Community Support Gives Second Story a Happy Outcome

As of last Friday, the news is good for Second Story Book Shop in Chappaqua, New York. Owner Joan Ripley has signed a two-year lease for the 32-year-old bookstore, which was threatened with eviction when a new landlord informed her of his intention to terminate her month-to-month tenancy in favor of a new lease with a law firm.

Ripley had initially declined the landlord's offer of a lease that would raise her rent 100 percent, but she ultimately decided that the store would suffer more if it had to leave its current building. She is relieved that her location is secure for the next two years, with a two-year option. The experienced bookseller and former ABA president was gratified by the widespread support for the store, which influenced the positive outcome.

"Between 2,000 to 3,000 people signed petitions to keep the store here," Ripley told BTW. That's particularly impressive for the Westchester County town, which has a population of about 12,000. But others also offered support. Ripley explained, "The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies is helping us out with financing for a new author series. Also, people involved in Westchester Medical Center's new children's hospital are hoping to develop a program where people buy books at our store and donate them to the hospital."

These partnerships evolved through the networking of customers and their business and community affiliations. The landlord also received numerous calls on the store's behalf, including calls from city officials and members of the chamber of commerce.

Ripley and staff have been busy revamping the store's displays, signage, and lighting. "We've reduced our inventory a lot, we can't be everything to everybody. We are hoping that our customers can live with next-day delivery. So far, they can. It feels good that so many people supported us and signed the petitions -- now they also have to be willing to shop here. --Nomi Schwartz