Meet Madrid's Barbrarians: Used Books and Craft Beer at J&J Books and Coffee

Meet Madrid's Barbrarians: Used Books and Craft Beer at J&J Books and Coffee

TRAVEL BY BOOKSTORE: CONVERSATIONS WITH INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES NEAR & FAR

On a sunny corner of calle Espíritu Santo in Madrid's Malasaña neighborhood, J&J Books and Coffee caters to the city's book, beer and bagel lovers, offering a selection of 15,000 used English-language books, 22 craft beers on tap, homemade bagels and quiz and intercambio nights that draw large local crowds.

With an international staff of English-speaking "barbrarians," J&J's wants you to feel at home .whether you're a traveler, expat or Madrileño.

No Prose Allowed: Seattle's Poetry-Only Emporium

No Prose Allowed: Seattle's Poetry-Only Emporium

TRAVEL BY BOOKSTORE: CONVERSATIONS WITH INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES NEAR & FAR

"I want it to be a dynamic space where people can spend time exploring and finding poetry that is new and exciting for them, because for me, that moment of discovery is one of the best things about walking into a brick-and-mortar store.

Before I became owner, I was always impressed with how full-to-bursting the store’s selection felt, even though the space itself felt very minimal and uncluttered. It’s a tricky balance that I’m making every effort to maintain."

Let Elizabeth’s Set You Up on a Blind Date with a Book

Let Elizabeth’s Set You Up on a Blind Date with a Book

TRAVEL BY BOOKSTORE: CONVERSATIONS WITH INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES NEAR & FAR

"Blind Date with a Book started on a cold and rainy night in our King Street store in Newtown, Sydney. We are always fielding requests for book recommendations and we wanted to help people choose books they might not pick for themselves.

One of our staff members began choosing books that were not on people’s radar but were great reads. They were then wrapped in brown paper with a few clues written on the front. It was a surprising and instant hit with the customers.

 
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