Public Displays of Affection at Beagle Books

Have you heard that there’s been a sharp increase of public displays of affection at Beagle Books? Well, it just so happens that it’s true. Don’t be surprised during your next visit if you either witness a hugging or you yourself are the target of a hugging. This is the time of year when we are reunited with so many dear people we lose every winter. Many of our customers of course head south to Arizona or Florida, but the largest migration, believe it or not, comes from Nebraska. (Being raised in Oklahoma, this has taken some adjustment for me to be polite to Corn Huskers – there is a serious football rivalry between Nebraska and Oklahoma). I picture Nebraska in the summer as a sort of empty landscape with the sound of crickets chirping (which of course begs the question, if no self-centered person is around to hear the crickets chirp, do they still chirp?) Once upon a time, it was my understanding that hugs between retail workers and customers was only marginally acceptable. Now I’ve decided that what the public really wants in an independent bookstore is passionate, caring, interesting (even eccentric) booksellers. Why else are we able to get away with wearing funky socks and dangly earrings? Really, hugging has re-gained acceptance. In some cases, I daresay it would be rude were I not to greet a customer who’s been gone for many months with a hug. So come on in, get your books, cards, music, and of course, hugs.