 |
|
| Danny Plaisance | |
Danny Plaisance, who owned and ran Cottonwood Books in Baton Rouge, La., for 36 years before it closed in 2022, died June 4. He was 68. Noting that the bookshop "was a community hub for both Baton Rouge book collectors and readers," the Advocate reported that a Facebook post from his family "saw an outpouring of condolences, with fans of the store sharing how welcoming and helpful Plaisance was to them when they visited Cottonwood over the years."
"I can still hear the bell on the door. He would be in the back--just him usually. Nine times out of 10 he would know who it was. It amazed me going to work with him how he knew the names of just about everyone who walked in the store," said his daughter, Sarah Plaisance Breckenridge, adding: "People would come in and say I'm trying to decide between this book and this book, but I don't have enough money for both. My dad would make sure they left with both. He would always give them a book when necessary."
In a 2022 post announcing the bookshop's closure after not being able to find a buyer, owners Danny and Nancy Plaisance had written: "Cottonwood Books has given our family so many wonderful memories and experiences. We have made lifelong friendships with our amazing customers and we cannot express how grateful we are for each and every one of you. Thank you for being so loyal and supportive all these years, we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for 37 wonderful years, it's been a great ride!"
Danny Plaisance told WBRZ at the time: "It was a big part of my life... that's an understatement. If it's one thing I feel like I'm going to miss, it's going to be my customers, without a doubt."