By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
Brittany Ludwig said she has always loved books, even in the era when so much literature is delivered electronically. While Ludwig has nothing against electronic readers such as Kindle, and in fact enjoys using them herself, she said there is nothing quite like holding a printed book in your hand.
“Everyone has their preferences,” Ludwig said. “And some people like both electronic and paper books. I even know people who will buy a digital copy of a book, then buy the hard copy as well to collect and display.”
The true challenge, she said, isn’t how an individual prefers the story to be delivered, but rather are they able to get to where the books are sold. It isn’t always easy to get into a town with a book seller. The solution, she said, was for Ludwig and Lisa Stevens to start a mobile bookstore and save Grayson area readers the trip. The idea took shape and the Ink & Ivy Mobile bookstore set up for the first time in June this year in downtown Grayson.
The mobile bookstore is set up in a box truck, Ludwig said.
“Just picture a white FedEx Truck,” she explained. “It is plain white and has our logo on the side.”
Inside are shelves and a display area where customers are able to look through the available titles.
“Lisa and I are both moms and as small business owners that have our own families, we understand that times are hard for everyone,” Ludwig said. “And making a 30 minute or more drive to a bookstore can be overwhelming. With us being a mobile bookstore, we hope to eliminate that burden by bringing the bookstore to you.”
In the interest of convenience, Ink & Ivy also takes orders through their website which can be accessed through their Facebook Page. Customers can opt to have their purchases shipped, or arrange for “in store” pickup when the mobile bookstore sets up. Ink & Ivy posts their weekly schedule each Sunday so customers can keep track of where they plan to be each week. They also do pop-up events, markets, and festivals in addition to setting up the truck throughout the community.
Ludwig said they sell mostly new books, but they do have a used section and take donations. She said anyone wishing to discuss that aspect of the mobile book store should send a message on Facebook or reach out through email. Typical genres that are available in new and used books include Dark Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Thriller, Children’s, Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Romance and virtually any and every interest readers might have. They also sell the popular Blind Date with a Book and Blind Date with a Kindle, and carry accessories, specialty tumblers, and more.
“We have something for everyone. If there is a book that someone is wanting, we can get it!” Ludwig said. “We want to bring more to the community and get more people interested in reading again.”
Their Facebook is Ink & Ivy Bookstore, and the website is https://ink-and-ivy-bookstore.square.site/ The are also able to accept a wide variety of payment methods, including cash.
On August 7-8 Ink & Ivy will be set up On US 60 with Ashley McGlone of The Lovely Brush with Ashley for an event coinciding with the Route 60 Yard Sale.
“We will be set up on Friday and Saturday for sure, and possibly Sunday,” Ludwig said.
The mobile bookstore, which can accommodate between 500 and 600 books on their shelves, is looking forward to serving the community and offering something else for shoppers to peruse during the popular event, Ludwig said.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
