Ranked by local Twin Citians as 15th on a list of top independent bookstores in Minneapolis, Orr Books was one of my favorite independents. For almost 40 years, the tiny, quiet store resided in the largely urban Uptown section of Lake Street. The parking was terrible, but the staff was knowledgeable and friendly. And I could find off-the-wall, eclectic books for a lazy Saturday of soul searching.
I spent many days there, in the comfy armchair by the counter, hanging out with great literature.
I had given up believing that Orr Books would ever close its doors. They had been threatening for years. Usually it was some new real estate deal happening in the trendy Uptown area that was raising the rent, pushing them out.
Each time I got wind of a closing, I’d stop in and ask the owner, Charlie Orr, if they were going to make it through. And each time he’d tell me, “Well, we don’t know. We’re going to try to stay open as long as we can.” He just kept on going.
But in July, while I was in Taos at a writing retreat, one of the longest running Twin Cities Independent bookstores closed its doors for the last time. The day after I returned, Liz slipped a paperback book in my hand over morning coffee and said, “I got this for you. It’s the last book I bought from Orr books.”
“What?” I said, gently sliding the cover through my fingers. “They’ve really closed?”
Orr Books has sentimental value to me. When I felt alone, lonely, entrenched in one of my isolated, weekend jags of lining books up on my bed and reading, reading, reading, Orr Books was there. I would browse their shelves, spend hours grazing covers, and talk to the staff about poetry, writing, and authors.
I rarely left the store with less than $100 worth of books. Then I would head over to the Lotus next store, grab some beef lo mein and an order of spring rolls, stack my treasure tomes up on the table, and dive in.
That was then – before I admitted to myself (much less the rest of the world) that I was a writer. Before traveling to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos for writing retreats. Before I went to see Natalie Goldberg read from Thunder and Lightning at, you guessed it, Orr Books.
It was the year 2001, and I convinced my friend, Gail, to go with me. I sat on a hard bench, back by the bodywork books, craning my neck to get a glimpse of Natalie. The store was packed.
I bought Thunder and Lightning that night. Natalie signed my copy of Writing Down the Bones (sneaking a quick peek inside the cover to see what edition I had) and mentioned that she was giving workshops in St. Paul. When I left the store, I had an extra bounce in my step. I told Gail I was going to sign up.
Many blue moons and 10 or 11 retreats later, my writing is going strong. But Orr Books is no more.
The closing of many independent bookstores across the country marks the end of an era. I’ve often heard Natalie say she knows a town is thriving if they have at least one independent bookstore.
It begs the question, are people even paying attention to the number of independent bookstores that remain standing in their hometowns? What are we as writers doing to breathe new life back into flagging stores. And are communities willing to spend the extra time and money to support them.
Below is the final letter distributed by Charlie and his staff at the closing, a history of the people and the store. Liz handed the crisp, white paper to me along with the last book she purchased from Orr Books – a copy of Ted Kooser’s Delights & Shadows.
Every time I pick up Ted’s book, I will think of Orr Books. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate its memory.
The History of Orr Books
-details provided by Charlie OrrThe facts go something like this:
Vera opened Uptown Bookstore (2908 Hennepin) during the Art Fair in August 1968. As she couldn’t afford to leave her job as the textbook buyer at the U of M, Charlie quit his job as a cabdriver, and worked for the first 6 months, then left for California with friends. Interesting fact: before hacking a taxi, Charlie had served in the U.S. Army as a Russian linguist.
Business was good for Vera, and in 1971 she opened a 2nd store, called Uptown Bookstore 2 (Roman numeral), where she sold new hard covers, while continuing to sell paperbacks at the original shop. When times got tough, she decided to close Uptown Bookstore 2. Vera called Charlie in California, in early 1973, to tell him this news.
Meanwhile, Charlie had been hustling used books to no great avail out west. He told Vera he would return, and take over the 2nd store, renaming it Orr Books. It was located at 3027 Hennepin Ave. before Calhoun Square was a twinkle in Ray Harris’ eye. Charlie’s partner in the new bookstore venture was Zarifah, a Sufi dance leader. They sold only used and collectible books, while Vera continued to sell new hard and soft cover books down the street.
