Back Cove Books: A Portland, ME Indie Bookstore Spotlight
Independent bookstores serve as vital cornerstones of their communities, providing a vibrant cultural hub, stimulating local economies, fostering literacy, championing diverse voices, and advocating for the freedom to read. They offer a personalized and authentic connection between readers and books, a stark contrast to the impersonal nature of online retailers. Each week, we shine a light on a unique independent bookstore, exploring what makes it special and sharing their expert book recommendations.
This week, we journey to Portland, Maine, to discover Back Cove Books, a relatively new addition to the city’s thriving literary scene.
A Story of Community and Connection
Back Cove Books opened its doors in the fall of 2022, quickly establishing itself as a women-owned, community-focused haven for book lovers. The store’s design and atmosphere are intentionally inviting, encouraging visitors to linger and explore. Stepping inside Back Cove Books feels like entering a welcoming living room, a space designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
What Sets Back Cove Books Apart?
Back Cove Books’ mission extends far beyond simply selling books. They are dedicated to being a true community hub, a place where people can gather, connect, and celebrate the power of stories. This commitment is evident in their diverse inventory, catering to readers of all ages and interests. The store’s layout is thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating areas throughout, including a cozy couch and chairs in the fiction section, a dedicated reading nook in the children’s area, and even an old bank vault transformed into a unique reading space.
The bookstore actively partners with local authors, artists, and businesses, showcasing the vibrant creativity of the Portland community. The walls are adorned with permanent murals by talented local artists Rachel Gloria Adams and Bevin Holmberg, and the store regularly features artwork from other local creatives. Back Cove Books hosts a wide range of events, providing opportunities for the community to come together and engage with books, art, and each other.
Further solidifying their commitment to the community, Back Cove Books is a proud Little League sponsor and a generous donor to numerous local and national organizations, including Portland Maine Public Schools, Mechanics Hall, and the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. Demonstrating their dedication to supporting vulnerable members of the community, one percent of all annual sales from their children’s section are donated to the Center for Grieving Children, a local nonprofit that provides vital support to grieving children, teens, young adults, families, and the community.
The Heart of the Store: The Kids Corner
When asked about their favorite section in the store, the team at Back Cove Books enthusiastically points to their enchanting kids corner. This space is designed to be a welcoming and engaging haven for young readers, with ample room to get comfortable, explore the shelves, and read alongside their parents or caregivers.
Board books and picture books are strategically placed on the lowest shelves, allowing even the youngest visitors to access them independently. The walls are adorned with vibrant murals by local artists, creating an atmosphere of bright, enveloping whimsy that sparks imagination and curiosity.
Back Cove Books places a strong emphasis on diversity and representation in their children’s inventory, ensuring that every visitor has the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. They carefully curate their selection to include books that feature diverse characters, experiences, and authors, promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging for all children.
Expert Recommendations: Books to Ignite Your Imagination
When it comes to recommending books, the team at Back Cove Books understands that each reader has unique preferences and desires. They tailor their recommendations to individual tastes, considering factors such as atmosphere, emotion, humor, depth, and genre.
However, one book that has resonated deeply with the staff in 2024 is "Beautyland" by Marie-Helene Bertino. They describe Bertino’s writing as "unforgivingly emotive, effective, and moving." They marvel at her ability to transform a seemingly fantastical story about a girl sending messages to her alien world via an old fax machine into a profoundly human tale.
Another book that the bookstore believes deserves more attention is "Rootless" by Krystle Zara Appiah. This thought-provoking novel challenges readers to confront their preconceived notions about good and bad, forcing them to recognize the complexities of human nature. Back Cove Books highlights the story’s power to evoke nuanced feelings, especially around the often unseen labor that mothers and partners of color bear, and the societal toll this takes.
The Importance of Shopping Local
Back Cove Books passionately advocates for the importance of supporting local, independent bookstores. They emphasize that shopping indie first is the best way to keep local communities thriving, creating jobs, supporting community events, revitalizing downtowns, and providing places for people to gather.
They highlight the personalized service and genuine connection that independent bookstores offer, a stark contrast to the impersonal nature of online retailers. At Back Cove Books, the staff recognizes regular customers and celebrates their children’s literary discoveries.
In a world that often feels divisive and increasingly reliant on social media, Back Cove Books provides a physical space for people to connect and be among community. They encourage visitors to spend time in the store, regardless of whether they make a purchase, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
The staff at Back Cove Books are your neighbors, not homogenized algorithms, providing personalized recommendations tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
Supporting local businesses, including independent bookstores, has a significant economic impact on the community. Nearly 70% of the money spent at local businesses stays within the local community, compared to only 43% when shopping at a chain store.
Upcoming Events and Partnerships
Back Cove Books is committed to providing a vibrant calendar of events and programs for the community. In addition to traditional author events, they host story times, book clubs, knitting nights with Work in Progress Art Studio, an annual poetry festival, writing nights, and holiday events.
They are currently planning exciting events for Indie Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 26th, including inviting local artists and illustrators to decorate their windows in real time.
They are also thrilled to welcome back Lynn Steger Strong for the release of her new book, "The Float Test," in May, in conversation with her friend Rebecca Traister, author of "Good and Mad".
Back Cove Books is more than just a bookstore; it’s a community hub, a cultural destination, and a testament to the power of books to connect us all. The next time you’re in Portland, Maine, be sure to visit Back Cove Books and experience the magic for yourself.
