Oliver James Montgomery-Celebrate poetry month with People’s Book and Takoma Park's poet laureate

Local,Oliver James Montgomery independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.

This week we have People's Book in Tacoma, Maryland!

What’s your store’s story?

While saying that we are a “general purpose independent bookstore” may not sound unique at the onset, it is actually what makes us the perfect family destination in our neighborhood. My husband and I opened the store a few blocks from our forever home because we wanted a walkable destination where everyone in the family could find something they wanted to read. For example, on one trip, my father can find a birding book, my husband can find a graphic novel, my son can find a truck book, and I can pick up a new Celeste Ng bestseller!

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Residents in our community are proud to see local authors on the shelves, and to see their perspectives reflected on our shelves. Our local author meet-and-greet in our first month of operation had over 50 local authors in attendance. We often see people leave not only with a book from their reading list, but with something in hand they didn’t know they needed.

Others might say they love our store because  we are the only place in the entire DMV area to have such a wide collection of zines! Unique titles like “So You Think Your Cat Has Asthma” stand out as quirky, and fitting for that one perfect customer.

We have become the top Sunday morning destination for families due to our weekly children’s storytime – every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., before the year round farmer’s market around the corner opens at 10 a.m. Each week we have children’s book authors reading and signing their own books!

We are active stewards of our community. I am so proud of how our community mobilized during Banned Books Week last year. Our store proactively collaborated with another independent shop store in Sarasota, Florida (Shelf Indulgence) – our customers purchased brand new banned books and we packed & shipped them for free distribution in Florida! In addition to this initiative, we also donate books monthly to three non-profits – The DC Diaper Bank, Small Things Matter, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Finally, we donate our space after hours for the local “Q Club” to host a discussion group for teens interested in gender, sexuality, identity, and allyship.

What's your favorite section in your store?

I am a true believer in finding the right book for the right kid at the right time. As a former elementary school teacher and reading coach, I am most proud of our diverse and welcoming children’s area. With cozy reading nooks, tons of graphic novels, and beautiful new releases, our staff can find the perfect fit for any age. There is nothing I like to see more than kiddos curled up on our couch with the new Wimpy Kid book. Additionally, I love our “deconstructed hungry caterpillar” mural in the area. My husband and I got married at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, so the art in the kids’ nook reflects his artistic and very unique style.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

The book that is held closest in my heart (and I love to hand sell) is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. Growing up in Amherst, Massachusetts, the author was a former neighbor – his book signing at my elementary school was the first time I ever had a book signed by the author and the first time I really started building a reading identity. His play with words and fantastical worlds was unlike any book I had ever read. It’s a classic and will never go out of style. 9780394820378

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

Leg by Greg Marshall. In his debut memoir, Marshall effortlessly finds a way to both write a laugh-out-loud account of his childhood (growing up gay and with cerebral palsy…without his parents ever telling him about his diagnosis), and tenderly describe the universal blunders and intimacy that come with relationships – to family, friends, and lovers. Through moments of cringe and hope, you see Greg transform and you can’t help but want to buy him a drink…or two…and hear more about his experiences! 9781419763601

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?

Shopping at your local bookstores is a fantastic way to keep jobs and money in the local economy. Furthermore, we are very anti-algorithm here at People’s Book. When you come into our shop, a person, not a robot, will make curated recommendations for your taste.

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?

One very unique thing about Takoma Park is that we have our own Poet Laureate! Taylor Johnson, the Poet Laureate this year, is hosting an evening of poetry discussion and engagement at People’s Book. The series centers emerging and established poets and artists in interdisciplinary, intergenerational and cross-regional dialogues. This series is our most well attended event each month. The program encourages growing participation and local engagement in the evolving landscape of contemporary poetry.

We also have 12 unique book clubs that happen each month in the store! Whether you love to read graphic novels, historical fiction, or are an 8 year old looking for other kiddos who love to read, we have a book club for you! All of our clubs are loving volunteers-facilitated by members of the community.