Spiral Bookcase Moves To Become Manayunk Mainstay

June 26 is an important date in the lives of Ann Tetreault and her fiancé, Adam. In 2009, on that date, the couple bought their first house together in Manayunk.

"We loved the charm and the history of the area," Tetreault said. "And upon moving in, we were surprised there wasn't a neighborhood bookstore."

That summer, the couple started to throw around ideas of opening their own shop. Six months later, Tetreault was ready to make those ideas a reality. On June 26, 2010, the Spiral Bookcase was open for business.

Specializing in used books, the shop is located on Cotton Street.

"Adam came up with the name," Tetreault said. "As soon as he said it, I knew it was perfect. A spiral is easily recognized and deeply appreciated in math, science, art, nature, and religion—seemingly contradictory subjects. However, the connection is there, through the spiral. The Spiral Bookcase is a coming together of ideas and people, an extremely inclusive space, creating an environment of shared stories and shared experiences."

The Spiral Bookcase boasts literature from across genres, and has the ability to make special orders. Recently, Tetreault acquired a large number of rare and out of print books from the 19th and 20th centuries, and she also enjoys displaying books that have interesting graphics—whether it's an attention grabbing cover design or illustrations throughout the book.

Currently, Tetreault works in Washington, DC, so the shop is only open three days a week. In November, however, Manayunk residents will have a new place to frequent as the bookstore will be open from Tuesday to Sunday.

"Once we move to six days a week, I hope to have weekly events and special monthly events," Tetreault said. "We are ready to fill a void in the neighborhood, by creating a new space to learn, laugh, and interact with others."

She is in the process of collaborating with local café, Mugshots, to hold weekly book club meetings starting in October. Local author, Andrew Ervin, has also offered to do a book signing soon.

Next weekend, the store will participate in the inaugural Manayunk EcoArts Festival. The Manayunk Development Corporation calls the festival a "celebration of artistic, sustainable, and local green initiatives." Since the Spiral Bookcase deals with used books, Tetreault thinks the festival is a perfect place to show off. 

"I also intend to promote our selection of jewelry and book art that reinforce the practice of repurposing old artifacts for renewed enjoyment," Tetreault said. The store will also remain open during the festival.

Her commitment extends beyond the Sept. 25 to 26 festival. 

"Given my affinity for sustainable living, I will always stock cookbooks that promote farmers markets and how to make use of salvage and thrift materials in home design," Tetreault said.

Along with the wide variety of books, the shop also sells fine arts, jewelry and gifts. Tetreault initially contacted several independent artists whose work she admired, and she now has a selection of foundling jewelry from an artist located in North Carolina.

"I was drawn to her jewelry because of her clever use of repurposed books, maps, and other found objects into her designs," Tetreault said.

Also available are Little Otsu products—an independent publisher based in San Francisco and Portland collaborating with artists to make books and paper goods out of sustainable materials. In the upcoming weeks, The Spiral Bookcase will also feature work from Art & Ghosts—an artist from the United Kingdom who brings together lore, dreams, and stories in visual arrangements.

"I would certainly be happy to carry local artists' jewelry and artwork," Tetreault said. "I appreciate artists that incorporate found objects in their creations, especially using pages from books or books themselves. In addition, art that mirrors literary motifs, such as folktales, would be desirable within the shop."

Area artists and patrons are welcome visit the shop's website for more information.