This month, Little Pickle Press is featuring Kepler’s Books, a very special customer of ours. Kepler’s Books has been in operation as an independent bookstore for 56 years, and is recognized for its wide selection of books, unique history, amazing author events and positive role in the community. Today we welcome Antonia Squire, the children's book buyer at Kepler's.
Why did you decide to open the store?
Antonia: Well, I didn't! Kepler's was opened in 1955 by Roy Kepler, a conscientious objector during World War II. After the birth of his daughter, Dawn, he tried to figure out how to support a family while staying true to his ideals and leaving him enough time to continue on with his peace activism. The result was Kepler's Books and Magazines. You could actually support a family with a book store in those days— lol.
What makes the store special?
Antonia: We have a tremendous amount of history, really as the focal point of the 1960's peace movement on the peninsula. Joan Baez was a fixture in the store, The Grateful Dead used to jam in the store. We were bombed a couple of times. But at the center of it all were the books and the staff and that is what remains today. Kepler's remains a huge part of the intellectual community on the Peninsula, but beyond that we remain a vital part of literacy for both children and adults.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Antonia: Convincing the people who love the store, value the store, value the staff, value the recommendations, value the ability to browse, to touch the books, to talk about the books— convincing them to actually buy the books from us. It's an insidious disconnect that is a huge challenge to overcome. Everything else is just instinct and knowledge, and that's fun.
What is your favorite part of the job/the store?
Antonia: Connecting with that one kid - especially the one who simply cannot conceive that a 30 something woman could possibly know what they are into! Finding that one book that turns a kid into a reader. Finding the stack of books for the kid who's read "everything".
What do you do to keep up with the industry?
Antonia: As the buyer I am generally working 3 to 6 months ahead of the books coming out, I see it all. But aside from reading the books I read trade publications and talk to colleagues across the country. I also spend time speaking with my staff who read blogs and other industry news.
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We are happy to announce that Kepler's Books will be hosting "Storytime with Land Wilson", for the reading of Sofia's Dream, on Sunday, July 10 at 11:30 a.m.
7 comments:
We are so proud that our award-winning titles are offered by this exemplary independent bookseller that serves as a pillar in the community and enjoys a long track record of success. Thanks for sharing your history and perspectives with us, Antonia.
Just my kind of store with that history! Hooray for peace! Thanks for all your years of good work.
It is truly an honor to be on Kepler's calendar for a reading. Thank you for believing in Sofia's Dream!
With gratitude,
Land
As a long-term customer and ardent fan of Kepler's, I'm happy to see them get this type of recognition. And it is really interesting to hear the story behind how it all started. Long live the independent book store, especially this shining example.
Thank you Antonia for your thoughtful interview! It is dedicated and enthusiastic people like you that keep us all in the children's book industry and inspire us to do great things.
Great article! Thank you for sharing!
Kepler's has such a cool, unique history! Thank you for the interview, Antonia! I can not wait to hear Land's storytelling on July 10th!
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