In 1976, Vera gave up Uptown Bookstore, and went to work with Zarifah and Charlie, bringing along her faithful book buyers. Vera, in her day, had her own large and devoted following. Zarifah soon left to pursue other interests, and in 1977 Julia Wong was hired to assist Vera and Charlie.
In 1981, Calhoun Square opened, and Orr Books moved to its present location at 3043 Hennepin. During Julia’s 20-year career, Charlie hired various people you may remember: Wendy Knox, Helen Antrobus, Mary DuShane, Lynn Miller, Steve Thomes, and who knows else. Ben Orr came on board after high school. David started on his birthday in 1986. Liza started in 1994, and Peggy and Lorna have been the last part-timers.
The most profitable years were during the sale of textbooks for St. Mary’s Graduate School. The most interesting years were the fist 3-5, when, to survive, Charlie became a comic book dealer, a Beatles dealer, and most successfully, a baseball card dealer, even running auctions after hours to avid collectors.
It is with great regret that Charlie has decided to finalize Orr Books. Times change, as do we all. Charlie (and David and Peggy) now face, like you, the inevitable question: where will we now go to find the good books that nourish and please? It’s been a wonderful 34 years (39, including Uptown Bookstore) and they will always be fondly recalled.
-posted on red Ravine, Friday, September 7th, 2007
Hey, QM. I just read this. Big lump in my throat. It’s sad. Sorry you guys have lost this place. Ugh. I shop so much now at Borders, it’s disgusting. The independents are all close to the university, far from me. I go there when I’m near, but that’s not often enough.
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Thanks, y. I thought it was kind of cool that Orr handed out a history of the place and wanted to document it somewhere. The rest of this piece came out of a 15 minute writing practice on Orr Books.
If it’s true that places are remembered by the memories we associate with them, then this one has a little corner in my heart.
I worked for a large bookstore chain in downtown Minneapolis for a few years after I left my corporate job. It was a good way to bridge the gap from manager to writer. I loved being around all of the books. But the atmosphere was sure a far cry from a small independent.
The people there in the big chain had the same love of books. But somehow the atmosphere did not lend itself to long conversations about authors, poetry, and writing. We were encouraged to stay on task and sell, sell, sell.
I know a lot of people who order books online now. Cheaper, faster, don’t have to brave the crowds. It does make you wonder though – where are all the conversations about books going on these days?
Duluth, Minnesota has a great independent in Canal Park called Northern Lights Books. And Hibbing, Minnesota, has a great bookstore, too. A couple moved back to Hibbing (it was the hometown of one of them) and started Howard Street Booksellers.
What are your favorite independents in New Mexico? I did go to one in Taos and now I’m forgetting the name of it. It will come to me.
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Sometimes I even forget that small bookstores exist; I get so accustomed to going to the big chains. But reading your post it reminded me, and reminds me to thoughtfully consider where I spend the money in my book fund.
Oh, by the way, looking at $100 worth of books over a plate of lo mein sounds like a practice I’d like to mimic.
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Sinclair, the way you write that last sentence makes me hungry for that practice again, too. I went through this period in the 90’s where all I did was read. I was single, lived alone, went to work, did my art (in the art studio I had set up in my dining room), bought books, and read.
When I look back at that time, it was one of great transition and change. It was difficult because I felt lonely a lot of the time. But I grew immensely. And I learned about writing by reading other writers. That period would create a strong foundation for my writing life today.
Maybe I’ll find another independent off the list and create a new practice of books, spring rolls, and lo mein. It’s sure something to think about!
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This story sounds all too sadly familiar to me. There was a marvelous bookstore in Belmont Shore, a trendy little area, very popular both with visitors and locals. The more interest the area got, the more the landlords raised the already ridiculous rents. This family owned book store folded, after some 40 odd years, taking with them the most interesting collection of books (especially art) I’d ever seen.
Where I live, I feel very lucky to have a wonderful, used book store called Bookman II. I’ve never asked about what happen to Bookman I… 🙂
They buy and trade everything from the very rare to the most silly of romance novels and have a very good selection of all tastes at a very fair price. I believe their secret to staying open is the fact that they also have a buyer that selects very unusual gift items from all over the world and has them set in the window so you notice them first…some very unique stuff.
