Melissa DeMotte, owner of the Well~Read Moose bookstore, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, was the subject of a "Fast Five" q&a by the Coeur d'Alene Press. Among the highlights:
What's the story of the Well~Read Moose (and how did you choose the name)?
The Well~Read Moose came about after Borders closed in 2011. I had a strong feeling that Coeur d'Alene needed a bookstore to complement the wonderful library and cultural activities offered in our community. I attended a class offered by the American Booksellers Association in 2012 and decided to work toward opening an independent bookstore in 2014. It was challenging putting all the pieces together and certainly financially risky leaving my job with health insurance benefits. Without the Affordable Care Act, I never would have taken the chance on the bookstore. Just too risky as a breast cancer survivor.
The name came about through the bookstore consulting firm I was working with. They were from Florida and had never heard of "Cur da Lane!" After a few minutes scrolling on their laptops, they said "The Well~Read Moose." They had NO idea how much I love moose (I feel they are a bit geeky like myself) and that I had moose décor all over my house. It was so easy and perfect.
Have you observed anything interesting about people from working in a bookstore?
People love browsing and finding their next great read. We still get comments like, "Oooh, new book smell." Yes, people buy books online and might read on devices, but the feeling of being surrounded by books is relaxing and comforting. Life is far too hectic and now with Covid more uncertain, there is certainty that there will be books and more books to choose and savor and pass on to someone you just know will love it as much as you do.