When Your Town Needs a Bookstore… Why Not Open One Yourself?
The morning my life changed, I was sitting in a cafe talking to a student at a writers conference in Southampton. My phone rang, but I didn’t answer it.
The author was attending a writers conference in Southampton when a missed phone call from Beth, a former colleague and neighbor from Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, changed the course of their lives. Swarthmore is a small town with about 7,000 residents, including college students. While it has a coffee shop, a pizza parlor, and a small grocery store, it lacks an independent bookstore. Beth called while sitting in a café and noticed a building for sale across the main street. She asked the author if Swarthmore needed a bookstore and if they should open one together. The author agreed immediately, despite initial doubts about the town's size and feasibility. Swarthmore’s median home value rose from $370,000 in 2000 to nearly $600,000 by 2022, raising questions about the town’s future affordability and character.
Before this conversation, the author had been feeling restless and uncertain about their career as a novelist and teacher. They had worked in solitary jobs like grant writing and newspaper editing but were searching for something that would pay a salary, involve writing, and foster human connection. Opening a bookstore offered a way to combine these goals. The idea of working alongside others and serving the community appealed to the author, who had spent decades writing alone. Beth, who shared similar feelings, agreed to explore the idea further before committing. They decided to take time to research, attend classes, and consult with others before making a final decision.
The author’s interest in housing affordability led them to explore how local zoning laws contribute to high housing costs. In Swarthmore, lots are required to be large, which increases property prices. Additionally, zoning laws often restrict neighborhoods to single-family homes, preventing the construction of small apartment buildings or townhouses. The term single-family home in Swarthmore’s zoning code includes any people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, plus no more than two others. While these laws are sometimes justified as preserving a town’s character, critics argue they also serve to keep less affluent people out by controlling property values, school sizes, and neighborhood norms. Nationally, the U.S. median home price rose from about $119,600 in 2000 to $300,000 in 2022, even after adjusting for inflation.
Some towns and states have adopted policies to address housing affordability. For example, Newton, Massachusetts, has legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny flats or mother-in-law suites. These are small homes built on the same lot as a larger house, providing affordable living spaces and rental income for homeowners. States like Connecticut and California have also legalized ADUs in recent years. However, Swarthmore has not adopted such policies. The author wondered if their novel, which explores housing issues, could inspire local discussions about changing zoning laws to allow more flexible housing options.
While working on a novel about housing affordability, the author and Beth decided to move forward with opening a bookstore. Beth purchased a building and began renovations, while the author handled inventory selection, hiring staff, and setting up the point-of-sale system. The bookstore, named Celia Bookshop, opened in October. The author’s novel, which includes themes of shared living and community, was completed in August. The bookstore became a hub for neighbors to gather, not just for shopping but also for events like readings, classes, and storytime for children. This shift from isolation to community was a key motivation for opening the bookstore.
Celia Bookshop serves as a place where people interact and connect, addressing the isolation often felt in single-family neighborhoods. Customers visit not only to buy books but also to participate in community activities. While the article does not mention specific discussions about zoning laws or housing policies happening in the bookstore, the author notes that these issues are now being considered by local officials. The bookstore may become a space where such conversations can take place in the future. The author also joined the town’s planning commission, giving them a voice in zoning decisions, though monthly meetings alone did not fulfill their need for more interaction.
