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| In Whitefish, Mont., Bookworks is not considered an essential business. | |
Independent booksellers nationwide are navigating an ever-shifting sea of local, state and federal regulations regarding the definition of essential and non-essential businesses as the battle against Covid-19 continues. In some cases, however, indies are finding a bit more clarity.
In an e-mail note "for our Rhode Island Friends," Savoy Bookshop & Café in Westerly wrote: "As you likely have seen, Rhode Island Governor, Gina Raimondo, has ordered the closure of non-essential businesses to the public, following suit of Connecticut and other border states. Thankfully, we implemented a 'closed to the public' operating model two weeks ago, meaning nothing has to change about the way we have been conducting business at this time--we are still able to fulfill your online and phone orders!"
Both Bank Square Books, Mystic, Conn., and Savoy Bookshop "will continue operating on limited hours... fulfilling online and phone orders with free media mail shipping, curbside pickup, or local delivery. Both stores remain closed to the public at this time."
Island Books in Middletown noted that "Rhode Island has given us permission to continue with our parking lot pick-up practices and island-wide free delivery!" "What can we do for you and yours?... Be well, be safe and happy reading!"
In New Hampshire, Gibson's Bookstore in Concord announced "Governor Sununu has confirmed that N.H. retailers may continue to do curbside pickup and USPS delivery."
Dan Chartrand, owner of Water Street Bookstore, Exeter, N.H., informed "our diverse and vibrant community of readers" that the bookshop "has been advised that we will be allowed to continue operating using the non-public facing model we have developed since Monday 3/16. Water Street Bookstore was closed to the public on 3/16 and only a minimum of bookstore staff operating in a safe and socially distant manner have been allowed in the bookstore since then. We are very grateful to continue to serve our community of readers at this difficult and trying time. Thank you to our community for all the support you have given to Exeter’s locally owned and independent bookstore!"
Prince Books, Norfolk, Va., noted that "in his March 30 press briefing, Governor Northam continues to say that businesses like Prince Books may remain open to customers as long as we practice social distancing. We are currently processing many online, email and phone orders, and we continue to receive boxes from our wholesaler and publishers. You are welcome to request curbside delivery, or you may come into the store. We spray the counter and the doors throughout the day. Please continue to order from us! Thank you for your business."