Grab a drink at a silent book club speakeasy with Detroit bookstore Alcott's Attic
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week, we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have owner Christina Lefleur of Alcott's Attic in Detroit, Michigan.
What's your store's story?
Our store started as a bedtime story one night when my son was a toddler who couldn't sleep. He wanted to hear more every night and began telling everyone we met about the bookstore. Enthusiasm and support poured in, and suddenly the story became a reality.
Alcott's Attic is an independent, novel model bookstore. Our name is inspired by the attic where Jo wrote plays for the March children to perform in Louisa May Alcott's novel, "Little Women." Based loosely on Alcott's own childhood at Orchard House, the attic was full of long days of creativity and imagination, a place where the outside world ceased to be and stories took hold. Alcott's Attic is mystical worlds and fairy tales, a hot cup of tea on a rainy day, hidden reading nooks, strong female protagonists and the unique magic of curling up between the pages of a good book.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
We are a "novel model" bookstore, a creative approach to bookselling that brings greater accessibility and diversity to the industry. This alliance opens the industry to non-traditional booksellers, including single moms like myself who may not have the immediate capital to open a store. We operate primarily as a pop-up with a focus on unique & interesting locations and events. We were exhibitors for TedX Detroit, where we celebrated Banned Books Week with a fair and operated a long-term pop-up storefront in the Fisher Building. We started doing local deliveries in 2020, our first by bike.
What's your favorite section in your store?
Our banned books section. The right to read is so important. We curate this section to highlight how even some of the most classic and beloved titles have faced challenges, including "The Diary of Anne Frank," "Where the Wild Things Are" and even "Charlotte's Web." If it makes you think, there is someone who doesn't want you to read it.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
"Hester" by Laurie Albanese, a reimagining of "The Scarlet Letter." Forbidden love, Scottish folklore, witchcraft, neurodiversity and strong women. This book has everything!
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
"The Woman They Could Not Silence" by Kate Moore is the story of Elizabeth Packard, set when women had so few rights that their husbands could discard them by committing them. Elizabeth Packard fought back. Many of the rights women have today are due to her efforts.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Independent bookstores are a third place where connection and community happen. We contribute to the local economy, create jobs and support our communities in so many ways. Bookselling is a skill that provides personalized service and unique recommendations. We also genuinely care about the communities we serve.
What are some of your store's events, programs and partnerships?
We are located in the historic Fisher Building, known as "Detroit's Largest Art Object." We do a speakeasy silent book club in the art deco style lounges of the Fisher Theatre, which reaches capacity at 60 seats every month.
We also try to partner with other historic buildings in Detroit whenever we can. We had a micro bookstore at the Park Shelton last year, which is the building Frida Kahlo lived in when Diego Rivera was painting the Detroit Industry Murals. We have partnerships with Broadway in Detroit, TechTown/Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Historical Society.
Upcoming events include summer poetry open mic nights, the Nancy Drew Paranormal Society, children's storytime and the Fran Lebowitz speaking tour with the Fisher Theatre this fall.
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