Weekly Connections with Brian Lafontaine July 27, 2025
- Uncategorized
Ironically, in 1931, only 4,000 stores across America sold books – most of those were gift shops or specialty stores that sold only a few of the best known novels. In fact, brick-and-mortar bookstores in the first few decades of the Twentieth Century numbered less than 500 – the majority of them were in major cities — not small towns.
During the mid to late 1900s – as our nation became increasingly more mobile with better roads, affordable cars and the introduction of shopping malls — bookstores flourished and multiplied by the tens of thousands across our country.
With the birth of Amazon on July 5, 1994 and the steadily rising movement to purchase online instead of traveling to a store — consumers gravitated to this more convenient way of shopping. In addition – as we entered the 21st Century – a new and unique way of reading was introduced by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos: the e-reader Kindle.
In 2007, this innovative electronic gadget had not yet taken an aggressive chunk out of the market, but gradually the small hand-held device chipped away at the profits yielded by bookstores. As a result of this double punch, brick-and-mortar bookstores found it increasingly more difficult to compete, and they steadily went out of business.
Crown Books was the first large chain to close its doors (2001) As shopping on Amazon and e-books’ popularity grew, more chains collapsed — Borders (2010), B Dalton Books (2010) and Waldenbooks (2011) went under — leaving Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million — the last big “chains” standing.
According to the American Booksellers Association, the number of independent bookstores in the United States increased from 1,651 (in 2009) to 2,524 independent bookstores (in 2019.)
During the COVID years (2020 to 2022) the number of independent bookstores dropped dramatically as they were forced to close their doors; however – as of 2023 – small, neighborhood bookstores are on the rise again with 2,185 independent bookstores in 2,599 locations across America.
Many believe this unpredictable comeback is due to the independent booksellers who focus on COMMUNITY – making a connection with their local customers, creating a more personalized experience, spotlighting local authors, hosting events, lectures, book signings and catering to the young readers including children’s story times.
The most important aspect to glean from this article is. . . if you enjoy bookstores . . . and you wish to have a store in your area . . . you need to SHOP locally . . . and SUPPORT your neighborhood businesses especially the stores that offer you convenience, comfort, beautiful surroundings and a hometown ambiance.
The Grand Opening of Fred & June’s Books was held on September 15, 2023. “We are the ONLY brick & mortar bookstore in the town of Mooresville,” says owner Stephen Hayes (pictured above.) He and his wife Morgan are co-owners.
This charming bookstore offers – not only a huge assortment of books for all ages – it also has a wide array of events and a lovely setting for avid readers to enjoy.
In addition to a fabulous selection of books, there are gifts and items made by local artists – including adorable tote bags made by Nikki Joyce, lovely jewelry made by MidnightNarrative.com and specialty gifts made by Positively Bookish Co.
A wonderful selection of gifts can also be found at Fred & June’s Books
Whether you are an avid reader or not – we all know – reading is the key to knowledge and children are never too young to be introduced to books. At Fred & June’s Books, there is a enchanting room dedicated to kids. It is cozy, comfortable and inviting.
Check the website regularly for upcoming Children’s Events; however, mark your calendars today regarding these two special treats for kids:
Saturday, February 24th from 10 to 11 – Story Time and Sensory Activity with Ms. Jessica who will be reading Snowy Day. A snowy sensory activity will follow the reading.
Saturday, March 2nd from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Read Across America – Story Time with Special Guest Kasey Moore,
This wonderful bookstore also hosts events for “grown-ups.” Mark your calendars for these two exciting authors.
Saturday, March 2nd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm == Don Worth, Walter Finley and April Dawn — Author Signing and Musical Performance. The following is the link to the Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/42jLrW7kh
Saturday, April 13th from Noon to 2:00 pm –Meet the Author Halle Birmingham, The Classroom Gospel and Prayers in the Waiting
Hope Andersen — author of When the Moon Winks, Postcards from a Loving God, How to Remodel Life, The Book Sisters, and When the Wind Blows signed copies of her novels from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday. There was a large crowd at the bookstore.
Many local book clubs meet monthly at Fred & June’s Books. It is the perfect place to gather, discuss novels and enjoy conversation with friends. Some of the book clubs are private; however, there is one that is open to the public:
The Silent Book Club is a unique gathering of avid readers. It’s a call to unite introverts who love books but are uncomfortable in the spotlight. “This monthly event is a great way to socialize in a low-stress environment with fellow book lovers!” states owner Stephen Hayes.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the next meeting: Tuesday, February 27th 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
“This is how it works,” says Stephen Hayes . . .
1. Bring a book (any book in any format)
2. Find a comfy seat
3. Read silently for 45-60 minutes
4. Hang out and chat about what you’re reading!
For more information, check out this Facebook event link: : https://fb.me/e/3G5Sr0jtA
Fred & June’s Books also sell gently used books; plus, they will take your used books for “trade credit.” This is a great way to clear your shelves and save money on books! Everybody wins!
For information about their “trade-in policy” – check their website: https://fredandjunesbooks.com/
Stephen, Morgan & Spencer Hayes – photo is displayed at the bookstore
Husband and wife team, Stephen and Morgan are the proud owners of Fred & June’s Books. Customers often ask . . . “Why is the bookstore called Fred & June’s Books?” The answer comes from the heart and is described in greater detail on their website; however – the short version is simple. Stephen is honoring two people – Fred, his father and June, his aunt. The siblings had an incredible bond that inspired Stephen.
Photo of June and Fred is displayed in the bookstore
“My dad, Fred, was always one of my absolute biggest supporters in EVERYTHING I ever did,” claims Stephen proudly.
The brother sister duo made an extraordinary team. “Theirs was a connection that I can only hope to hold with the people in my life,” says Stephen reverently. Naming the store after these two special people seemed a perfect way for Stephen to honor and spotlight the “memories and connections” they shared.
Stop by – support a local business – shop at an independent bookstore – find your next favorite novel – bring a friend – bring a child – come alone . . . ENJOY the experience!
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” beloved quote from Dr. Seuss.
248 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: (980) 389-4244
Article and Pictures by Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at www.booksbytesajones.com/book and contact her via:
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them
and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.
