Keeping the Bookstores Alive
Follow the History of One Stockton’s Surviving Bookstores
American author E.B. White once said, “Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people–people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.” Whether you prefer to read from a phone, kindle, or paper book, most people have come to recognize the undeniable value within books—just as E.B. White. For Stockton, this recognition has led to the preservation of a resource and landmark known as the Friends of the Stockton Public Library Bookstore.
Originally founded in 1958, the bookstore began as a method of aiding the San Joaquin County Public Library. When there was an oversupply of used books, all of which were forced to live on book carts, a group of nine friends came together to hold occasional book sales–in turn, helping fund their local library. Along the way, multiple people have united to help the journey of this bookstore continue. One of those individuals, who now ensures its maintenance as the manager, is Jeffrey Manta.
Kind enough to open the bookstore on a closed day for an interview, Manta shared his memories and experiences with Friends of the Stockton Public Library Bookstore. Ranging from times when he and the community held annual sales at the park, donated remaining books to the Philippines through a friend, and overcame struggles during the COVID pandemic, the bookstore has many tales to tell. Yet, Manta’s own story did not always revolve around the bookstore. In fact, he did not really pursue his current position.
As someone who grew up in a town with a small library and zero bookstores, Manta dreamt of opening a store where he could sell books, records, and movies. Yet as life went on and he tried many things, he realized it was not necessarily a business that could support one’s basic needs. However, when he returned to Stockton, it just so happened the manager of the bookstore suddenly left. Manta found himself in a position where he was forced to ask himself whether he was willing to allow one of Stockton’s resources for learning and community to shut down. So, he decided he would help the bookstore until they found someone permanent—and yet, he still finds himself there. Manta has come to realize that this bookstore is more than just a business, but rather, a family of regulars, volunteers, and donors—which is why it is important to keep it open.
In this age of technology, we have come to see multiple bookstores shut down because of technological advances and major companies. However, keeping paper books is important because to hold a physical book is to create an emotional connection with the story. Also, as Manta said, “Someone thought paper was so important 4,000 years ago that they decided to store their records there.” Thankfully for Stockton, Friends of the Stockton Public Library Bookstore is still open due to the kind donations of books by the community—and remains a center for lifelong learning.
The bookstore is open to any students who truly care for books and wish to volunteer their time to help. For more information check out their website and Instagram: @StocktonFriendsBookstore.
https://www.stocktonlibraryfriends.org