I have on numerous occasions bought someone a gift…so cheap and so cool…and then can’t get out without some old art or photography book that someone has just traded in. They also have a wonderful selection of beautifully bound, rare poetry books that I find hard to pass.
But QM, I have found very few people actually taking the time to sit and read a book anymore. I only have to look at my own family. Although they are bright and worldly people, they never even think to pick up a book. I find this very true of most people below 35 that I speak to. Why read when you can see the movie? They are shocked when I tell them I read at least one book a week and I can read classic literature until the cows come home…and they better, never come home. 😉
And to Liz..what a lovely, thoughtful gesture. It’s a wonderful thing for me to know… that you, QM, have that book to treasure…even after the loss of something so important to you…and that someone loved you enough to think of it.
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Heather, I’m glad you still have Bookman II. It does make me wonder as well what happened to Bookman I. 8) And, you are right, one of the great things about the older independents is that they tend to have great selections of low-priced older books about art, graphic design, film, and architecture with big color plates. I could spend hours browsing through that visual candy.
And thanks for your sweet comment about Liz. She is very thoughtful and supportive of me as a person and a writer. I couldn’t be luckier. She seems to get what it takes to pursue writing or art as she is a creative soul herself. Thank you for noticing. 8)
We are fortunate, too, to have a great selection of independents in the Twin Cities. One of the reasons I do live here is the great support for the arts and writing. But I guess even we are feeling the crunch of the stores big enough to mass market.
There was an independent store in St. Paul on Grand Avenue that I used to frequent when I first moved here in the early 80’s. It was across the street from Cafe Latte. So another ritual I had was to shop there and then go to Cafe Latte. I guess I do happen to like these book/food rituals. I can’t remember the name of that store now. But that was the time I began to see the shift from small stores to large chains in the Twin Cities.
You bring up an excellent point – are people reading books anymore? I have to admit, it was studying with Natalie in the Intensive over the last year that got me reading voraciously again. She is a big advocate of reading great literature. I’m all pumped up about great books and great writing.
After my reading jag in the 90’s, I had stopped reading as much. And now I can’t wait to get back to whatever good book I am in the middle of. This includes poetry which I love more than ever after writing a lot of haiku as part of my practice last year.
I like to believe that there will always be people who want to read, smell, feel a good book. I know I love to hold them in my hands, check out every detail of the publisher, date published, edition, and even the typeface and paper it’s printed on. I can’t imagine not having this experience anymore.
Maybe there will always be booklovers as long as there are writers like us who promote good books. 8) I will keep dreaming!
Oh, one other thing I think I mentioned in another comment on books, I had a great conversation with my nephew when I was home in Pennsylvania in June about Harper Lee and To Kill A Mockingbird. He was graduating from high school and had read it last year. It was delightful and unexpected to be able to talk books. It gave me hope!
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Dee’s 6th-grade English class came with a list of classics, and she even had to pick out two for summer reading. It’s great, because I can read them after she does!
In Albuquerque, we have Book Works in the north valley. Part of their success is that they’re located next to a hugely popular locally owned coffe shop/restaurant/bakery called Flying Star. The restaurant keeps the clientele coming, so there’s always foot traffic, even though it’s in an area that is not conducive to strolling. And the owners of the bookstore do a great job creating relationship with NM authors. Lots of book readings (Carolyn Flynn, who has contributed to red Ravine has read there), signings, conversations. It’s a lively place.
And then several other great books stores: Book Stop (I think that still them) in the Nob Hill area, Page One in the heights, and those are just off the top of my head. Nothing, though, in my immediate vicinty, and to tell the truth, I’m not sure something would survive. Maybe if it located adjacent to one of those very popular restaurants.
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I love independent book stores. Unfortunately, we don’t have one nearby. I find that strange given that the nearest town of any size is a university town.
We had a great independent book store near us when we were living in West Chester, PA (my husband was on sabbatical from December through July). I would spend hours in that place browsing, reading, and just enjoying being around all the books.
