Introduction

Books Inc. store in Mountain View

At the start of the second semester my junior year, Freestyle Academy introduced to me the documentary project. All the juniors of my year were told to brainstorm people, places, or ideas found in their communities that they appreciated. My mind instantly lept to Books Inc., my local independent bookstore. I had been visiting their store from a young age and had always appreciated the atmosphere and friendly customer service. My teachers advised to pick something that we truly cared about, as the project was going to be long and difficult. I heeded this recommendation and stuck with Books Inc. letting my love for reading drive me in the months of work. This website showcases several different aspects of the project, highlights of which include an into video, photogallery, and book..














Here's a screenshot of how I made my Intro Video:

screenshot of after effects interface





...it’s just having that kind of a wonderful place where you can relax
~Glenn Robbe

Book

thumbnail link to book production

For a long time people assumed chain stores and the internet would bring independent bookstores to an end. Indie sales dropped year after year losing a lot of customers to digital platforms like e-readers and audiobooks. Against all odds though, the most recent data suggests an actual increase in numbers of independent bookstores throughout the United States. It’s become apparent that people have begun to cherish their local bookstores, but many may find their revival quite puzzling, so I set off to find what makes indies so alluring.

Books Inc. has been around since 1851. It’s a independent bookstore with multiple locations around Northern California. and it’s well known for its role in the community and welcoming environment. In my book, I further introduce the marvelous company as well as explain the different aspects of independent bookstores. Click on the bookmarks to the left to read my book.

This project was immensely difficult to complete. There were so many different aspects to the assignment, and I wanted to do them all to the best of my ability. The hardest part was working within the time frames given to me. I was fortunate enough to have understanding teachers who were flexible with due dates which gave me the time I needed to connect my interviews to ongoing research. As I gathered more and more information, my project changed forms several times. I scraped two plans before deciding on a third idea in the process of creating my intro video alone. Organizing the book was also very challenging. There was so much that I wanted to include, but I struggled to find a way to get all the information across without the layout being confusing. I would consider the writing part of the project to have been the most difficult, but it also ended up being the piece of my documentary that I am most proud of. It took a very long time to write, and an even more to edit. If I had to do the project again, I would most likely put more time into a layout so that my writing process could go smoother. Overall though, the hard work definitely paid off. Looking at my book I feel really proud of all I was able to accomplish in the span of a few months.

Here's a screenshot of how I made my book:

screenshot of In Design interface






...it’s a very resilient group. Not just my company, but booksellers in general
~Michael Tucker

Photogallery

aisle of books
bookshelves in the Mountain View store
sign promoting event
sign promoting event
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Beta Ginsburg display
California Display
California display
Staff Review
Staff Review
Michael Tucker
Michael Tucker
Glenn Robbe
Glenn Robbe
sign promoting store event
sign promoting event
bookmarks
Books Inc. bookmarks
Melanie Knight
Melanie Knight
Dori Jaroslow
Dori Jaroslow
pile of books
books
book with pages turning
books with pages turning
books with a bookmark in one
books with a Books Inc. bookmark
stack of books
stack of books
Scolastic bookmarks
Scolastic bookmarks

Bios

Michael Tucker

Michael Tucker is the current president of Books Inc.. Even though his original plans did not account for working with books, a job at an old Books Inc. at Stanford Shopping Center led him to a managerial position and eventually to the top of the company. He’s always had an affinity for books and is incredibly content with the independent bookstore life. He has high hopes for Books Inc. and is proud of the work the company has recently doing to promote diversity and encourage young readers.

Click the play button on the left to hear the interview I conducted with Mr. Tucker.

Michael Tucker
Glenn Robbe

Glen Robbe has been working in the book industry for over twenty five years. His interests in literature came from an early age and he’s always wanted to be involved with bookstores. He’s been managing the Books Inc. store in Mountain View since 2010 and his biggest hope for the company lies in finding the next generation of booksellers.

Click the play button on the left to hear the interview I conducted with Mr. Robbe.

Glenn Robbe
Melanie Knight

Melanie Knight is a silly, energetic, fun-loving woman. She’s into comedy and reading which eventually led her to a great job at Books Inc. in Alameda, where she is currently a manager. She’s incredibly passionate in encouraging diversity in the sales of books so that everyone can feel represented in literature.

Click the play button on the left to hear the interview I conducted with Ms. Knight.

Melanie Knight
Dori Jaroslow

Dori Jaroslow has been working in the book industry for over forty years. While her original plan was to be a teacher, a job in a bookstore left her in love and she stayed with the business. She is currently the manager for the Books Inc. store in Town and Country Village. She’s been a big reader since a young age and jumps at the opportunity to help others get engaged with literature. Her biggest hope for the company is that it stays around so everyone can experience the joys of reading and the environment of an independent bookstore.

Click the play button on the left to hear the interview I conducted with Ms. Jaroslow.

Dori Jaroslow