By William Henderson / Correspondent
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Changes will be subtle at 'Authors and Artists'
It's Saturday afternoon, and Thom VanHorn is sitting in the window at what was formerly known as the Much Ado Bookstore. There are around 10 customers in the store, some looking for a specific title, others content to sit in a chair and leaf through a book they didn't know they even wanted.
There are nearly 23,000 books in the store. Hardcovers are primarily kept upstairs and paperbacks downstairs, though that's not necessarily set in stone. There are 245 full bookshelves, with some books overflowing atop the shelves. This is VanHorn's new empire, and yes, for those who are worried, Dust Jacket, the store cat is still around.
"I had to negotiate heavily to get her," VanHorn says, laughing. DJ is currently sleeping in a cat bed in the front window behind a chair. "She has some serious fans."
VanHorn knows that Much Ado's previous owners, Cate and Nash, have some serious fans too, and that he'll have to prove that a name change (the store is now called "Authors and Artists," though the sign outside hasn't been painted over yet), an increased book inventory and an additional artwork section does not signal the end of what was, but only that more and better things are coming.
VanHorn knew previous owners Cate and Nash for nearly 15 years. After moving to Marblehead in 1988 from Boston and living in town for 10 years, he says that he quickly went from being just a customer to being the person they'd ask to watch the store when they went on one of their annual book-buying trips.
And VanHorn, who now lives in Newbury, was given a taste of what it would be like to own and operate a bookstore, a dream he says he's had most of his life.
"I'd always wanted to own a bookstore," he says. "But I thought it would be something I did later in life." After hearing about Cate and Nash's plans to relocate to England and open a bookstore in Alfriston, VanHorn decided there was no time like the present to start living his dream.
"We don't normally do this, but a customer would like to buy a Mylar book cover," Cary Chandler, who worked at Much Ado for almost two years and who will remain as an A&A employee, says to VanHorn. Elaine Steblecki is also staying with the store. ("They're the ones who are handling the day-to-day store operations," VanHorn says. "They're the bosses.")
"That's OK," VanHorn says.
"How much should I charge him?" Chandler asks.
"Just give it to him," is the reply.
Free Mylar book covers notwithstanding, VanHorn doesn't think regular customers used to the ways things were done when Cate and Nash owned the store will see many changes. In fact, he thinks the changes planned for the store will only better serve the community.
Like the increased number of books written by Marblehead authors or books set in town. Or the enlarged section of collectible 20th-century first editions, one of VanHorn's own passions. He has no problem making recommendations about favorite authors or talking about what makes a book collectible, and he plans to add books from his own collection to that already available in the store.
"I'll do it slowly," VanHorn says. "I want to minimize the separation anxiety."
What VanHorn seems most excited about is the art section coming soon to the front of the store. He plans to offer for sale original works on paper and a selection of signed and numbered limited-edition pieces at "competitive but affordable prices." The prints in the gallery will be paired with like-minded books, like the opening series he plans on Samuel Chamberlain.
"The artwork will be a real compliment to the books and for the town," VanHorn says.
Besides updating just a few aspects of the store, VanHorn plans no major changes anytime soon. The store will retain its same hours of operation, though its Web site will change (visit www.authors-artists.com and you'll find a placeholder Web site alerting visitors that the site is currently under construction - something else VanHorn hopes to have up-and-running by the end of October). He's hopeful that long-time Much Ado customers enjoy the store just the same as before.
There will be a grand opening sometime in late October, VanHorn hopes, though plans are still being formulated. Residents will be able to watch the changes slowly go from dream to reality, but only through the windows, as VanHorn plans to close the store for a couple of days to do the bulk of the renovation. Sections will be shifted, some new carpet laid down, and the art section will be created. The sign, too, will have its own facelift.
But just because things are changing doesn't mean VanHorn plans to do away with the Cate-and-Nash success formula. There will still be books displayed in the front windows (like the British and going-away-themed books currently on display), and VanHorn plans to continue offer out-of-print searches as time permits.
Books will continue to be bought, one of VanHorn's keys to operating a successful bookstore. Constantly bring in new inventory - anything less will only disappoint customers, he reasons. He says he's been buying books and restocking shelves daily, though admits restocking may only occur once or twice a week after he's no longer working seven 12-hour days.
VanHorn says he's been actively preparing to own his bookstore during the last 15 years. He typically buys multiple copies of books he thinks will be collectible, and he regularly buys books at auctions and estate sales. He knows and loves books, two necessary skills any would-be bookstore owner should have. He loves Southern writers: Flannery O'Connor, William Faulkner, Larry Brown, but don't hold that against him, his employees seem not to.
"I think the changes will be great for the store," Chandler says. "Revamping every once in a while is OK."
Customers and residents have been coming into the store and introducing themselves to VanHorn. He takes their names and has already begun memorizing what types of books different customers typically like. He'll look out for these books to come into the store and hold them aside to be shown, later, like a much-loved jewel, to the customer who would best appreciate the book.
"I'm having a ball," VanHorn says. "Everyone in town has been very welcoming. I'm going to maintain the feeling of Much Ado while complimenting it with some additional products. This is going to be great experience."
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