Greg Schauer’s ‘Between Books’ To Close
This is depressing. Beyond depressing, really.
Between Books, a superb Claymont book/game store that specializes in fantasy, horror, sci-fi, graphic novels, comics and related genres, will soon close. Owner Greg Schauer has lost his lease.
Greg Schauer is so much more than a bookstore owner. He is a one-man support system for authors and artists. He is a voracious reader who always has great suggestions for his clients. He holds workshops and readings for writers and would-be writers. He reads manuscripts at no charge and provides incredibly helpful feedback. He actively supports other local businesses. We need people like Greg Schauer.
I’ve known Greg for at least 30 years, going back to my comic reading days. My wife loves the same genres that Greg does, is one of his most loyal customers, and she is devastated by the news. And well she should be. She has been writing/polishing a fantasy novel for about the last five years. Greg has read the manuscript, helped her with finding literary agents, made invaluable editing suggestions, and has been just so supportive. Here’s the point: He does this with everybody.
He is one of the kindest. most selfless, people I’ve ever met. I’m sure that many of you have shared time with Greg, right outside the store, while he takes a ‘pipe’ break (tobacco, not, you know). Generous with his time, and kind to a fault.
Here is what Greg wrote on his Facebook page:
“I have written and rewritten this a million times in my head over the last few days. Words fail me.
It is with a heavy heart that I must announce Between Books Going Out of Business sale will begin Saturday February 23rd. We have lost our lease. More Information soon. Please spread the word.“
Between Books is in a strip shopping center at the intersection of Harvey Road and Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. Near the Arby’s.
I know that Greg would appreciate both your patronage and your friendship. For those of you who read DL and also know Greg, I would love it if you could share your favorite stories of Greg and Between Books.
Oh, and if the owners of my OTHER favorite independent book store are reading, well, you know what to do!
Tags: 'Between Books', Greg Schauer
Very sad. I never knew this existed. I hope something can be done to save it!
This is very sad. Every time I read a story like this I look at my Kindle and feel guilty. I really do! I love bookstores, but I haven’t been to one in a long time. I’ll try and swing out there this weekend… and shove my Kindle in a drawer.
Truly bad news.
Between Books was a unique place and one of the things I miss from Delaware. And Greg is a good and decent man.
I wish him fair winds and smooth seas.
I did a book signing there a few years ago – loved the place and wished I could have visited more often, but it’s quite a hike for me and I’m pretty much never in that area.
Are there any other independent book stores left in the state (other than the specialty religious ones)? I think Browseabout is still there in Rehoboth but it’s turned into a gift shop.
Don, there is a GREAT independent bookstore in downtown Wilmington…Ninth Street Books:
http://www.ninthstreetbookshop.com/
Browseabout is still there and has *not* turned into a gift shop. The owners have expanded and diversified to include some toys, cards and trinkets, but more than half of the space is books. It also has an events room for story hours, readings/signings, etc.
Acorn Books is a new/used shop recently open in Dover, from the ashes of the old Atlantic chain. Small but good.
There’s also Bethany Beach Books, under new ownership as of a few years back.
I love the independent bookshops, but what I enjoy most is serendipitous finds at thrift shops and garage sales. I also love used bookstores, but the business model is hardly viable anymore.
The reality is that bookstores are going to have to add other offerings to survive. (Coffee, toys, games, gifts, etc) Even Barnes and Noble is planning to downside from 689 to 475 stores over the next ten years.
The 9th Street Book Shop’s new space (730 N Market St) looks nice, although I haven’t had a chance to really check it out.
Sorry to hear. I love book stores,especially locally owned book stores. If you are in Newark, check out Rainbow Books and Music on Main Street. Helpful staff and they will special order if they don’t have it on their shelves.
I also like 2nd & Charles across from Del Tech Stantion where Borders used to be. Good selection and some of the former Borders staff.
Browsebout has a key advantage to other indie book stores – location, location, location. It’s part of the scene in Rehoboth, where artsy fartsy stuff like galleries and such do well (along with the usual t shirt shops of course).
I stopped by and saw Greg yesterday. The store was full of friends and customers. He’s running the sale to reduce inventory. He plans to take some time off after the closing and then re-evaluate whether he will find another storefront. Jason330 probably has not been there, since Between Books is a Bookstore, Comic book Store, Games & Gaming Store, Gift Shop, and performance space. But no coffee for sale.
I messaged Greg as soon as I saw his status go up. It would be a terrible loss to our family, who are interested in JUST the sort of stock he has always carried. My old classic science fiction? Check. Cards for fantasy roleplaying? Check. Tarot? Of course. But, as ElSom said, a huge part of it is Greg, who can advise you on any aspect of a purchase, far better than any Amazon review, AND talk about an upcoming concert or cultural activity in the area. I devoutly hope this is just prelude to a new location and many more years.
My wife and I stopped down to see to Greg yesterday. He and the next-door dance studio lost their leases to make way for…an Aaron’s Rent-A-Center. Nothing like slightly-soiled used couches to ignite a feeding frenzy. (Hint: Just turn the cushions over…)
He’s gonna take some time off, probably retweak his business model, and possibly find another site. He had been working practically solo for the last three years, and he really needs to recharge his batteries.
As always, he helped my wife find several great books (her literary tastes are especially in tune with Greg’s). BTW, he’s gonna have at least one more reading for those wishing to show off their work. Saturday evening, March 9. Probably around 7.