Coronado hasn’t been the same since Bay Books closed, but book lovers can rejoice as Bay Books quietly reopens this week on Wednesday, April 22, for phone and online orders. The original store closed on December 31, and a mid-March reopening was planned down the street at its new location at 1007 Orange Avenue. Those plans were derailed with the COVID-19 crisis, but staff has been hard at work stocking the new shop with an array of books, magazines, and gifts, including purses, scarves, bookmarks and much more.
The new location will be managed by Caryn Clausen who has worked at Bay Books for six years. Clausen is a Navy wife who has lived on and off in Coronado, most recently here for nine years. She loves shopping and reading so when she first heard about the position as a bookseller at Bay Books from a friend who worked there, she knew it was a good fit. She says they have a great team of book lovers to help customers, many who are like family. Some even bring in taffy, candy, or fruit from their trees to share.
Customers can still expect the same personal service with all the employees offering book recommendations. Clausen favors historical fiction because she likes “to be entertained and transported when reading.” She is always reading multiple books and currently recommends Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.
Clausen shares, “When customers can once again enter the store, they will still feel the familiar cozy, comfortable vibe, coupled with an updated and modern feel.” The new space has a similar layout to the old shop, but at 2600 square feet, it is approximately half the size. Also located inside the store is Bay Books Coffee which will be opening the same day at 7 am. It will offer coffee and pastries and extend food options over time.
Popular books include graphic novels, which are especially good to get tweens and teens reading. New York Times bestsellers are always a hit with all sorts of military books commonly requested. They currently have thousands of books on order and coming in each day to build back their inventory. The new bookshelves will soon be chock-full, but are portable so they can be moved to create space for future author events.
The staff enjoys working together and is anxious to get back to helping people find good adult and children’s books, especially during this time of quarantine. Orders can be emailed or you can ask for book suggestions at orders@baybookscoronado.com or call 619-435-0070. You can pay by credit or debit card and pick up at the door of their new location at 1007 Orange Avenue (former Bullshirt location) between 10 am and 2 pm. Check out their Facebook page and website at www.baybookscoronado.com
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