidays.
“We will
have an event where the parents can come in and shop, while their
children decorate ornaments made of recycled items,” Thompson said. “We
are trying to have a green holiday.”
If the bookstore doesn’t carry a book someone requests, they can typically order from 90 percent of books currently in print.
The bookstore gives a 10 percent discount to students and welcomes people seeking all kinds of books, Thompson said.
“Books are a great escape,” Thompson said. “You can spend ten dollars, and get a week of relaxation and value from it.”
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