Thank You Books: A Spark of Literary Joy in Birmingham

News Summary

Thank You Books, located in Birmingham’s Crestwood neighborhood, has become a cherished community bookstore since its opening in December 2019. Founded by three friends, it’s a hub for literature lovers and offers personalized recommendations, a curated collection, and a special subscription service. Despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, the store innovated and thrived, demonstrating the resilience of local businesses. The bookstore continues to engage the community, hosting events and collaborating with local organizations, ensuring it remains a significant part of Birmingham’s literary scene.

Birmingham’s Thank You Books: A Literary Lifesaver Thriving Against the Odds

In December 2019, a vibrant new addition opened its doors in Birmingham’s Crestwood neighborhood: Thank You Books. This delightful bookstore quickly transformed from a humble shop into a beloved community hub. It has become a place where book lovers gather, fostering connections and creating a welcoming environment that feels just like home.

A Community Staple

Thanks to the warm support from local residents, Thank You Books has become an essential spot for regular customers. They visit the store much like they would head to the grocery store—it’s simply part of their routine. Residents of Birmingham have been described as curious and passionate about literature, and that passion has been evident from day one. The community rallied around the bookstore, making it a cornerstone of local life.

A Dream Realized

The spark that ignited the idea for Thank You Books came from a discussion among three friends who share a love for literature. The founders, who hail from Crestwood, include Laura Lilly Cotten, Elizabeth Goodrich, and Kristen Iskandrian. Goodrich, a Presbyterian minister, took a leap of faith to follow her dream of opening a bookstore after some soul-searching moments. Her vision, combined with the passion of her fellow founders, laid the foundation for a place where readers could explore the literary world.

A Curated Experience

Inside Thank You Books, visitors will find a carefully curated collection of genres that emphasize literary fiction. The store also boasts sections dedicated to poetry, children’s books, theology, and fantasy. This multi-faceted approach ensures that there’s something for everyone. After its opening, the store saw a wave of community support that propelled it to success.

Weathering the Storm

However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic brought various hurdles, yet it also nudged the bookstore to innovate. Thank You Books adopted an online ordering system, curbside service, and even home delivery. These changes not only helped the store survive but also enriched the bonds within the community. Interestingly, the pandemic seemed to ignite a renewed love for reading and a greater appreciation for local businesses, both of which proved invaluable for Thank You Books.

Continuing to Grow

Today, Thank You Books continues to thrive and even grow, placing a strong emphasis on community engagement. The store employs a dedicated general manager along with six part-time booksellers. Each member of the team is encouraged to read widely so they can share personalized recommendations with customers who walk through the door. Here, reading is not just an activity but a pleasurable experience—and that philosophy is embedded in the store’s operations as they focus on highlighting literary fiction.

A Special Subscription

For literary enthusiasts, Thank You Books offers a unique monthly subscription service known as the Signed First Editions Club or “Firsties.” Each subscription includes a carefully chosen book along with a letter that explains the selection process, adding a personal touch to the reading experience.

Community Collaboration

In addition to selling books, Thank You Books actively collaborates with local organizations like the Birmingham Museum of Art and various community nonprofits. The bookstore hosts events and holds book drives that give back to the community. A recent highlight featured National Book Award winner Imani Perry in a lively conversation with actor Andre Holland, showcasing the store’s commitment to celebrating literature and promoting literary discussions.

A Big Holiday Surprise

As the holiday season approached, not only did Thank You Books reflect on their accomplishments, but they also received a lovely surprise from acclaimed author James Patterson. As part of his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program, one of the Thank You Books staff members, Davis Gustafson, was selected to receive a $500 bonus, among 600 bookstore staffers nationwide. This generous program aimed to support independent booksellers and recognized their crucial role in enriching the literary community. Patterson’s initiative, which awarded a total of $300,000, resonates with his belief that booksellers save lives.

A Bright Future

Looking ahead, Thank You Books holds exciting prospects, even as Laura Lilly Cotten announced her move back to Georgia in February 2025. With a dedicated team and unwavering community support, the bookstore is set to light the way for many more readers in Birmingham.

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Additional Resources

• Alabama News Center: Thank You Books
• CBS 42: Thank You Books Event
• AL.com: Holiday Bonus for Worker
• People: James Patterson’s Holiday Bonuses
• Wikipedia: Independent Bookstore