Cozy up in the young adult reading lounge at Olde Towne Book Shop in Louisiana
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have co-owner Jamie Lewis of Olde Towne Book Shop in Slidell, Louisiana.
What’s your store’s story?
Olde Towne Book Shop is a cozy, women-owned bookshop located in historic Olde Towne Slidell, Louisiana. We offer new and used books and both in-store and online shopping experiences, making us accessible to readers nationwide. Opened in May 2024, OTBS is owned and operated by two authors with a mission to promote and improve literacy across southeast Louisiana while developing lifelong readers and writers. We pride ourselves on being a safe, inclusive space that celebrates everyone for who they are and who they strive to be.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
While our shelves are packed with titles for readers of all ages and genre preferences, we also feature book-related products created by local artists: bookmarks, vinyl stickers, apparel, drinkware, crocheted reading buddies and much more. We partner with local small businesses to create memorable gifts for book lovers, including book bouquets made with fresh flowers and book boxes packed with a personal touch. Our author events and 'Featured Locals' shelf spotlights the talented writers in our region. We connect even further with our community through our monthly book club, writing circle, children's programs and other literacy-centric services. We're most proud of the events that support our mission to promote and improve literacy, such as our school sponsorship program that donates new books to school libraries.
What's your favorite section in your store?
My favorite section is our young adult lounge. It includes our inventory of YA favorites, signed novels, and new discoveries. We have an assortment of board games and activities to grab and play in-store. A large chalkboard wall invites young adults (and young-at-heart adults) to leave positive, personalized messages. Our goal is to provide this safe, dynamic space for after-school socialization and group hangouts. We're constantly adding to it to make it more inviting.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
Lately, I've found myself recommending Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime" to several patrons. The way he mixes his natural humor with very real-life traumas while telling his story leaves readers captivated. It hits the heart in so many ways and is a hard story to forget.
The continuation of "The Hunger Games" series has everyone of all ages excited. This series is so often the one that turns hesitant young readers into voracious book lovers, making it all the more special.
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
"When You Had Power," the first in Susan Kaye Quinn's "Nothing is Promised" series. Hopepunk is a genre in speculative fiction that doesn't get much attention, but we need more of it, and Quinn writes it beautifully. The novel introduces us to a near-future world in shambles and the families who are working to rebuild it. As our real world becomes more dystopian, the fictional worlds to which we escape can be our glimmer of hope.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Local, independent shops are important anchors to the surrounding community. We re-home secondhand books while introducing others to new-to-them authors and titles. We establish a personal connection with our patrons, enhancing the bookstore experience. By shopping at indie bookstores and taking advantage of services and programs, the community benefits most while keeping money in the local economy.
What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?
Summer's in full swing, and Olde Towne Book Shop's got events and programs for everyone. Since June 1, we've been celebrating "Genre Days." Save 20% on books from the featured genre of the day when you shop in-store and online. On July 12, author Dawn Chartier will hold a signing event to promote her latest paranormal romance, "The Fallen Guardian." On August 15, we're offering our fourth Paint Your Own Book Edges workshop. This easy-to-follow class guarantees you'll leave with a gorgeous custom special edition of your book of choice.
A schedule of our monthly recurring events can be found on oldetownebooks.com as well as our social media. These events include preschool story socials and other literacy-focused events for young readers, our Monday book club and morning silent book club, and our writing circle filled with authors and creative writers of all levels of experience.