THE world revolves around reading, and with the addition of e-books and online reading resources, entrepreneurs like Samantha Stanwick are determined to preserve reading through physical books. Her love for reading and books developed into an entrepreneurial journey like no other with her business, The Book Barn. Samantha grew up in Canefield, Berbice, and was raised in a single-parent household by her mother. Samantha indicated that she developed a deep love for reading from an early age because she was not “an outdoor person”. She initially read the mysteries and adventures of Nancy Drew and the enchanting tales of Enid Blyton. These pieces of literature sparked her imagination and fostered a lifelong passion for reading. “This love for books has stayed with me, influencing both my personal life and my professional path,” said Samantha.
It was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that it dawned on Samantha to create her own bookstore. “While my love for reading has always been constant, I noticed that it was becoming increasingly difficult to access certain books in a timely manner, especially in Berbice,” said Samantha. She stressed that while religious and educational books were readily available, the selection of popular books for leisure reading was quite limited. Samantha noticed this gap in the market, and it motivated her to start a bookstore that would provide popular, in-demand books—particularly targeting young readers. “There’s a common misconception that young people are not interested in reading anymore, but I believe that with the right books, anyone can be inspired to read,” said this young entrepreneur. With this thought in mind, Samantha was inspired to launch The Book Barn, a store designed to offer a wide variety of genres to suit readers of all ages.
The world of books is endless, with many options from various authors across the globe. Every reader has a different taste and style of book choice that they may be interested in. As such, Pepperpot Magazine inquired about how Samantha decides which books to stock or what genres she should focus on. She responded by saying, “When it comes to selecting the books for our store, we consider several factors to ensure that we meet the needs of our diverse customer base. We focus on stocking popular books that are in demand, and we aim to cater to different genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone—from young readers to adults.” According to Samantha, The Book Barn’s inventory covers a wide range of genres, from fiction, including romance, horror, and thrillers, to non-fiction categories like self-help and beyond. Samantha also understands that sometimes a specific book may not be available. As such, to reduce frustration, The Book Barn offers pre-ordering services to ensure that customers can get their hands on the books they want, even if they are temporarily out of stock.
The book industry, like many others, has been evolving with the rise of digital media. E-books and audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular, which presents new challenges for physical bookstores. When asked how Samantha maintains her book business in a world of e-books, she mentioned that she sees it as an opportunity rather than a threat. “At The Book Barn, we focus on offering a tangible reading experience that digital formats can’t replicate,” said Samantha. She indicated that the joy of physically holding a book, flipping through pages, and being immersed in a story in that way remains irreplaceable for many readers. The Book Barn does not directly sell e-books or audiobooks. However, they continue to adapt by creating an inviting atmosphere for book lovers, partaking in events such as Monster Mash and the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, and building a loyal customer base that values the physical book experience.
Samantha was asked which book or author personally impacted her or shaped her business philosophy today. She stated, “As a reader, I enjoy psychological thrillers the most, though I don’t limit myself to one genre. One of my favourite local books is My Bones and My Flute by the Guyanese author Edgar Mittelholzer. I also admire works from authors like Brené Brown, an author of self-help books, and Edgar Allan Poe, whose mastery of gothic tales has always captivated me.” Recently, Samantha has been engrossed in the works of Freida McFadden, especially her psychological thrillers, which align with her personal taste. While her reading preferences haven’t directly shaped the books she retails, her love for literature drives her desire to offer a wide range of books to inspire others to discover their own reading passions.
For the future, Samantha stated that she aspires to open a physical Book Barn bookstore. She wants to create a dedicated space where book lovers can explore new titles, attend events, and share their passion for reading. She stated that her business is still growing, and with much effort and dedication, she hopes to turn this dream into a reality. The Book Barn’s books can be found at Zim and Mo’s Investment in New Amsterdam and Collage in Georgetown. As evidenced by Samantha’s promise of growth, the business is also in the process of expanding to Purple Bubble in Henrietta Village on the Essequibo Coast. Samantha’s vision is to not only expand her business’ physical presence but also to continue cultivating a community of readers who can find joy, knowledge, and entertainment through the books she provides.
The Book Barn’s catalogues can be viewed via their social media platforms:
Facebook: The Book Barn – Guyana
Instagram: @thebookbarn.gy
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