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Speaking of books and writers, there is an art show touring major cities in the country right now. Nancy Crampton photographed 48 authors, each author having told her (presumably) something about their writing path. These quotes are mounted under each picture, and are extremely interesting to read. I saw the show today at the Minneapolis Public Library gallery. Thanks to my work with Natalie Goldberg, I recognized more authors than anyone in my group…James Baldwin, Eudora Welty, John Cheever…to name a few. Since I have followed so much of Truman Capote’s path this last year, I was especially interested in reading what he said. In true Capote form, he talked about his IQ (very high), and how it influenced his writing. Truman, Truman. Everyone else had very rich, insightful things to say. If it comes to your city, it’s a must-see.
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Teri, thank you for sharing your thoughts about the Nancy Crampton show. It sounds fantastic.
We were scheduled to see it this week, too, but Liz ended up getting really sick. So we had to reschedule. Now that I read your review, I want to make sure that we get down to the library to see these photographs of writers and quotes about their writing before it leaves the Twin Cities on September 22nd.
What you say about Capote, I guess it’s true to form and in line with everything we have read about him. I can’t imagine an author talking about their IQ as something that led to good writing. But there you have it.
He did write a genius of a book in In Cold Blood. But you bring up the good point – authors and the books they write are two different things. Have you ever gone to see an author and been disappointed in their personalities or interactions with their audience?
This has only happened to me a couple of times. But it had a big impact. Most of the authors I’ve seen in person I have found to be very inspiring. It sounds like this photography show is, too.
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Robin, thanks for commenting. I’m happy to hear that there are still a few independent bookstores thriving in Pennsylvania. Most of my immediate family lives over in central PA. And now that I think about it, next time I am home, I want to check out and see where the closest independent is to my Mom’s house. We usually like to go out exploring a few times when I am back home.
ybonesy, I’d love to hear which two classics Dee picked out for summer reading. I can’t get enough of good book titles. Also you bring up a good point – independents do better when they are near other stores that are thriving. I think that was part of how Orr Books was able to survive so long. The Uptown area is constantly full of shoppers and I’m sure they had a lot of walk-in’s.
There was also a Borders in Calhoun Square that I think ended up closing. But there are two other really huge used/new bookstores within a block of what used to be Orr Books. And they seem to be surviving just fine. One deals with rare books, used, and collectibles. The other seems to be mostly used books with a few new thrown in.
Thank goodness there are still places in the area to shop for books that have a lot of character.
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[…] -related to post, What Happened to Orr Books? […]
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What a bittersweet entry. I got really excited in the middle. Natalie Goldberg! Writing Down the Bones! I have that book.
Barbara Kingsolver has an essay about the impact independent bookstores had on her career. She says she couldn’t have made it without the countless book sellers who believed in her first book and passed it, by hand, to customers they thought might enjoy it. That essay is in ‘High Tide in Tucson’ I think.
It isn’t just bookstores, alas. As the gigantic ‘meet all your needs’ stores like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and the giant booksellers move in, making all the towns in America more and more homogenous, it’s only the very popular or the very tenacious small businesses that seem to hold out.
It’s sad to watch it happen.
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amuirin, I love Barbara Kingsolver. But haven’t read her in a while. I think she’s got a new book out. Liz ran into it in the social psych section when she was browsing the other day. One of our readers also said she was reading it – now I’m trying to remember who that was. Maybe someone will enlighten me. 8)
You know, we have a small hardware store near us that we love. And every year I keep wondering how they make it. I love small hardware stores and they are another dying breed. When I was in art school we went to New Prague, Minnesota and photographed the town for a day. I fell in love with the old hardware store there and almost never made it out. Original brass handles on old wooden drawers…don’t get me started!
You are right – it’s the culture in general that is becoming more homogenous. I guess it comes down to time and money. I try to support the smaller places when I can, even if I have to pay a little more. Every little bit!
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This is such a painful entry in so many ways: I have small bookstore memories, and I remember a time in my life when I felt certain I would retire to a life running a bookstore/coffee shop–in the days before that was a sitcom setting or the words Starbucks/Java City had meaning.
As much as I made/make use of libraries and book swapping sites, I have to admit buying books is an almost unequaled joy, and in the same spirit of admission, had I not been able to buy books from the chains, my shelves would be missing many favorites.
Sometimes the marching on of time is an awful sound.
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Shawn, I thought about the bookstore/coffee shop thing, too. It seemed like the perfect job. But then I started to notice the hours they worked and wondered when I’d ever get any writing done!
