Charming on the outside, cozy on the inside—these, along with a vast assortment of new and used children’s books—are the ingredients that make Alphabet Soup Books a destination for booklovers young and old.
This Friday, Alphabet Soup Books will be celebrating its fifth anniversary—a comforting milestone considering the demise of independent booksellers. While Bailey/Coy Books closed its doors last month after 26 years, and the iconic Elliott Bay Book Company is struggling to stay afloat, this tiny gem in Wallingford seems to have lasting power, perhaps due in part by the fact that its steady flow of customers and owner Janet Cavallo share a common lifelong passion for books.
I spoke with Janet on a rainy Sunday afternoon—the perfect day for perusing a bookstore—and she filled me in on the origins of the store.
MS: How did you come to choose Wallingford as a location for the bookstore?
JC: I had been planning the store for a year and a half and when I saw this location, it was perfect. It was exactly how I’d envisioned it. It was a little smaller than I expected, but it actually worked out to be the perfect size. When I opened, people in the neighborhood were really excited. I have a really loyal customer base and I think that’s been what we’ve been able to build our foundation on.
MS: This area here—west of Wallingford Avenue—has always been perceived as “nebulous” since most retailers are clustered a little closer to the Wallingford Center and further east. Have you noticed that? Has that changed with Molly Moon’s and Archie McPhee opening on this side of Wallingford Avenue?
JC: We’re a little bit off the beaten path as far as Wallingford is concerned, but people find us all the time. I have people call me and ask, “You’re in the Wallingford Center, right?” and my response is always, “We’re between the Chevron station and Musashi’s.” But new people are finding us all the time. I’ve noticed a boost (in traffic) since Archie McPhee opened, and people stop by either because they’re coming from or going to Molly Moon’s or Musashi’s.
MS: You’re a full-time public defender. What made you decide to open a children’s bookstore?
JC: I have a lifelong passion for books and I basically followed my heart. Sometimes I feel like this is a hobby for me, but it’s a good balance.
MS: What do you like about being a children’s bookseller?
JC: One of the things I love about it is to see kids come in and get really excited about books. Yesterday, there was a little girl in here and she was spending her entire allowance on books, and trying to decide which books she was going to get, and that’s really sweet. The other thing I love is when people come in and they’re amazed when they find books that they had when they were kids. I know I get excited when I find a book I had when I was a kid. Sometimes I feel like I’m reliving my childhood, too, which is fun.
MS: What sort of things do you do to keep customers coming back?
JC: We’ve added live music and have had Recess Monkey, Caspar Babypants, and The Not-Its perform. Also, we’ve tied-in with the Wednesday night Art Walks during the summer where we’ve held trivia contests.
MS: What would you like to see happen with the store over the next five years?
JC: I’m hoping to continue with our Live Music at the Soup series and expand our Wednesday night trivia contests, coinciding again with the Wallingford Art Walk. I’m hoping to build up our fantasy books section in response to customer suggestions. My two biggest dreams for 2010 are to start an author’s series and also to host regular book groups for young readers.
On Friday, November 27, Alphabet Soup Books will kick-off its five-year anniversary celebration. Here’s a run-down of the events happening at the store:
All day Friday, November 27, customers will save 20% off all new books and framed pictures.
On Saturday, November 28, Seattle band Board of Education rocks the Soup at 10:30 a.m.
Following at 11:30 a.m. Board of Education band member and author Kevin Emerson reads from his Oliver Nocturne series for ages 8 and older.
On Saturday, December 5, Caspar Babypants returns to sing songs from his new “More Please,” as well as some old favorites.
Refreshments and snacks will be served all three days, and the store will hold three separate raffles for an Alphabet Soup Gift Certificate — just in time for the holidays!
For more information, visit Alphabet Soup Books’ blog or become a fan on their Facebook page.