Knoxville520.com

We say “culturally motivated� because, in addition to simply being a book retailer, Carpe Librum is a vigorous participant in the local arts and entertainment scene. It takes a weekly newsletter to keep up with the number of events hosted at the modest-sized shop across Kingston Pike from Homberg Place, from signings by authors to readings and musical and spoken word performances by recording artists like Minton Sparks and Louise Mosrie, to name just two.

Four local women are behind the just-over-2-year-old business: Flossie McNabb, Sheila Wood-Navarro, Martha Arnett and Claire Poole.

McNabb, a well-known local writer, and Wood-Navarro worked together at Davis-Kidd Booksellers’ for many years. Davis-Kidd closed the much-loved Knoxville store in 2000. McNabb recalled how this left “a huge void in the book community and a huge void in our hearts.�

“I began looking at places immediately-downtown, the Galleria, Western Plaza, to mention a few. Partners were difficult to come by. Then, along came Jeannette Brown (another local writer recently transplanted here from Texas). In March of 2004 we went to Oxford, Miss. to visit the famed Square Books and then to Jackson where we went to Lemuria Books. Both made us drool with their selection and atmosphere. That June, Jeannette and I went to Book Selling School in Chicago where we learned more than can be imagined.�

McNabb and Brown came home with a mission to go into business. That July, they located the space they wanted but by the time a lease was worked out, Brown had made other plans for the future. McNabb needed partners, so, she called upon called upon Wood-Navarro who worked at Malaprops in Asheville. The synergy kicked in—Martha Arnett joined the venture. “Then I called a friend of my daughter's mother, Claire, and asked her. We had our ideal number of partners and were ready to go.�

The nuts and bolts of fixing up the place, acquiring stock and handling the legal end meant that it wasn’t until the following February that Carpe Librum opened its doors for business. But the women have had a blast since Day One. The store, with its distinct ambience, is uniquely homey and comfortable.

“We knew from the start we wanted a warm atmosphere, so we chose blonde-colored cases and pastel walls and a comfortable sofa and chairs. Plenty of chairs sprinkled throughout. Boo the bulldog has claimed one of the most comfortable chairs in the store. We spend a major amount of time selecting books from catalogs and publishing houses, many of which send a rep so we can get a good look at books on the horizon. Our customers are the best sources of all with their requests and suggestions,� McNabb enthused.

“The community has been so supportive from even before opening day. I don't know where we would be without friends, neighbors, friends of friends, and avid book lovers in this great community who wanted an independent, community bookstore.�

The four friends have defined roles within the store’s operation. McNabb and Wood-Navarro handle ordering except for childrens’ books, which Arnett is in charge of. Poole puts most of her time in the back with receiving and customer assistance.

“Sheila also books the music events which have been a boon to our business and so much fun for all. The author events sometimes just fall in our lap with a phone call from a publisher or an author,� McNabb explained. With writers at the helm of the store, it’s no surprise that Carpe Librum invests in the local arts scene.

“We have several book groups that meet on a regular basis and are open to groups
meeting here for their book groups, too. Our goal is for everyone who comes in the door to feel welcome. If we don't have an answer we will try to find out the answer,� McNabb said.

“Having our own business has really opened our eyes to the struggle involved in running a business, as well the importance of community support for success. We don't want to look ‘big’ or like anyone else. We just want to be us, just as we love other local businesses with a quirky non-generic look. And what fun we are having! We’re not making money as yet but we’re loving every minute we spend here.�

Carpe Librum Booksellers (865.588.8080 or mail@carpelibrumbooksellers.com) is located at 5113A Kingston Pike. For more information about the bookstore, go to the Carpe Librum website.