Cupboard Maker Books Award Gets PennLive Recognition

We’ve talked a lot about Michelle Haring at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, Pa. Usually, it’s through the booksignings and events held there, most times with our participation.

This time, it has nothing to do with us. Michelle was honored recently by Romance Writers of America as its Bookseller of the Year.

This is a big deal. It’s a legitimate honor, recognizing the work she and her staff have put into holding events and promoting good books. Not just romance (which is one of her favorite genres), but all kinds of books.

We’re also happy to see that Pennlive has taken notice of this honor.

It’s a tough job running a bookstore. It’s all about managing the cash flow, staff, customers, and setting the tone of the shop. The last part, especially, because you have to have a reason to get people to come to your store. You can have great stock, but if you get the impression that you’re not welcome, why go back. (I remember one comic book store that gave me that very vibe on the first visit. There wasn’t a second, even though the store was within walking distance of home!)

At Cupboard Maker, you always feel welcome. There’s the stacks of books on all kinds of subjects that encourages you to get lost in them. There’s the wide selection of titles, so if I didn’t see a Rex Stout to add to my library, I can check out the Agatha Christies or the Ellery Queens. Or I can take a flyer on a new author.

I have a particular fondness for the cats, whether they’re the house kitties or the adoptable ones in the cages.

Then there’s the staff, some of whom are beginning writers themselves. Hearing them is encouraging to me, and I look forward to seeing them find their way in their artistic journey.

Great Author Events

We’ve come out for some great author events, too. I got to meet Jimmy Gownley, whose signed memoir, “The Worse Idea Ever”, sits next to his “Amelia Rules” series on my bookshelf. We’ve bought several books by Maria V. Snyder, who is always a popular draw to the store.

It’s pretty safe to say that without booksellers like Michelle and Deb Beamer over at Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop, I wouldn’t have a social life at all.

So if I had a glass next to me of Guinness (way too early in the day for it), let me raise it to Michelle and the staff and cats at Cupboard Maker Books. You deserve the recognition.