Indie Bookstore Spotlight: The Booktenders

Our July indie bookstore parter is The Booktenders. Located in York, Maine, The Booktenders opened in spring of 2022. The owners are a wife and husband team, Michelle and Rick Clarke, who followed their dream of opening a bookstore, when they realized that their town was lacking one. They set out to create a welcoming space for their community.

Michelle comes from a background in publishing, but the name of The Booktenders and its tagline, "Read Responsibly" is a clever tribute to their previous work in the restaurant industry. The store name makes me consider what I love about a seasoned bartender and a long-time bookseller, whether it be regarding a cocktail or a book, they are each excellent at crafting customized recommendations.

The Booktenders current hosts two bookclubs. Their namesake bookclub meets in their store and they also host a "Books & Booze" at the SoMe Brewing Co, which is just down the street. Having a meeting at a brewery is not only fun, but also another way to theme with their store name.

The Booktenders primarily sells new titles, but they also have a program for accepting gently used books. They offer a store coupon for previously owned books. If you bring in ten used books, you will receive 10% off a new book or 50% off up to ten used books in their inventory.

Consider joining The Booktenders embership Program. For an annual fee of forty dollars, you will receive book discounts and perks, such as access to exclusive shopping events. More than what you will recieve, membership programs at indie bookstores, such as The Booktenders, are a vital resource to help the stores during slower months. Your membership shows that you value your local business. You can also give a gift membership to The Booktenders. In addition to their paid membership program, The Booktenders offers a free loyalty program, which gives frequent shoppers a ten dollar reward for every two-hundred dollars spent.

We've included The Booktenders logo sticker in our July box. Please show this fabulous indie bookstore support by visiting them when you're in Maine, shopping on their website, and visiting their Instagram page.