Katya: Bridgeside Books
“Bookstores are magical places!”
Nestled in a quaint downtown village surrounded by major areas of Vermont, Bridgeside Books thrives in a community that values its presence.
Katya’s d’Angelo’s mission is to give people ways to expand their mind and offer new perspectives - through books, strategy games, art supplies, journals, and additional tools to help people to explore themselves. She notes, “Going to a bookstore - there is so much more to it than just buying a book. You go in and there’s a very good chance that you are discovering new books that you’ve never heard about or seen before. Bookstores are magical places.”
Before diving into bookselling, Katya was a marketing manager for an adventure tour company, organizing outdoor adventure tours. However, the onset of COVID-19 put many of these activities on hiatus. When the bookstore's owner decided to sell, Katya saw an opportunity to pivot her career. Already considering opening another small business, she took the leap and bought the bookstore. She was already running an ice cream business, which continued for two additional seasons before shifting her focus entirely to books.
Katya describes the bookshop community as a tight-knit group, where camaraderie triumphs over competition. In a unique display of support, local bookstores often collaborate to ensure customers find the books they need.
In 2023, Katya received the Rising Star award from Vermont Biz, celebrating her significant impact on the community. This recognition highlighted her dedication and volunteer work, reaffirming the positive influence she has had through her bookstore.
Childhood Memories and Favorite Books
Katya’s love for books started early. She fondly recalls the last 15 minutes of her school day dedicated to reading time, a practice encouraged by her mother and teachers who read aloud to her. These memories have shaped her recommendations for children’s books today. Some of her favorites include: The Phantom Tollbooth, The Westing Game, The BFG, Everybody Poops, and The Egypt Game. She believes that revisiting childhood books can provide timeless enjoyment and insights.
Unexpected Joys in Bookselling
One of Katya's greatest joys is witnessing the excitement of children who pick out multiple books, much to their parents' delight. She finds fulfillment in knowing that kids still love to read. Moreover, Katya treasures the connections she builds with her customers, often knowing them by name and creating a community atmosphere. She humorously compares booksellers to "bartenders of the retail world," given the close, personal interactions they have with patrons.
Curating a Community-Centric Bookstore
Curating a bookstore that resonates with the local community involves a blend of resources and intuition. Katya relies on recommendations from publishers and sales reps, who provide seasonal lists and insights into popular picks endorsed by book clubs like Reese Witherspoon’s and Oprah’s. She keenly observes community reading trends and social media buzz, ensuring her selections align with local tastes. For instance, her community favors science, nature, and mystery thrillers, while tourists often opt for lighter reads and books about Vermont or by Vermont authors. Her manager has twice won the James Patterson holiday bookseller grant, and Bridgeside was selected as a 2024 recipient for the Backing Small Businesses grant presented by American Express.
Katya has a particular fondness for nonfiction, especially works by Erica Fatland, a Norwegian writer known for her engaging explorations of geopolitics and culture from a non-American perspective.
Advice for Aspiring Bookstore Owners
For those dreaming of opening their own bookshop, Katya offers valuable advice: while a passion for books is essential, understanding the business side is crucial. Successful bookstore owners need to add value to their community and employ local members. Katya emphasizes the importance of having a solid business plan, cautioning against opening a bookstore solely out of a love for reading without considering the operational aspects.
29 Stowe St #1, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676 - Website
