Black River Books
Owners: Dick and Pam Haferman
Founded: 2007
Black River Books sits on the edge of Kalamazoo St. in a small, picturesque town called South Haven. The town is so picturesque with its red lighthouse, colored houses, and rows of yachts lining the river, you would imagine it was straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. And in fact, South Haven has a rich literary history, providing the enchanting setting for many well-known novels, and Black River Books has an entire section devoted to local Michigan authors.
I came across this adorable little bookshop on Fourth of July weekend. Over 10,000 people flock to South Haven’s beaches for firework festivities, which happen on the night of July 3rd. It was beautiful weather and my Aunt and Uncle took me to their local farmer’s market and then showed me around the town. Main street is filled with cute shops for homemade clothing, soaps, dog treats, coffee and more.
We wandered into Black River Books for an escape from the heat and over-crowded streets. I warned my family about taking me into a bookstore, about how hard it is to drag me out. I found Black River Books especially easy to get lost in: the vintage collections and spontaneous finds from gangster novels to Peter De Vries. It reminded me that sometimes it is necessary to escape the flashiness of bestsellers and the drama of our current world.
To touch and smell an old book, to feel and absorb the history of another place and time is part of the magic of bookstores. I found a collection of essays from the 1920’s. The book was in good condition, but the pages were yellowing and worn from age. I love this about old books: the distinct literary quality, whether it be the small print or fraying edges, that you cannot find in fresh titles. There are so many of these treasures in Black River Books it is hard to know where to begin…
THE STORY
Owning a bookstore was a retirement dream for Dick and Pam Haferman. Instead of traveling to exotic places like many of their friends, they began going to different states and coming back with books. After categorizing and pricing their finds, they ended up with over 40,000 books that would become the life and heart of Black River Books. Dick and Pam spend almost every day inside the store, alongside their dog, Booker, who is 15 and is “still getting in the way of everyone that walks in.”
As you walk into the bookstore, you might notice a section called Booker & Dewey’s Corner, which is named after their dogs, who became as an important part of the store as the books themselves. Sadly, Dewey passed away last year, but you can still find Booker meandering around the book shelves.
Since South Haven is a popular tourist destination, Dick and Pam made it a goal to have as large of a selection in as many areas as possible so that there could be something for everyone. The store accomplishes this with its broad scope of literature, novels, antiques, and unique finds.
NOTABLE SECTIONS
Black River Books primarily sells used and rare books, although they do have a few new book sections. They sell books from local authors in Western Michigan and also Michigan environmental books on trees, rocks, and minerals.
Their kid’s room also has a large selection of children’s literature and local authors worth checking out.
Used Books: ✓
Rare Books: ✓
Cafe: ✕
Wifi: ✕
Pets: ✓
On the right hand corner of the store they have comfortable couches and chairs with water, tea, and coffee. On the table are vintage posters of South Haven which you can flip through at your leisure.
Check out their list of events at:
Website: http://www.blackriverbooks.net/