WORDS & PHOTO / KODY FORD

The obituary of the independent bookstore was written years ago by pundits and media outlets happy to push the meme. As giants like Borders and even regional players like Hastings have fallen or commenced with blood-lettings, independent bookstores soldier on, albeit in previously unorthodox ways.

Barnes & Noble introduced the concept of the bookstore as an experience, but Fayetteville-based Nightbird Books, located at 205 West Dickson Street, has taken this to a new level. They host readings, presentations and concerts in their breezeway. However, nothing’s cheap and now Nightbird is seeking assistance from the community to keep these diverse events happening.

They are holding a week-long fundraiser dubbed “Feed the Bird” to continue holding free events throughout the year. They chose to hold events throughout the week that serve as a representation of the calendar throughout the year. Such events include “Birds of a Feather,” which takes place on Tuesday night at 7 PM and includes cocktails by Maxine’s Taproom and Bordino’s as well as a special presentation of the local game show “Whosie Whatsit.” Other happenings include “Spoken Bird,” a poetry reading hosted by Burning Chair Readings and the Ozark Poets Collective that features poets Clayton Scott and Johnathon Williams, and takes place on Thursday, July 7 at 7 PM. For a full schedule click here.

Lisa Sharp, owner of Nightbird Books, wanted to find a way to continue their tradition of free events by asking the community for help.

“I like to think of this like a KUAF [91.3 FM, National Public Radio] funding drive,” she said. “We’re a bookstore and each month we are struggling to pay the bills. Some months we’re behind and some months we’re a little ahead. This is basically a chance to get ahead if we can to make sure all the bills are paid on time for a few months and just catch up.”

Winter took its toll on small businesses this year and Nightbird was no exception. They even lost a week’s worth of sales due to inclement weather. Though they are not in danger of closing, she believes raising money through “Feed the Bird” will give them the opportunity to get ahead financially so they can continue to offer programs for free. She is grateful for the community’s support and believes that their customers will keep them going.

“We couldn’t be here if people didn’t want us to be here,” she said. “You can always get it less expensively at Amazon or Barnes and Noble, but we try to be part of Fayetteville, try to host events that people come to—book clubs, author readings, live music. Try to do stuff in our community in hopes that people will think of us as their community bookstore and shop here.

“Fayetteville has been really, really great and I know if we ask, people will turn up. I have a fantastic job…People are actually concerned and think of us as their bookstore. They want to help.”

Nightbird Books is a locally owned, independent bookstore, featuring a wide variety of hand-selected new books for adults and children. They also offer a small selection of cards, stationery, and toys. According to their website, they believe “books and words are powerful ways to strengthen individuals and community.” They offer a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. They also provide local authors an outlet to present their works and local readers access to book clubs, writing groups, author readings, and other avenues to books.

VISIT: NIGHTBIRDBOOKS.COM

 

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