bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
Subject: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
It seems impossible to buy children's books as gifts for anyone at Barnes and Noble and 7th Avenue books which leaves me with a trip to Manhattan. I guess it is a great service these stores offer for people to come and lounge around and read to their children like they are at home but I don't really get it. I have kids and just don't want them wrecking someone elses merchandise. Are we such a consumer culture that we can't go to the library for that but instead have to go to a store even if we have no intention of buying anything? I mean the library has lots of comfortable chairs to sit in also for reading to your kid (you just can't read LOUDLY). Like yesterday, a devoted mother was reading so loudly to her daughter and in such perfect sing song theatrical enunciation that I admit, I wanted to whack her on the head with a volume of Dr. Seuss. I just couldn't think anymore and left.Comments
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Subject: Plenty of local options
Hey there. there are plenty of smaller independent booksellers that aren't as nasty as the big mega B&N, and without the nasty Starbucks smell.
I just bought some great children's books for a friends shower at Community Bookstore on 7th. There is a really nice extensive childrens section in the back, and beautiful enclosed patio too for the kids to play in.
If you can get past alot of the Commie lit (ha ha) in the front this is a great option (kids books weren't torn or anything either)
good luck!! -
Subject: Re: Plenty of local options
StaceyD wrote: I just bought some great children's books for a friends shower at Community Bookstore on 7th. There is a really nice extensive childrens section in the back, and beautiful enclosed patio too for the kids to play in.
You are right, I should have tried Community Bookstore (I had a negative experience there with a snotty salesperson once which turned me off, but it is time to go back). But 7th Avenue Books (where the staff is very nice) is independent and their books are a mess too (even with the signs asking people to treat with care, these will be a someone's gift). I know B&N just returns the messed books to the publishers but I am pretty sure the smaller stores don't have that kind of leverage power and are stuck with the cost. -
Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
kensingtonmom wrote: It seems impossible to buy children's books as gifts for anyone at Barnes and Noble and 7th Avenue books which leaves me with a trip to Manhattan. I guess it is a great service these stores offer for people to come and lounge around and read to their children like they are at home but I don't really get it. I have kids and just don't want them wrecking someone elses merchandise. Are we such a consumer culture that we can't go to the library for that but instead have to go to a store even if we have no intention of buying anything? I mean the library has lots of comfortable chairs to sit in also for reading to your kid (you just can't read LOUDLY). Like yesterday, a devoted mother was reading so loudly to her daughter and in such perfect sing song theatrical enunciation that I admit, I wanted to whack her on the head with a volume of Dr. Seuss. I just couldn't think anymore and left.
That's all so Park Slope. Years ago I worked at a (now closed) toy store on 7th Ave and I remember the crap parents let their kids get away with--especially in the book section, where 2/3rds of the books were ruined--by the mommies AND the kids. Gotta wonder how many of those people using that area actually shop at B&N...
My roommate told me that B&N had a sign on their door this weekend that read something like "No strollers--the store is already too full of strollers and cannot fit any more." -
Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
kensingtonmom wrote: Are we such a consumer culture that we can't go to the library for that but instead have to go to a store even if we have no intention of buying anything?
I'm somewhat sympathetic to the folks that come and browse and browse in bookstores but don't buy. When I was in junior high, my bus used to drop me off at the corner of Henry and Montague right across from a Waldenbooks. I would wander in almost every day and spend an hour or so wandering around, picking up books and reading. A lot of the time I'd find something that I liked and then go to the library to take it out and read. My limited earnings meant that I probably only purchased every tenth time that I was in there, but I was happy that the manager and employees didn't try and shoo me out just because I wasn't buying.
Have you tried the BH/CG Barnes & Noble? I find that generally the children's section there is a lot less overrun. -
Whenever I go there, the ocd in me compels me to 'pick up a little'. I've managed to find books that weren't mangled at B&N, but I always have to scrounge among the torn books. :roll:
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you think the childrens section at that B&N is bad - you should check out the one on ... 84th street? on the upper west side. when I lived in Harlem I used to try to go to that bookstore on occassion. I'd have to step over teenagers and kids sprawled in the aisles, and the books were always a mess. the starbucks was nanny central and the store was all kids running loose. total chaos.
