By Ann-Marie Gariepy
In the four years since Lingle and family have owned Off The Beaten Path Bookstore in Lakewood, NY there have been some major changes. First, a location change. Moving to a larger storefront just up the road at 124 Chautauqua Avenue, allowed for room for the owner, the customers and the books to breathe. Next, maneuvering, owning and operating a business while the street underwent a massive removal and replacement project. And now, after a year and a half in their new location, you’ll find a new name, credo and vibe.
Welcome to the newly named Good Neighbor Bookstore! No longer tucked away in its former location, “Off the Beaten Path didn’t seem to make sense anymore”, said Lingle when we spoke. Promoting empathy and diversity the new name came to him in the fall and, “more fits the personality of what the store already is”.
Inspired by a duo you may not have considered, owner Bob Lingle drew from Mr. Rodgers and Kurt Vonnegut to lend to customers and the community the idea that, “You’ve got to be kind”.
The moment you walk into the space you see and feel the changes that have been made. The new logo, designed by his brother Steve Lingle of Orchard Park’s, Quilted Squirrel and printed by Falconer Printing, adorns not only the front window of the store but is also represented throughout the store as wall art, merchandise such as totes, tees and hoodies. Pops of yellow, brought to you by Bob’s daughter, bring the sunshine in and are sure to bring a smile to your face and put some pep in your step each time you enter.
Rebranding has helped Lingle hone in on what the Good Neighbor Bookstore will offer in the delicate task curating titles and help to identify events based on its new name. During a virtual event dubbed “Publicity Speed Dating”, Lingle was able to present a 15-minute pitch to more than 100 small and major publishing companies with the hopes of creating partnerships with the Good Neighbor Bookstore to bring in their titles. Lingle also uses “cold calls” to publishing companies and authors in order to offer a wide variety of genres and titles to our local store.
Much to the delight of everyone involved, live virtual events that were begun at the height of the pandemic have continued bringing with them the ability for customers and the community to connect with author events that would not normally be accessible to those living in smaller areas such as ours. Most recently, the virtual event was a conversation with Adrea Theodore and Erin k Robinson about their book, A History of Me. In-person events, such as the December book signing with Wendy Loggia, will continue featuring local authors as the opportunity presents itself.
Indie Bookstore Day is always a big celebration at the bookstore. This national one-day party held the last Saturday in April celebrates independent bookstores across the country online and in store. Preparations are already underway and exclusive items have already been ordered. From signed copies of books to book related items and free giveaways there will be something for everyone who comes through the door. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, April 30, 2022. You won’t want to miss it! All events are FREE and open to the public.
Inspiring people to be and do better and contribute in a positive way to the community was the driving force behind the changes the Lingle’s have made to their store. And though the name has changed you’ll still find the same smiling face, and sometimes a helper or two behind the counter, and wonderful selection of books, toys and specialty items you’ve come to know and appreciate in the town of Lakewood. It’s the small business with the big heart.
It’s a great feeling to be a good neighbor. For more information please follow the Good Neighbor Bookstore on Facebook or www.goodneighborbooks.com.