1.  The Promise of the Promise

When asked what it is that brought us to the business of books and to this place, I  answer two things: 1. a crazy love; and 2. a groundbreaking promise.

Dismantling the financial barrier of higher ed for all students is the thing we pointed to when asked for proof of place that: cared about books, rallied around community, could survive a plummeting economy, and would work to nurture local investment. The Promise, both its immeasurable spirit and finite goals are forever linked to our store’s mission and practice. Its announcement in 2005 and its immediate and ongoing impact are among our most pivotal memories.

2. Hearing the young Voices of Kalamazoo

If you’ve heard our welcome of RAWK Reads or Justice for our Neighbors events, you’ve heard this before: we host a lot of powerful voices in our space. World renowned authors, activists, poets, and artists–who rock our shelves and our world. Still, nothing holds candle to hearing the voices and written words of children of our community.

3. Being drawn to and by kids

An eight-year old drew our first logo. Since then the words, drawings and messages from kids stand out as most memorable keepsakes and the feedback we take most dramatically to heart.

4. Being mistaken as Michael Pollan during a KCF annual meeting, with Pollan as keynote. (2014)

It was a likely mistake: Derek was standing behind the books without much hair and a welcoming smile. He took it in stride, saying he’d be happy to sign as many books as they’d like.

5. Our midnight release for the next generation. (2016)

Alohomora. It was so great. Thanks for the magic, Kalamazoo.

6. Not Needing to Introduce Amy Goodman because she said ALL THE WORDS herself. (2017)

She took the mic right away and said it all. Here we were in an independent space, talking, listening, and acting.  This is Democracy in action. This is what a free and open press looks like. Independent bookstores and independent stakeholders, our time is Now.

7. Roxane Gay describing speed at which she writes and the media (including napkins) on which she places potent messages. (2014)

Process and craft as matter of frantic necessity, relentless practice, and powerful truth. Gay’s was among most candid, specific, and graceful offering of this we recall.

(Lindy West rolling over to her laptop on her couch comes in a close, wonderful second.)

8. Getting help with clean-up from friends

It happens after every event: someone (or two) offers to help put the store back together again, because Kalamazoo is better than all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.

9. Embarrassing Self in most introductions of guests

I can’t help it. Hosting usually means welcoming a hero. This is my chance to say it out loud.

10. Exhausting Family

Our work (to build a meaningful bookstore) is our life–in the healthiest and hardest of ways. Not one of us isn’t pooped out and grateful at end of the day/week/year(s).

We are infinitely better for having each other and you.