Amy Kane is the owner of The Bookstore in Haines. (Photo by Henry Leasia)
Bookworms in Haines will have a new store to satisfy their bibliophilic needs in just a few days. After months of preparation, Amy Kane will host the grand opening of her new bookstore during First Friday.
The bookstore on Main Street has changed hands a few times over the years. For a long time it was known as The Babbling Book. Then it was called The Babbling Book and Dragon’s Nook. More recently it was renamed The Moosterious Emporium. When Amy Kane moved into the space this winter, she decided to call it what it is: The Bookstore.
There is new flooring with lots of open space, long wall to wall shelves of books, antique military furniture from WWII, a floral mural on the back wall, and a signature owl design that serves as the logo for the bookstore.
Aside from the mural, the colors in the room are pretty subdued. Kane says that’s intentional.
“I wanted to do neutral colors so that they disappeared into the background and what stands out is the books, which is the whole point,” Kane says.
Kane has always loved being around books. She worked at the Denver Public Library for a couple years as a circulation clerk.
More recently she has been involved in the commercial fishing and restaurant industries. She ran her own restaurant in Sitka for 7 years. The Larkspur Cafe operated out of the same building as KCAW, better known as Raven Radio.
“The best part about it was to have that symbiotic relationship with the radio station—have a place downstairs where people could get coffee while they’re doing radio 24 hours a day,” Kane says. “Also, when they brought musicians in they would play in the cafe.”
Kane says she plans to have similar musical performances at The Bookstore during events like First Friday.
Right now she is focused on the nuts and bolts of running a business. She has been busy setting up accounts with publishers and wholesalers. She’s excited to see what kind of special orders are placed at her shop once it is up and running.
“You know, who wants the really nerdy science books? Or someone really into vintage harlequin romances or these categories that maybe aren’t in the main list of categories. I’m excited to meet those people.”
And what is Kane reading these days?
“You know, it’s kind of sad but what I’m reading is bookkeeping for dummies. I have to admit it puts me right to sleep.”
The Bookstore will open to the public during First Friday this week.