I’ve bought a lot of books from chains, too. I have succumbed to the ease and convenience. And sometimes it’s just nice to be invisible and anonymous in a big store full of books, music, and everything under the sun related to pens, paper, cards, magazines, and writing.
But in my heart, I long for the old days sometimes. Not that they were necessarily better…maybe more slow and sweet. Yes, time sure does march on, doesn’t it. Thanks so much for your comment.
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I was in a library in a small town today…wooden shelves, big windows, quiet environment. I was looking in their fiction section, and many of the books had covers that looked like the originals. The volumes were old, but in great shape. When I was looking at the collection of Steinbeck books, the thought crossed my mind to lift them. I thought back to the entrance. Was there one of those white thresholds that had a book-stealing alarm? There wasn’t. It’s lucky they didn’t have a copy of Travels With Charley. I was that close.
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Wow, Sinclair, yes. I almost lifted Baldwin and Cheever out of the Taos library, although that was mostly because I was panicked that I needed them for a workshop discussion and hadn’t brought my copies from home. (Then I discovered I could get a temporary library card even though I didn’t live there — so, theft averted.)
But I have noticed that I often have the urge to steal something at different stores. I used to have that urge a lot as a teenager and young woman, and I *still* get it. What is it? I have to believe it has something to do with growing up and having parents who were extremely thrifty. We never got to buy extras, cool stuff, stuff just for the sake of having stuff. Maybe now that I can afford to, there’s a voice in me saying I shouldn’t do it (unless, of course, I can “have” it without actually paying for it).
How about you? What accounted for your near transgression?
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My belief as I stood at the library shelves was that I was the only person who would truly, truly value the Steinbeck books. I justified that (likely) they’re rarely checked out, and no one would miss them. I had this same sensation when I went to the hometown of another favorite author and his books were gathering dust in a dimly-lit corner. What stopped me that time was the idea that perhaps some high schooler in the town would one day be curious and seek out his writing.
I’ll have to admit, I was also telling myself that I deserved the books. They wanted me to take them home. They were meant to be mine.
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QM- Robin at Bountiful Healing is reading Barbara Kingsolver’s ‘Animal, Vegetable, Miracle’ currently. I think that’s the new one.
It’s on my to read list. I’m still having a love affair with Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat Pray Love’.
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Good to know, Sinclair, that your urge was prompted out of your love for and desire to rescue literature, whereas mine was simply coming from my inner criminal ; – ).
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amuirin, thanks for the Kingsolver title. I need to pick it up. It seems to me like breathepeace might have mentioned it a while ago, too. But I can’t remember now.
At any rate, I am adding it to my read list, too. I should ask Robin if she thinks the Kingsolver book belongs in the social psych section. We were kind of surprised by that.
But I was talking to both ybonesy and Liz today (at different times, in different states!) about how books sometimes end up in strange sections of bookstores. Especially memoirs. They seem to end up everywhere. How *do* they make those decisions?
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ybonesy, I forgot you now have a Taos library card. I remember that Baldwin/Cheever story when we met in Taos that week. 8) I do covet old, original books. Liz ordered some first edition William James books for her classes this year and it’s really cool to have them around. They feel and smell like – well, old books.
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[…] The independent Minneapolis bookstore closed last summer. Read a full account of its closing in the related post, What Happened To Orr Books? […]
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Good news on independent book stores…
I went today (for the first time) to Garrison Keillor’s bookstore in St. Paul, Common Good Books. It is located in the historic Blair Arcade, a building that overlooks an area F. Scott Fitzgerald wandered around while he wrote This Side of Paradise.
Suffice it to say, I have found my bookstore. It is small (but not tiny), the staff is knowledgeable and strikes me as the type who will get to know their patrons, and it is stacked floor to ceiling with fabulous titles.
Painted on the green walls are quotes, five of which I copied down for the redRavine community:
“Make haste slowly. There is luck in leisure.”
“It’s never too late to wake up and face the facts.”
“Work less. Read More.”
“Live local. Read large.”
“Pray for clarification.”
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Teri, this is a feast for the eyes. I heard about Garrison’s bookstore but have never visited. Now I must. Does it add honey to the mix that it’s in the Blair Arcade? 8)
I like the last two quotes. Live local, read large – I try to live by. Pray for clarification sounds like a recovery slogan, doesn’t it?
