It’s Meet a Bookseller Monday, and we’re proud to introduce Tamzin Malone of Main Street Books in Lafayette, Indiana.
How did you get into bookselling?
An indie bookstore in my town went out of business, and I bought their inventory and shelves, moved a block away, and built a new indie bookstore on that foundation. I had no bookselling or retail experience (but lots of reading and shopping experience, so I knew what I wanted to see in a bookstore).
What do you love most about being a bookseller?
My customers! I have some wonderful regulars. I love discussing books and getting book recommendations from my customers. They make coming to work every day a joy – and so very *interesting.*
Second favorite thing: going to book conferences and meeting other booksellers, and authors.
What do you love most about your bookstore?
So many things. I love our location in a thriving historic downtown, and our restored 1837 brick building. I love that we are a fiercely independent bookstore, featuring diverse voices. We partner with local organizations to promote literacy, writing, theatre, pet adoption, and ending domestic violence.
Mostly I love the feeling when I walk in, flip on the lights, inhale the aroma of books, and think, “this is mine.”
What are you listening to right now?
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
What audiobooks would you recommend or are among your favorites?
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner and Educated by Tara Westover
Where / when do you listen to audiobooks?
Mostly in my car, but sometimes in the bookstore when it’s quiet, or in my bathtub.
What is your favorite thing about audiobooks through Libro.fm?
Listening to really wonderful narrators read to me.
What do you do when you’re not selling books?
Read books.