Bringing Books and Community Together in a Vibrant New Bookshop
Bibliophiles and book lovers in southeast Charlotte are in for a treat as Troubadour Booksellers, a brand-new independent bookshop, prepares to open its doors this October. Founder Scott Miller, a longtime actor and avid reader, is on a mission to create a welcoming community space where people can gather, discover new literary gems, and connect over a shared love of the written word.
From Dream to Reality
For Miller, the journey to opening Troubadour Booksellers has been a long-held dream finally coming to fruition. As he explained to Queen City Nerve, the idea of owning his own bookshop had been simmering in the back of his mind for years, but the timing never felt quite right. That is, until the introspective period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Miller took the opportunity to reevaluate his priorities and seriously pursue his bookstore ambitions.
“It had been a dream for a long time and after COVID I started really thinking about it,” Miller shared. “The more I thought about it and the more I talked about it, the more real it seemed. It was certainly inspiring to attend conferences and meet other people on the same journey. Maybe it wasn’t a completely crazy idea. There are reasonable people out there doing this. And I’m one of them.”
With a renewed sense of purpose, Miller set out to make his dream a reality. He attended bookseller conventions and boot camps across the country, immersing himself in the industry and developing a solid business plan. Miller also tapped into his years of experience in nonprofit fundraising to help secure the necessary funding and resources to bring Troubadour Booksellers to life.
A Community-Centered Approach
At the heart of Miller’s vision for Troubadour Booksellers is a deep commitment to fostering a sense of community. He recognizes that independent bookstores can serve as vital hubs, bringing people together over their shared love of literature and providing a welcoming space for all.
“Bookshops can actually be at the center of communities,” Miller emphasized. “If you create that really unique personable customer experience that you see in the best record stores and bookstores, where you know the people who are selling the books and you trust their taste, you don’t have that experience anywhere else. That’s community.”
To that end, Miller and his team have thoughtfully designed the Troubadour Booksellers space to be inviting and accessible. Scattered throughout the shop are overstuffed couches and chairs, inviting customers to sink in and start the process of discovering their next great read. The store also features a dedicated children’s nook, complete with a changing table and complimentary diaper-changing supplies, signaling that families and young readers are welcomed and embraced.
Miller’s commitment to community extends to his hiring process as well. He is intentional about bringing on staff who share his passion for books and literature, and who can contribute their own unique expertise and perspectives to the store’s curation process.
“Part of the hiring process is talking to applicants about what they’re into,” Miller explained. “That’s going to be a part of their job. I want them to be a part of that curating process.”
Curating a Diverse and Engaging Selection
Speaking of curation, Miller has put a great deal of thought into the books and merchandise that will grace the shelves of Troubadour Booksellers. Drawing on his own voracious reading habits, as well as insights gleaned from social media communities like #bookstagram and BookTok, Miller has assembled a diverse and engaging selection that promises to delight readers of all ages and interests.
While Miller’s personal tastes lean towards literary fiction, he recognized the importance of stocking a wide range of genres to appeal to a broad customer base. This includes a robust selection of manga, which he admits was initially outside his own reading preferences.
“I was pretty ignorant about manga but when I was talking to people about opening a bookstore it was the genre that people kept mentioning, so I knew I needed to stock some,” Miller recalled. “Luckily I have a friend who is really into it and they were able to steer me towards the good stuff.”
In addition to books, Troubadour Booksellers will also feature a curated selection of locally crafted gifts and other merchandise, further enhancing the store’s role as a community hub and destination.
A Bookstore and Beyond
While the primary draw of Troubadour Booksellers will undoubtedly be the books themselves, Miller has recognized the potential for the store to serve as a catalyst for vibrant community experiences in southeast Charlotte.
Situated just a few doors down from the popular New Zealand Cafe, the new bookshop is poised to become a prime spot for couples and friends looking to make a night of it. Customers can put their name in at the cafe, then browse the shelves at Troubadour while they wait for their table. Afterward, they can head across the street to the movie theater, creating the perfect recipe for a memorable date night.
But the community-focused vision for Troubadour Booksellers extends far beyond just facilitating date nights. Miller and his team have planned a variety of special events and programming to engage readers of all ages, including children’s storytimes and author readings.
On the store’s grand opening day, October 19th, Charlotte Poet Laureate Jay Ward will be on hand to read from his latest work and sign copies for attendees. And to celebrate the occasion, all first-time customers will receive a 10% discount on their purchases.
Bringing Books and Community to Southeast Charlotte
As Troubadour Booksellers prepares to open its doors, the excitement is palpable not just for Miller and his team, but for the entire southeast Charlotte community. This new independent bookshop represents the realization of a long-held dream, and it promises to be a place where people can come together, discover new literary treasures, and foster a sense of community that is so vital in today’s increasingly digital world.
Whether you’re a voracious reader, a casual book browser, or simply someone who appreciates the unique charm of an independent bookstore, Troubadour Booksellers is sure to become a beloved destination in the heart of southeast Charlotte. So mark your calendars for October 19th, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of this new community hub.
