The Essence of Molly’s Books and Records

In the heart of the Italian Market, tucked away in a cozy corner, lies Molly’s Bookstore and Records—a little haven of literature and music. Right outside, stretches of discount books and records line the sidewalk, as well as a number of featured items. Through the window, one can get just a glimpse of the magic inside. And when you step through the threshold of Molly’s, you enter a world meticulously curated by Molly Rusakoff and her family. 

The first thing that strikes you as you enter Molly’s is the logical and neat organization that prevails despite its tight space. The reasoning behind this organization is clear and pragmatic. Every inch of space has been utilized to its fullest potential, making the store as accessible as possible. The books and records are carefully arranged, so you can effortlessly find what you’re looking for. 

At the front of the store, you’ll find Molly’s Bookstore and Records merchandise, a warm welcome that instantly connects you with the spirit of the place. Mugs and trinkets adorned with beloved store motifs are thoughtfully placed, serving as a reminder that this is more than just a business; it’s a labor of love. Even more, scattered around are notecards featuring art from children’s books, a reminder that this is a space where the young and old come together to explore the magic of literature.

Molly’s Bookstore and Records is more than just a business; it’s a way of life for Molly and her family. She lives right above her store, and she considers this a distinct advantage. In her view, if more people lived above their businesses, it could be a solution for many of our economic and societal problems. In Lewis Buzbee’s book, outlining the aspects of today’s bookstore, he recognizes the unique financial trouble of running a store made up of books: “Most booksellers go into the business because they love books, and they have a natural leaning toward the mercantile life. Books are inexpensive, with a markup over wholesale that’s as low as the laws of economics will traffic. Books are heavy and take up lots of space, and because each title is unique there are so many titles a well-stocked bookstore requires, inventory and stocking create a high payroll, so most booksellers don’t get paid much over minimum wage” (Buzbee). 

Molly gets around this conundrum by keeping her priority on sustaining what’s already working instead of attempting to make a profit for the sake of growth. This ideology keeps the prices in her store reasonable. Foot traffic from the surrounding Italian Market makes it so that Molly’s doesn’t have to put anything online, and still makes a plethora of sales. It’s her commitment to affordability and accessibility that keeps her inventory entirely used. 

There’s a certain method to the madness in Molly’s store. She doesn’t carry genre fiction, and the recent publications she holds are limited, underscoring her commitment to modern classics and used books. The shelves are laden with a diverse selection of fiction classics and nonfiction. The diversity of these sections is outlined in the map below. Molly’s curated selection of fiction is a testament to her own literary preferences, featuring titles by renowned authors like Atwood, Hemingway and Faulkner, among many others. Molly’s wish is to share what she loves, whilst still having something for everyone who comes in. The cookbook section is another example of this same idea. It is comprehensive and filled with great variety. Molly has curated titles from a plethora of ethnic backgrounds, and it’s an intentional choice. She believes in offering a broad range of perspectives and voices to her customers, creating a space that celebrates the world’s culinary diversity. Beyond the books, Molly’s store becomes a hub for sharing recipes and discussing the art and literature of food. Joe Ankenbrand, Molly’s Husband, manages the music section of the store. His ideals mirror his wife’s.

Molly’s passion for literature transcends the pages of the books on her shelves. She knows that navigating the literary landscape can be daunting, and that’s why she’s meticulously crafted hand-painted signs for each section. These signs, made with her own hands, guide customers through the literary genres and authors, ensuring they can easily find their next great read. In a world of convenience and digital distractions, Molly’s store offers the tactile, sensory experience of discovering literature anew.

The lighting in the store is another testament to Molly’s dedication to accessibility. The fluorescent lights are chosen not for their brightness, allowing customers to easily read the titles on the shelves. However, Molly ensures that the lighting is not harsh; it’s bright enough to facilitate browsing but soft enough to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. In this subtle way, she makes the space accessible, not just physically but also aesthetically.

It should also be noted that Mrs. Stevenson, the store cat, will often choose a customer to walk alongside—to shop with during their visit.

The music that fills the air in Molly’s Bookstore and Records is as varied as the literature it houses. There is no fixed playlist; it depends entirely on the day. Sometimes it’s the sweet sound of silence, allowing the books to speak for themselves, while on other occasions, it’s a combination of personal favorites. Records are displayed prominently at the front of the store, inviting customers to explore the treasures of the music world. Usually, the records visible through the window get more traffic into the place, and then more eyes on the books in the back. The crew is always “putting their best foot forward,” as Molly aptly puts it.

Due to the limited space, Molly cannot display much face outward. Her store is, in her words, “stocked to the gills.” Yet, rare books are given a special place near the top of the bookshelves, facing outward, as a testament to their value. Molly has a deep passion for rare books, and she understands the intricacies of pricing, displaying, and handling them. Her quest for knowledge led her to attend a recent seminar about this topic. She is now working to set up workshops with the library and fellow booksellers to share what she’s learned, ensuring that rare books are valued appropriately. Molly’s devotion to accessibility goes beyond the confines of her bookstore. 

When you step into Molly’s Books and Records, it’s evident that this is not just a business; it’s a way of preserving history and beauty. The Italian Market, with its rich cultural heritage, is a place where history is cherished, and Molly’s Bookstore and Records is a significant part of this cultural tapestry. In the previously mentioned work by Lewis Buzbee, he writes that, “A bookseller is, first and last, the custodian of a wonderful space, a groundskeeper concerned with the order and care and stock of the space” (Buzbee). In Molly’s case, this could not be a truer sentiment. Any visitor can feel Molly’s love and care just by looking around.