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Sad part is, it's not just the children's section - a lot of times I find a book that I would like to buy, but it's in bad enough condition that my urge for instant gratification is countered. The result is that I go home and order it online and usually save a few bucks...I guess it's not sad at all now that i think about it.
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B&N.com has same day free delivery in Manhattan. I use this all the time - guranteed untouched, new books. I find Amazon usually has better prices though.
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Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
kensingtonmom wrote: It seems impossible to buy children's books as gifts for anyone at Barnes and Noble and 7th Avenue books which leaves me with a trip to Manhattan. I guess it is a great service these stores offer for people to come and lounge around and read to their children like they are at home but I don't really get it. I have kids and just don't want them wrecking someone elses merchandise. Are we such a consumer culture that we can't go to the library for that but instead have to go to a store even if we have no intention of buying anything? I mean the library has lots of comfortable chairs to sit in also for reading to your kid (you just can't read LOUDLY). Like yesterday, a devoted mother was reading so loudly to her daughter and in such perfect sing song theatrical enunciation that I admit, I wanted to whack her on the head with a volume of Dr. Seuss. I just couldn't think anymore and left.
That's a real shame. What has happened to the idea that you should show courtesy to others and not damage things that you don't own? -
Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
homeowner wrote: I'm somewhat sympathetic to the folks that come and browse and browse in bookstores but don't buy. When I was in junior high, my bus used to drop me off at the corner of Henry and Montague right across from a Waldenbooks. I would wander in almost every day and spend an hour or so wandering around, picking up books and reading.
I don't think there's anything wrong with that, I used to do that all the time. But I've always been hypercareful - I barely open the pages for fear of wrinkling the spine. -
Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
laura wrote: [quote=homeowner]I'm somewhat sympathetic to the folks that come and browse and browse in bookstores but don't buy. When I was in junior high, my bus used to drop me off at the corner of Henry and Montague right across from a Waldenbooks. I would wander in almost every day and spend an hour or so wandering around, picking up books and reading.
I don't think there's anything wrong with that, I used to do that all the time. But I've always been hypercareful - I barely open the pages for fear of wrinkling the spine.
Me too!! Actually, folks have commented on the fact that most of my paperbacks look brand new because I can read them without cracking the glue on the spine or wrinkling the corners of the covers.
What I think is bad is that these parents aren't taking the opportunity to teach their kids how to be responsible for things that they don't own, or to treat the property of others with respect. -
I know nothing about children's books, but the title of this thread is hilarious!
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Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
homeowner wrote: What I think is bad is that these parents aren't taking the opportunity to teach their kids how to be responsible for things that they don't own, or to treat the property of others with respect.
Remember, this is the B+N in Park Slope.
[ducks] -
The remodeled Strand Book Store (12th & Bway) has a terrific childrens' book section in the back of the new 2nd floor. Since it's the Strand, the books are deeply discounted and generally in great condition - there are no kids and few parents who wander in and muck up the books.
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Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
Carnivore wrote: [quote=homeowner]What I think is bad is that these parents aren't taking the opportunity to teach their kids how to be responsible for things that they don't own, or to treat the property of others with respect.
Remember, this is the B+N in Park Slope.
[ducks]
If there's a crime here, it's that us PS parents love too much - although if Jonah keeps pulling Noah's toys away from him, they are definitely going to dispute resoloution therapy. -
Subject: Re: bent, chewed, slimed, dirty children's books
kensingtonmom wrote: It seems impossible to buy children's books as gifts for anyone at Barnes and Noble and 7th Avenue books which leaves me with a trip to Manhattan. I guess it is a great service these stores offer for people to come and lounge around and read to their children like they are at home but I don't really get it. I have kids and just don't want them wrecking someone elses merchandise. Are we such a consumer culture that we can't go to the library for that but instead have to go to a store even if we have no intention of buying anything? I mean the library has lots of comfortable chairs to sit in also for reading to your kid (you just can't read LOUDLY). Like yesterday, a devoted mother was reading so loudly to her daughter and in such perfect sing song theatrical enunciation that I admit, I wanted to whack her on the head with a volume of Dr. Seuss. I just couldn't think anymore and left.
