Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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"Public libraries receive less than 1% of all tax dollars and are used by more than 50
percent of the population." |
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Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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On Telegraph Avenue
In early January, I was driving on Alcatraz Avenue in Oakland on my way toward San Pablo Avenue. As I waited for the light to change on Alcatraz and Telegraph, I saw a quick glimpse of an eye-catching storefront sign that immediately attracted my attention. “BOOK ZOO“. Could that be a new bookstore on Telegraph Avenue? Hmmm. Will need to return and check it out. And so I did.
Large-size windows flank the entrance door. Someone walking by can easily look at the window displays and be tempted to walk inside and seek what might pique her/his interest. Before entering the store itself, the shopper may first avail her/himself of books that are placed on a cart directly in front, and then bring the book(s) inside for purchase. Customers may put money through the mail-slot if they are not inside at that moment. Solid-looking hardwood floors, a high ceiling and good lighting contribute to a comfortable place for readers to sit down on a small couch (or chair) in the center of the room, or just walk around and browse through the many choices of books and pamphlets to look at and enjoy. A terrarium created by a 6-year old child, various plants and an assortment of glass and vases adorn the front of the store. “We keep our prices down,” the co-owners told me. They emphasize the crucial need to support independent bookstores, where booklovers browse, gently handle and read books in a low-key atmosphere, and ask questions and receive answers from knowledgeable staff persons. The Book Zoo also offers gift certificates for customers who want to share this bookstore’s treasure with their family and friends!
That evening, I was pleasantly surprised to see several customers walking in that evening to visit the “zoo” who apparently chose to ignore the CLOSED sign on the unlocked door as we started talking. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the open, friendly, welcoming interaction between the co-owners and the customers. This ambience of unexpected customers is part of the charm of this independent bookstore. What does one find in a Book Zoo? The adventurous, the exotic, the erotic, the poetic, and the pathetic. In sum, just having a great time traveling in the world of one’s imagination. What a great world that is! I sampled some of the “funny” and/or “interesting” books currently available at the store. Those include the 1938 Penn State Yearbook (know anyone who’d like a copy?); “Glands – Our Invisible Guardian,” a slim volume from the Rosicrucian Press; Proceedings of the World Geothermal Congress, 1995; Grove Press; Bohemian Grove plays; and Time’s Atlas of the Moon 1964 (a fascinating atlas to study). The Book Zoo buys, sells and trades used and out-of-print books, and ‘zines. Some new books are available for sale along with an eclectic assortment of pamphlets. The co-owners take search requests for out-of-print books, along with special book orders. I was fascinated by one area on the bookshelf that displays books without anything printed on the spines. One actually has to take out the book to see what’s the title cover. This was unexpected and fun in a childlike playful way, similar to a hide-and-seek game. Posters of local cultural events, art shows, poetry, and various contemporary artwork are displayed along colorful, bright yellow and red walls (“California sunshine and Tabasco eggs” Erik jokingly describes), all painted with the help of good friends who contributed, and continue to contribute in different ways, in making this Book Zoo a booklovers’ destination. Erik and Nick plan to offer free book and poetry readings and even film screenings. They are grateful to be free to choose what they wish to present to their customers: in their book preferences, readings and screenings and to also learn from their clientele of new interests and needs.
Who comes to the store? Neighbors, cyclists, the curious (like me), people of all ages who love books - that’s who comes. Congratulations to Erik Lyngen and Nick Raymond for bringing a touch of the “zoo” to Telegraph Avenue in Oakland! A great welcome to FOPL’s newest BookFriend. The Book Zoo is located at: 6395 Telegraph Ave. at Alcatraz Ave., Oakland, California. Current hours: Open from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. M-W, Fri–Su. Closed on Thursday. Phone: (510) 654-BOOK (654-2665).
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