The shelves

A map of the rooms.

List your sections like a table of contents. Tell people what each room holds and where the good chairs are.

front room

The tables by the window. New hardbacks, paperbacks, and whatever we couldn't resist ordering twice.

the alcove

Small, dense, and the best-lit corner in the shop. Reading in place encouraged.

back room, left

Floor to ceiling. The ladder is real and yes, you may use it.

up the three steps

Picture books at small-person height. Story time Saturdays at ten.

the cellar

Bought by the box, priced by hand. First editions in the locked case — ask for the key.

Special orders

If we don't have it, we'll find it.

Explain your ordering promise: most titles in three days, out-of-print searches handled personally, and a postcard (a real one) when it arrives.

One book a month, chosen by the staff, argued about over tea on the last Thursday. Tell people how to sign up and what the first meeting is like.