I know exactly what you're talking about about the nasty books at B&N on 7th Avenue. I went to B&N to buy my adult friend -- as a joke -- a Dr. Seuss book. All three copies of the board book I wanted were too chewed up to give as a present. I also attempted to purchase an expensive photography book at the same B&N. The B&N staff kindly offered to order me a "fresh" copy, but I figured if I had to wait a few days, I'd pay less ordering the book from amazon.com myself.
If I don't want to own a book or give one away, the library at Grand Army Plaza works for me. -
Subject: B & N
As an educator I would say at least they are reading but I agree with the frustration in the original post. I tried to buy books at B & N for a shower and couldn't find many fresh copies. I just couldn't believe the lack of decorum on the part of some parents either. I walked out so irritable b/c the parents just carry on, oblivious, sprawled out on the floor with books everywhere, snacking toddlers, changing diapers, etc. I am not against breast feeding the little darlings as needed and have no issue with that, but as far as the rest, there are some parents who practice no discretion whatsoever. Anyway, that section is an utter sticky mess. B & N should seal wrap some of the books and have a section out that can be freely perused. As for strollers, that is an issue everywhere in PS; what can you do. Some kids are also just too darn big for them but maybe establishments should consider some sort of stroller parking structure outside the store. Online shopping is the best! -
Subject: Re: B & N
GiGi wrote: I just couldn't believe the lack of decorum on the part of some parents either. I walked out so irritable b/c the parents just carry on, oblivious, sprawled out on the floor with books everywhere, snacking toddlers, changing diapers, etc.
Yes, whenever I go in that section, I'm annoyed by the parents and kids sprawled all over the place, especially when they act like it's a huge imposition to move out of the way so I can get something from a shelf. But on the other hand, I have sympathy, because I remember practically going insane on those winter days stuck in my apartment with two toddlers and I'm sure if the B&N had been open then, I would have been in there with my annoying children every day.
I also hate when the "adult" books are slimed, but B&N seems to encourage people to handle the books, so I guess it's just a business expense to them. I spend way too much money on books -- even reading a thread about slimed books makes me want to buy books. -
Subject: Re: B & N
Rose wrote:
I wonder who has to eat the losses when the store returns unsold, damaged inventory to the publisher. B&N, or the latter? And does the author lose royalties at the hands of these kids?
.... B&N seems to encourage people to handle the books, so I guess it's just a business expense to them.
Why aren't the parents taking their kids to the library, where wear&tear is expected, if they're just using B&N as a reading room? To catch the new issues while they're hot? Or for the in-house Starbucks, whose jacked-up prices (compared with those of the one down 7th) may be covering the damage losses? IMO, sticky buns don't belong in a bookstore. -
Subject: Re: B & N
meanderthal wrote: I wonder who has to eat the losses when the store returns unsold, damaged inventory to the publisher. B&N, or the latter? And does the author lose royalties at the hands of these kids? .
From what I understand, it is the publisher who eats the cost when the unsold books are returned. This is the problem with a monopoly because, from what I heard from my friends in the business, 10 years ago the publishers could refuse to take back unsold books. But B&N has such a hold on the market, that publishers are at their mercy and have had to bow to their demand. This is hard on the smaller publishers of course who might take more risks with new authors. I don't think the authors lose out except on royalties because especially with children's books, I think you are paid a fee and don't get royalties until your book sells over X amount.
But Rose, I know what you mean about long long winter days, but the Slope now has sooooooo many activities to take kids to that are free. I cannot believe the amount of sing-alongs, puppet shows, storeytimes etc. that there are--even more than last year. But why not just have an area with beat up books and have an area with clean books? I mean, really what do I care because I will be more organized and order on line next time or try Community Bookstore. I was just stuck in a pinch for a birthday party. -
Subject: Re: B & N
kensingtonmom wrote:
That's great. I guess I should have waited to have kids, because there was almost NOTHING free to do with little kids in Park Slope ten years ago. I used to push them half a mile in their double stroller through snow and ice to go to a drop-in center on Eastern Parkway -- two happy hours out of my apartment with other adults to talk to, what joy.
