Found in Press-Enterprise , May 22, 2013
Gene Berkman, an independent bookseller in Riverside for three decades, has never even come close to writing his store’s final chapter.
His baby, Renaissance Book Shop, has continued to grow and thrive, despite the collapse of several giant chains, a flat economy, a slew of online competitors and the onslaught of e-books.
The ponytailed, 110-pound Berkman, who sells 7,000 items a year, said: “I feel a sense of accomplishment every time someone buys a book. It’s an affirmation that people are still reading.”
“I’ve been busier than ever,” he said.While bookstores still shutter for good every year, sales at “indies” overall are rising; established independents such as Renaissance are expanding and new ones are springing up, according to the American Booksellers Association.
After nearly 20 years at 6639 Magnolia Ave., Berkman moved to 3773 Elizabeth St. in March 2011, his fourth and largest location.
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Gene Berkman is a writer here on IPR and comments on our articles, also.
Paulie @ 4: My Valentine’s Day gift was from there. <3
Seriously, though, between the two of us, we have a few books set aside to get to when we can. It's sort of like we have a house for books, and it lets us live there. 🙂
Congratulations, Gene!
Yep, he was there with us. You should go some time.
His store is 50 miles from where I live. I honestly don’t know if I’ve met Gene or not, although I know my husband Alan recently visited his store.
Finally visited the book store and met Gene a few months ago. It’s a cool place, I recommend anyone passing through that way or living near there check it out. He has an amazing knowledge of his inventory….if there’s any information you are looking for, there’s a very good chance he can help you.
Great article! Thanks for posting it, Jill. I knew Gene when he had his store in Austin. That was a few years ago!