Common Good Books…I’ll check it out. Does it have both new and used books?
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Yes, I am quite partial to the name of the building, since you’ve asked. Blair is an Irish name, and F. Scott was an Irish lad. It must have been an Irish community back in the 20’s.
There are only new books (that’s all I saw, anyway). There are fun sections like “Midwestern Writers.” I bought Will Weaver’s latest book (he’s from Bemidji, MN), and I was happy to see a nearly complete inventory of Sinclair Lewis books–obviously. There is also a full schedule of author readings (these take place at the church down the street) that Common Good Books sponsors.
Yesterday I heard about a 9th grade girl named Grace who is starting a book club for high school freshman. They are reading the classics. So between Garrison’s store and Grace’s book club, I have renewed hope.
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Teri, thanks for those quotes. I like them all, but like QM the last two are my favorites.
I was in Costco yesterday over lunch, and I noticed how Costco has a few certain books. Ann Patchett’s memoir and one by Anne Lamott. Does Costco only feature national bestsellers? How do some books end up there, where they surely get bought by the masses, while others don’t? It’s curious.
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I took myself on an Artist’s Date this morning to another independent bookstore–Birchbark Books in Minneapolis. The owner, author Lousie Erdrich, is going to be at the Minneapolis Public Library in February reading with her two author sisters, Heid and Lise. This coming event spurred me on to the store.
So….I was pretty much undone. The store is gorgeous, full of herbs and Native music and quality books. On shelf after shelf I saw books and authors I am dying to read. I asked her if they are going to carry Natalie Goldberg’s new book in February. Before the question was out of my mouth, Susan The Employee was assuring me they were. “Natalie Goldberg? Oh, yes. We’re big fans.” I’ve got my name on the list for the first shipment they receive.
I ended up leaving with a new copy of Stoner by John Williams. Something I’ve wanted every since I read my library copy for Taos.
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It might not be evident to you as much as it is to me, Teri, but the notion that you’re reading so many good books, going to hear authors read and talk, and then visiting these book stores — it’s amazing. What a simple thing to do, each one of these things, but the fact that you’re doing all three with such mindfulness, it’s quite inspiring!
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Teri, I find these writing pilgrimages you take to be equally inspiring. It seems they have become part of your practice.
I’ve never been to Louise’s bookstore, Birchbark Books. But have always wanted to see it. BTW, Liz loves her (she is from North Dakota after all) and we both listened to The Master Butchers Singing Club on tape a few years ago and compared notes. (Liz is the one that pointed out her house over by the old Guthrie to me.)
I’m sad to say, I haven’t yet looked for a replacement for Orr Books. But you’ve given me quite a few suggestions. What was the other one you went to in St. Paul? Was it the Garrison Keillor one?
Oh, I’m thrilled you bought Stoner! I want to read that book again sometime.
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When I got to Birchbark today, I asked the woman working if she was Louise Erdrich. She said, “No, I’m Susan. Louise comes in several times a week, but she’s writing.” A simple comment, right? Writers spend their time writing. It reminded me of what Natalie and Rob Wilder both talked about in Taos the first week of December. No one stands over you asking you if you’re writing. You have to just write. It’s up to you. Go write. Period.
They were also quick to say how hard that is. Maybe even Louise is finding it hard today. Even though she has published a stack of books and has a great bookstore.
Yes, Garrison’s store is call Common Good Books, located in St. Paul. They’re both amazing. Oh, and with clerks who appear to have read everything in the store. Nice.
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[…] What Happened To Orr Books? Bookstores across the country are closing every month. Buy Independent! […]
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Thank you so much for the info on Orr. Living in Saint Paul,I don’t get over to Hennepin Ave as much as I would like (I know, a bit pathetic), so when I saw Orr was gone, a huge sadness befell me. Definitely my all time fav bookstore–so sad to see it gone. I know Charlie had talked about moving it elsewhere, but I guess I now know I can stop wondering. Thanks again.
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Kimberly, thank you so much for commenting about Orr Books. It made me sad all over again to read that you had gone back over to the location where Orr Books used to be and found it was gone. I was sad the last time I walked by there and found the place empty (and I even knew it was gone).
