City Lights Bookstore

Dear City Lights Family,

You all are great!  The outpouring of congratulations and good wishes since Joyce announced the new era at City Lights has been exciting and much appreciated.  I am humbled by the task before me — the institution that Joyce built over the last 23+ years serves a special role in the region, and I’m mindful that I have a tremendous responsibility to keep the bookstore on the right track, and ensure that we survive and thrive as the publishing world convulses with change.  This isn’t something that I expect to do alone: one part of Joyce’s magnificent legacy is the excellent bookselling crew she assembled.  My colleagues are a talented bunch, and they remain in place, ready to help with your book needs —we have rededicated ourselves to providing excellent customer service.  And, of course, we will continue to rely on your patronage and feedback, so stop in or drop us a line.
Bringing change to this venerable business will require a delicate touch.  We will continue to host dynamic events with writers and other knowledgeable folks. There are no changes in policy in the offing: Book Club credits, Used Book credits (trade-ins still on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and Gift Cards are unaffected by the change in ownership.  Charlie the shop cat — new on the job this past autumn – was part of the stock purchase, and so remains at his station. The only substantive change at this early date is the addition of business hours on Sunday afternoons.  We are excited by the return of our downstairs neighbors at Spring Street Café, and in conjunction with their popular Sunday Brunch, we anticipate providing a stimulating place to visit before and after the meal… bring your coffee or orange juice upstairs and browse our shelves.  Emily Elders, the new proprietor of Spring Street, is going to be a positive and energetic collaborator: stay tuned for more on this partnership as a couple of former “Cullowhee Kids” work with the community to maintain downtown Sylva as a vibrant, healthy hub of activity.
Yours,
Chris