GRIFFIN BAY BOOKSTORE

Griffin Bay Bookstore on the move

posted 05/15/2007
Griffin Bay Bookstore began moving to its new downtown Spring Street location this week. Laura Norris, who purchased Griffin Bay Bookstore in August 2006, announced the move on May 11. "We’ll be right across the street from King’s Market at 155 Spring Street." says Laura, "We’re moving into the space formerly occupied by The Toggery." The Toggery closed its doors on April 29.

"Griffin Bay Bookstore celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. I can think of no better way to celebrate its success than by moving into a space that updates the business and, more importantly, makes my customers happy."

This move more than doubles the space of the bookstore. In addition to the 12,000 titles she now carries, the new, larger space allows Laura to expand her selection of books and cards and also add magazines and gifts.

The new location also provides Griffin Bay enough space to support a coffee, tea and espresso area. "We’re excited about serving Caffe Umbria’s gourmet coffee with brand new, state-of-the-art equipment” says Laura. Other local restaurants that serve Caffe Umbria’s premium Italian coffee are Christina’s on Orcas Island and De Laurenti Specialty Food and Wine in Pike Place Market.

"Now people can have a complete bookstore experience." says Laura. Expect to find seating with comfy chairs, wi-fi and locally made pastries to go along with the coffee and tea. "My customers ask for this all the time, and I am extremely happy to announce that its time has come."

"This location offers space for book clubs to meet and authors to give readings. Griffin Bay Bookstore will begin its own book club and we invite anyone interested to join. Our goal is to spark the reading interests in our community and provide a place for people who share the love of books to meet.”

As the new space is prepared, the old store location at 40 First Street will remain open until the end of May. The new space will be open for business on Memorial Day weekend.

Known for its ability to handle special orders, this change allows Griffin Bay Bookstore to function more efficiently. "We’ve proven that we receive books quickly and price them comparably to any internet service. Now you can enjoy a bookstore experience too."

The new home of Griffin Bay Bookstore is 155 Spring Street and will be open daily. Summer hours will be 9a.m. to 9p.m., seven days a week. E-mail: info@griffinbaybook.com. Website: www.griffinbaybook.com – phone 378-5511. Frequent buyer discount cards are available.

New owner for Griffin Bay Bookstore

posted 07/19/2006
PRESS RELEASE: Long-time island resident Laura Norris is the new owner of Friday Harbor's landmark Griffin Bay Bookstore. Norris purchased the business July 17 from Frank Eyerly of Vallejo, CA. Eyerly is the son of Susan Eyerly who owned the store for more than 25 years. Susan Eyerly died April 7, 2006 following a two-year long battle with leukemia.

Norris said she strongly believes in preserving the role of Griffin Bay Bookstore as a literary crossroads of the community and meeting place for hundreds of long-term customers from the island and around the world.

"I am honored and delighted to carry on Susan's legacy through Griffin Bay Bookstore," Norris said. "It is a rare and special fit because of my love of books, my friendship with Susan and my roots on San Juan Island."

Norris first came to San Juan Island in 1964 and graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1975. It was from Norris that Eyerly got her first golden retriever in 1987. Known to many islanders, Duncan, the "Griffin Bay Bookstore dog" was a presence in the store for nearly 14 years. Through their dogs, a firm friendship developed and Ms. Eyerly was Ms. Norris's maid of honor at her wedding in 1991.

"We shared a love of golden retrievers, but unfortunately I have developed allergies and so there won't be dogs 'working' in Griffin Bay Bookstore anymore," Norris said.

Norris plans few changes, but as part of a general sprucing up, the bookstore sign is being re-painted and new awnings are on order. In addition, there is now a store website - www.griffinbaybooks.com - and a frequent buyer discount card is available for customers.

"I look forward to serving the community by continuing the high level of service that Susan was known for," Norris said. "Supplying books for special orders has long been our specialty and I am dedicated to meeting our customers' needs." In addition, Norris welcomes feedback and will give all suggestions serious consideration.

Norris's own favorite book is her passport, and she enjoys "anything that is well-written," especially by British authors, both classic and modern. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from UW and UCLA respectively. Norris also is known locally as a fiber artist and has owned her business, thistledown designs, for the past 14 years. She also has worked in museums, and is an avid gardener and dancer. She is married to Ken Crawbuck and has two children, Claire and Graham Crawbuck.

Griffin Bay Bookstore is located at 40 First Street South and is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

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