When I walked by, I felt compelled to photograph the empty store front. Here’s a link: 3043 – What’s Left Behind (LINK).
BTW, one of our readers has suggested Birch Bark Books (Louise Erdrich’s bookstore) and Common Good Books (Garrison’s bookstore – see details at this post: Natalie Goldberg – Old Friend From Far Away (Two Reasons To Buy Independent) (LINK) ) as two really good Independents in the Twin Cities. I have since been to Common Good and it’s great – packed with books, in a great part of town and a historic building. I have yet to make the pilgrimage to Birch Bark. But I will.
Oh, I totally know what you mean about getting over to Minneapolis from St. Paul — because I never get over to St. Paul from Minneapolis! Just think, we are right across the Mississippi but you would think it was miles away!
I went to a workshop in downtown St. Paul last week and, if I had not had a good map and instructions from Liz, would have been totally lost. The streets are laid out so differently. Minneapolis and St. Paul — Twin Cities that could not be more different!
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How sad to hear Orr Books is closed. A friend just sent me a link to this article above which brought tears to my eyes and sadness to my heart when I read it. I moved to Madison Wisconsin in 1997, just over 11 years ago, and so, my visits to Orr Books have been few and far between since then. But it’s always in my mind whenever I travel and find a new independent bookstore…Orr was just the best. I could always find just what I needed, even tho’ I may not have known what I needed when I arrived. They even supported me with great book finds all through my days as a Master’s student at St. Mary’s University of MN, 1994-1996. They were my reason for going to Uptown and I will remember Orr Books with a smile whenever I’m in the area. Blessings to all the staff who supported it at the end…may you find happiness in your new lives.
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Ann Marie, I just remembered I had wanted to respond to your comment yesterday. Thank you for taking the time to talk about your experience with Orr Books. I’ll be heading over to Wisconsin for a weekend writing retreat at the end of next week. I’ll give a wave to you!
You know, Orr used to be one of my reasons for heading over to the Uptown area, too (along with the great old Independent theaters). We were driving through there with Liz’s family last weekend and I noted how much Uptown has changed in the last 10 years. Lots of development.
It’s heartening to read of others who were inspired by Orr Books over the years. I think Charlie Orr’s Vision will live on in all of the writers, readers, and authors who stopped into 3043 Hennepin.
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[…] Orr Books, Borders, and the Lotus are gone. Uptown is a shell of its former self. What used to be trendy has moved on. Or maybe it was me. […]
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I knew Charlie, Julia, David, Peggy, Liza and bought almost all the books I ever owned at Orr Books. Even after moving to Asheville, one of my first stops when back in Minneapolis was Orr; I really miss Charlie’s particular eclectic menu. Asheville has a number of small book stores, the most prominent of which is Malaprops. Small enough to get to know the owner, but big enough to have a barrista, a few menu items, free wifi, and a space for author events, it is in the heart of downtown, just a few steps from our own block long Wall Street (which is more like a Boulder street than a New York one). While it’s nice to be able to buy a book and read it while sipping tea under the same roof, I do miss Orr Books. Thanks for keeping the memory alive.
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Laurel, so great to meet another person who remembers Orr Books. When I go to the Uptown area now, I hardly remember the old days when I used to peruse the small Indie shops that lined the streets. I did spend a lot of time and money at Orr. Charlie did have books that were hard to find in other places. I used to like that about his store. I remember walking by there when it closed and how empty it felt. Now bookstores everywhere are closing. It’s so hard for them to make it, even the large stores like Borders. To me there is no experience like walking into a good Indie bookstore. I heard that Northern Lights in Duluth was closing. I used to visit there when I’d stay out on Canal Park and visit Lake Superior. I’ll miss that shop as well. I drive around the Twin Cities a lot and see so many empty shells of businesses that closed over the last few years. It makes you wonder what will eventually emerge from all of the changes. Say Hi to Asheville. And thanks for stopping by.
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[…] out to the fading animal that are the corner bookstores. I’m still stinging from the loss of Orr Books, and I would like to extend a middle finger to the people who tore down and evicted that entire […]
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[…] out to the fading animal that are the corner bookstores. I’m still stinging from the loss of Orr Books, and I would like to extend a middle finger to the people who tore down and evicted that entire […]
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