But Rose, I know what you mean about long long winter days, but the Slope now has sooooooo many activities to take kids to that are free. I cannot believe the amount of sing-alongs, puppet shows, storeytimes etc. that there are--even more than last year.
It wasn't free, but it was inexpensive. Other than that, there were a few mommy-and-me type classes, which you had to pay for.
Of course back then admission to preschool was first-come, first-served, and you weren't expected to wait in line overnight for an application, or prep little Clementine for an interview. :roll:
But I agree, why not have a basket of books for the little kids to handle and create an expectation that the other books are for purchasing, not sliming? Some of the smaller bookshops do that in the children's section. People treat books the way they do in B&N because the store has made it clear that that is acceptable behavior. -
Subject: Re: B & N
kensingtonmom wrote: From what I understand, it is the publisher who eats the cost when the unsold books are returned. This is the problem with a monopoly because, from what I heard from my friends in the business, 10 years ago the publishers could refuse to take back unsold books. But B&N has such a hold on the market, that publishers are at their mercy and have had to bow to their demand. This is hard on the smaller publishers of course who might take more risks with new authors.
What's even worse is that for paperbacks, they don't even return the books. They just tear off the front cover and return that. The books get discarded (hopefully recycled at least). That is, except for the ones that get sold on the street sans front cover by entrepreneurial individuals. Then it actually does cut into the author's royalties (assuming the coverless book buyer would otherwise have bought the book at full price). -
Subject: Re: B & N
Carnivore wrote: [quote=kensingtonmom]From what I understand, it is the publisher who eats the cost when the unsold books are returned. This is the problem with a monopoly because, from what I heard from my friends in the business, 10 years ago the publishers could refuse to take back unsold books. But B&N has such a hold on the market, that publishers are at their mercy and have had to bow to their demand. This is hard on the smaller publishers of course who might take more risks with new authors.
What's even worse is that for paperbacks, they don't even return the books. They just tear off the front cover and return that. The books get discarded (hopefully recycled at least). That is, except for the ones that get sold on the street sans front cover by entrepreneurial individuals. Then it actually does cut into the author's royalties (assuming the coverless book buyer would otherwise have bought the book at full price).
And strangely enough, isn't Park Slope supposed to be where all those literary types reside?
tsk, tsk. -
Subject: Re: B & N
erikka wrote:
i pretty much live in fear of seeing the book i wrote a: at a stoop sale, b: being sold by one of the book guys on 7th ave.
And strangely enough, isn't Park Slope supposed to be where all those literary types reside?
tsk, tsk. -
Subject: Re: B & N
brooklynpotter wrote: [quote=erikka]
i pretty much live in fear of seeing the book i wrote a: at a stoop sale, b: being sold by one of the book guys on 7th ave.
And strangely enough, isn't Park Slope supposed to be where all those literary types reside?
tsk, tsk.
have you looked on eBay?
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Subject: Re: B & N
Flexichick wrote: [quote=brooklynpotter][quote=erikka]
i pretty much live in fear of seeing the book i wrote a: at a stoop sale, b: being sold by one of the book guys on 7th ave.
And strangely enough, isn't Park Slope supposed to be where all those literary types reside?
tsk, tsk.
have you looked on eBay?
i'm assuming you're winking because the book is *about* ebay? (and yes, it's for sale there) -
Subject: Re: B & N
brooklynpotter wrote: [quote=Flexichick][quote=brooklynpotter][quote=erikka]
i pretty much live in fear of seeing the book i wrote a: at a stoop sale, b: being sold by one of the book guys on 7th ave.
And strangely enough, isn't Park Slope supposed to be where all those literary types reside?
tsk, tsk.
have you looked on eBay?
i'm assuming you're winking because the book is *about* ebay? (and yes, it's for sale there)
Yes, because I know the book is *about* ebay -
well, don't go chewing on it at the store.
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