Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have bookseller Jess Holleran of Copper Dog Books in Beverly, Massachusetts.
What’s your store’s story?
Copper Dog Books is a vibrant independent bookstore in downtown Beverly, a beautiful ocean-side community that is steeped in New England history and connected to the modern energy of Boston. We offer an expertly curated selection of books ranging from current bestsellers to the most eclectic titles (plus gifts, toys and cards) in our 1800-square-foot store, online, and in the community at farmer’s markets, school books fairs and festivals. We pride ourselves on being a LGBTQ+ friendly and genre friendly bookstore.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
Establishing ourselves as a destination of discovery, we have an event program that hosts in-store events that feature local authors for children’s books and adult books on varied, interesting topics as well as writing seminars, tarot card readings, cookbook demonstrations and arts and crafts. Traveling offsite and bringing books to community spaces allows us to work with nonprofits, public libraries, and schools.
We’re known for our quirky curation. Our booksellers are passionate about genre fiction; in particular, horror, sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels. As a result, we host a ton of horror events with our proximity to Salem, Massachusetts.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
One of my favorite books to recommend is “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir – it has lesbian necromancers in space, it’s a locked room mystery, it’s a body horror novel, it’s weird, bonkers, hilarious and heartbreaking.
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
“A Marvellous Light” by Freya Marske is part mystery, part fantasy, part romance and all heart. Robin is a cheery, warm, nonmagical person who is thrust into a world of impossible magic and hair-raising danger when he is accidentally assigned to work in a magical bureau. He is partnered with Edwin, a cold, enigmatic magician who seemingly wants nothing to do with Robin or the liability he presents. But when Robin and Edwin encounter a terrifying curse, a mysterious fog faced man, a murderous maze, a sentient house pulsing with ancient magic and powerful contract magic that would be deadly in the wrong hands, they realize that the only way to survive is to stick together.
This historical fantasy/romance was equal parts gripping, sexy and thrilling and had me flipping pages for sleepless night after sleepless night. I am infatuated with Robin and Edwin and can’t wait to see where Marske takes them next.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Our products are unique and curated just for you. Everything on our shelves is uniquely curated specifically with our customers in mind.
We talk to customers, determine needs and carry products based on that feedback. We only sell products we love and bring in locally made small batch gifts from other small businesses in the area. We promote children’s literacy through our donations to Beverly Bootstraps, Little Free Libraries and our Holiday Book drive. When you shop local, you help us employ local people, you allow us to partner with other local businesses, and you allow us to stay here and thrive. It’s an investment in your downtown that you won’t regret.
Our booksellers are absolute pros at matching people with the perfect book. Looking for a book with a red cover with the word ‘here’ in it? Our hive mind of booksellers can help. If we don’t have the exact book you’re looking for, our booksellers will either recommend something perfect that we have in stock, or order that pesky title for you.
We know you and go through the seasons of life with you. We remember your names, your taste in books, your pronouns, your kids and your fur babies’ names. We celebrate with you – graduations, weddings, baby showers, adoptions, coming out, new jobs. We want to be there for you because we care.
It’s not just about the money for us – it’s about being a vital part of the community.
What are some of your store’s events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?
Every Saturday in July and August we will be at the Marblehead Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a selection of bestsellers, and other relevant titles for sale.
We are also doing two make and take kids events:
- Join us and make your very own Klutz Puffy Glow in the Dark Stickers on July 13. This event is geared towards children ages 6 and up.
- Join us and make your very own Klutz Mini Grocery Store on July 27. This event is geared towards children ages 6 and up.
On August 18, we are hosting an event at comedy space Off Cabot to celebrate the release of “The End of the World as We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King’s the Stand” with editor Christopher Golden, and authors Paul Tremblay and Rio Youers.
