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HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
Local Bookstore Encourages Cooper-Young Residents Regular Reading Habits
By Manon Priebe/MicroMemphis Reporter & Chris Freitas/MicroMemphis Reporter
In today’s world, people can read from tablets, mobile devices, and computers. Yet, there are still some folks who enjoy opening a good old traditional book.
While some bookstores like Bookstar and Borders closed, some stay in business to compete with digital distributors.
In Cooper-Young, Burke’s Books remains a bastion of hope for those looking for a physical book. The business has been open since 1875. However, it has been in the neighborhood for 5 years and has moved 4 times. Until 2007, the store was on Poplar at Evergreen.
Burke’s Books allows anyone to purchase, sell, and trade new or used books. About 75% of the stock is made up of used copies while the rest are new. Customers can trade them in for store credit or cash. For trade paperbacks, it is $1 each or $2 for hardcovers.
Currently, there are roughly 50,000 books available at the bookstore. Cheryl and Corey Mesler are owners of Burke’s and live in Cooper-Young. They chose the area because it is a good location for foot traffic.
Anyone who browsed the selection at the old Poplar location should notice a difference. Cory Mesler says, “The quality of used books went more up since the store moved to Cooper-Young.”
While it is quiet during the morning, business picks up around lunchtime, especially on weekends. “Our customers love browsing in the books, they need time for that. It doesn’t work for people who rush in, buy, and leave,” Mesler said.
Along with novels and other fiction, Burke’s sells books on philosophy and Southern literature. It does not carry any technical or business-related works.
Burke's also does not sell books from bestseller lists because they tend to be “boring,” Cheryl Mesler said. Instead she chooses mid-list and back-list books.
Mesler says she's noticed there are many avid readers in Cooper-Young. They also find that the used book concept is well-regarded in this neighborhood. Stephanie, a Midtown customer, says she likes buying her used books here because they are more sustainable and Eco-friendly.
There are not many on-going events, but Burke’s Books does have regular book signings. Authors regularly sign and read their works at the store.
If someone must know, the owners or Burke’s are also committed readers. Cheryl dives into a book about an hour a day but likes to read more. In addition, her favorite one is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Corey also enjoys reading a book for 3 hours daily.
Related Articles:
BOOKWORM: An interview with author and Burke’s Books owner Corey Mesler
Barrett Hathcock Book Signing and Reading at Burke’s Books
Three new Grisham novels to hit Burke’s shelves
In today’s world, people can read from tablets, mobile devices, and computers. Yet, there are still some folks who enjoy opening a good old traditional book.
While some bookstores like Bookstar and Borders closed, some stay in business to compete with digital distributors.
In Cooper-Young, Burke’s Books remains a bastion of hope for those looking for a physical book. The business has been open since 1875. However, it has been in the neighborhood for 5 years and has moved 4 times. Until 2007, the store was on Poplar at Evergreen.
Burke’s Books allows anyone to purchase, sell, and trade new or used books. About 75% of the stock is made up of used copies while the rest are new. Customers can trade them in for store credit or cash. For trade paperbacks, it is $1 each or $2 for hardcovers.
Currently, there are roughly 50,000 books available at the bookstore. Cheryl and Corey Mesler are owners of Burke’s and live in Cooper-Young. They chose the area because it is a good location for foot traffic.
Anyone who browsed the selection at the old Poplar location should notice a difference. Cory Mesler says, “The quality of used books went more up since the store moved to Cooper-Young.”
While it is quiet during the morning, business picks up around lunchtime, especially on weekends. “Our customers love browsing in the books, they need time for that. It doesn’t work for people who rush in, buy, and leave,” Mesler said.
Along with novels and other fiction, Burke’s sells books on philosophy and Southern literature. It does not carry any technical or business-related works.
Burke's also does not sell books from bestseller lists because they tend to be “boring,” Cheryl Mesler said. Instead she chooses mid-list and back-list books.
Mesler says she's noticed there are many avid readers in Cooper-Young. They also find that the used book concept is well-regarded in this neighborhood. Stephanie, a Midtown customer, says she likes buying her used books here because they are more sustainable and Eco-friendly.
There are not many on-going events, but Burke’s Books does have regular book signings. Authors regularly sign and read their works at the store.
If someone must know, the owners or Burke’s are also committed readers. Cheryl dives into a book about an hour a day but likes to read more. In addition, her favorite one is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Corey also enjoys reading a book for 3 hours daily.
Related Articles:
BOOKWORM: An interview with author and Burke’s Books owner Corey Mesler
Barrett Hathcock Book Signing and Reading at Burke’s Books
Three new Grisham novels to hit Burke’s shelves
Photos by Latresia Sutton
Chris Freitas/MicroMemphis reporter
_ Chris Freitas covers Arts and Entertainment for MicroMemphis.
You can send him story ideas here.
You can follow him on Twitter (@chrisfreitas23).
Manon Priebe/ MicroMemphis reporter
Manon Priebe covers A & E for MicroMemphis.
You can send her story ideas here.
Follow her on Twitter ( @manonpriebe ).
Latresia Sutton/ MicroMemphis reporter
Latresia Sutton covers A & E for MicroMemphis.
You can send her story ideas here.
Follow her on Twitter ( @TresiDenise ).