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Showing posts from July, 2012

Greenley’s – The Quintessential Independent Bookstore

Walking into Greenley’s, you will first be greeted by that quintessential smell of books and the contemplative quiet associated with bookstores. You meet the local authors’ book table, followed by a warm welcome from the staff, which simply makes you feel happy to browse. On this day, I am led into the sanctuary of the bookstore – the back office. This is where it all happens, books are ordered, received and shelved waiting to be displayed. This space feels rather sacred and unchanged. The Greenley’s are there, most at home. I first met them back in 1984 when they hired me, and other eager Nicholson students, to do inventory of the books in the store after hours. And here we sit, almost 30 years later, reflecting. It all began with William (Bill) and Ruth Greenley. Bill was born in Toronto; Ruth was born and raised just outside of Stirling. The two met while at Queen’s University - Bill was studying to be an accountant, while Ruth was intent on becoming a teacher. “That’s