Au revoir, not good-bye, from The Second Story

March 20, 2009

Dear Friends,

This year, 2009, your own independent bookshop is celebrating its 37th year in business. We say your own, because, in reality, it is your own bookshop. You have been as much a part of this entity as we have been. Without you, we would be a brick and mortar store sporting an empty storefront. Second Story’s customers are the most important part of our family.

Thirty-seven years is a long, long time. Remember back in 1972? Apollo 17 returned safely from the moon, the 6th and last moon landing. The average American income was $11,859.00 and a new car cost only $3,853.00. That wouldn’t even buy you gas for a car these days. 1972 was also the year that the U.S. military draft was phased out and “Ms.” became a salutation. We resided next to a cheese shop, now Le Jardin Du Roi, and Abigail Kirsch. Chappaqua had a Gristedes and the Greeley House Gift Shop was thriving. . . .

Shopping in America has changed significantly and, most significantly, in our own home town. Rents are out of sight and so are many of our customers, as the older ones move away and the younger ones pursue cyberspace. Joan and Mills have hit the three-quarter of a century mark and are being pressured by their five children and seventeen grandchildren to hang up their cleats. Our building was just sold once again and our current lease is up May 1. We will not be renewing our lease.

From now until May let us celebrate our years together. The years when you have enjoyed the finest personal service we could offer and the best selection of books in Westchester. The many years when you had the continuity of the same people, booksellers, not cashiers, who knew what you liked to read and couldn’t wait to share their latest discoveries with you. The months when those dreaded SAT’s and Regents tests were looming over your children. The semesters when it was your turn to take your kids college hunting, armed with Barron’s Profiles of Colleges and the Insiders Guide, which contained everything your children really wanted to know. 

Thank you for enabling me to get up every morning really looking forward to going to work. I consider that the ultimate gift . . . to be able to spend most of one’s life doing what one loves. You made this possible. Thank you for your support, your suggestions and your enthusiasm over these many years. It has all been greatly appreciated.

And who knows . . . perhaps if we are lucky, someone might want to keep the bookstore open, and help keep our town a vibrant place to live. We welcome all ideas and thoughts about The Second Story and how it might serve you in the future.

Joan Ripley

and the staff of The Second Story

Editor’s note: Joan is proposing to start a Second Story Book Club. For information about it, stop by the store before May 1, call Joan directly at 238-4463 or 393-5669, or visit secondstorybookshop.com. 
         

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