Robert Gray: 'This Shop Is Haunted by the Ghosts'

First, let's talk about witches. If it's Halloween season, there are going to be witches. Just last weekend there was a whole parade of them downtown where I live. But if we're talking witches, we probably have to start with Salem, Mass.

Earlier this week, Boston.com did what is probably its annual feature on the town, noting that Salem "transforms into a bustling hub of spooky fun every October, drawing in a million visitors eager to experience the city's rich history and Halloween spirit. At the heart of this vibrant time is Wicked Good Books, a beloved independent bookstore that has become a key player in the town's October festivities."

Visitors waiting to enter Wicked Good Books

While co-owner Denise Kent described the month "as just punishing. It's just exhausting," she acknowledged the benefits of the stress, adding: "October allows us to thrive. It allows a little bookstore to thrive.... We'll take the time to help people find the right book, because that's where the magic is really at every day.... Bookstores are important to communities. I think that we are important to our community because we employ our neighbors and we bring something other than just witch hysteria tourism to Salem." 

As Halloween approaches, indie booksellers have been getting into the spirit of the season in a variety of ways and sharing their spooky enthusiasm in social media posts. 

Yes, there are portents everywhere:

Black Cat Books & Oddities

More witches
Black Cat Books & Oddities, Medina, Ohio: "Who's out and about for Witches Weekend?!"

About Time Bookstore, Libertyville, Ill.: "This Witch is ready for tonight! See you all soon for Witches Night Out."

Anthology for Books, Geneseo, Ill.: "Grab your pointy hat and broom (even if they're invisible)... when Anthology joins other local businesses in WITCHES WEEKEND." 

Curious Iguana, Frederick, Md.: "Join us at Attaboy Barrel House for our second annual witchy book fair for adults." 

Mysterious cats
A Sanctuary Cafe, Boston, Mass.: "Happy almost-Halloween! Get into the spirit with our Spooky Specialties drink menu, featuring Elinor's Elixir.... If you want more trick in your treat, ask for extra spicy! Disclaimer: No cats are involved in the making of these drinks."

Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, Ga.: "Dante's ready to promote his staff pick at tonight's Spooky Season Book Fair!"

City Lights Books

Skeletal booksellers
City Lights Books, San Francisco, Calif.: "Our skinniest bookseller will be working his next month of shifts in the jewel box window!"

The Last Word, Mt. Airy, Md.: "When the couch rot sets in and the next thing you know you're nothing but bones."

Alienated Majesty Books, Austin, Tex.: "New windows thanks to the incredible @arfranklinstein!!!... tell us which skeleton ur most spiritually called toward."

Athena Books, Greenwich, Conn.: "Looking for a fun and healthy alternative to giving out candy for Halloween? Give out $1 coupons to Athena Books! Buy 25 coupons for $20 in store now!"

Roebling Books, Covington, Ky.: "Did you hear about @roeblingbooks new fall drinks? Everyone is DYING to try them!"

Secret World Books, Highland Park, Ill.: "Some new friends reading in the window...."

Eerie displays
Betty's Books, Webster Groves, Mo.: "It's finally Spooky Season at BB's and we've got the front table to prove it! Swing by and check out our fave Halloween-y reads."

Deadtime Stories Books & Gifts, Lansing, Mich.: "It's Vampire Week! From sparkly classics to Gen Z immortals, we've got something for you to sink your teeth into! 

True Leaves Bookshop, Princeton, Ill.: "Spooky Fun at True Leaves Bookshop this Halloween!"

Wellesley Books

Stephen King's 50th
Wellesley Books, Wellesley, Mass.: " On April 5th, 1974, Stephen King... published Carrie, his first full-length novel. We are celebrating 50 years of Stephen King with a display featuring his latest works and some classics."

Page 158 Books, Wake Forest, N.C.: "Climb the Dark Tower with us as we celebrate #50YearsofKing and the master of horror."

Chalkboards... or Ouija boards?
Split Rock Books, Cold Spring, N.Y.: "This place is lit with good boooks!"

Book Love, Senoia, Calif.: "Witch book will you choose?"

Uncanny events
Story on the Square, McDonough, Ga.: "Think you're frighteningly good at trivia? Join us for a hauntingly fun Halloween Trivia Night where we'll test your knowledge on spooky music, movies, traditions, and more! Come in costume for a chance to win Best Costume Prize!"

Rhythm & Co. Books, Glen Rose, Tex.: "It's that time again! Late night, fun night, Thursday! Come by and have a guess at how many eyeballs are in the jar. Win the jar and a gift card!!"

Wandering Raccoon Books, Grimes, Iowa: "We're all dressed up for our first ever Trunk or Treat!"

War on Books, Roanoke, Va.: "We couldn't wait to drop this list of #halloweenreads I've curated in anticipation of the HALLOWEEN MARKET at @goldencactusbrewing! Join War On Books alongside over a dozen other local vendors for a very special Halloween-themed MID-WEEK MARKET."

Inkwell Books & Threads, Rockton, Ill.: "Don't forget next week, Wednesday, October 30 for our Sleepy Hollow event."

I think the patron saint (patron spirit?) of Halloween for those of us in the book trade should be Christopher Morley. In his classic novel The Haunted Bookshop, he writes that the Parnasus at Home bookstore features a "large placard in a frame," which reads:

This shop is haunted by the ghosts
Of all great literature, in hosts

As readers, we are all haunted, in the best possible way, by the books we've read and the authors who've possessed us. We are mediums, channeling the eloquently dead. Happy bookish Halloween.

--Robert Gray, contributing editor
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