A new bookstore in Texas caught my eye the other day. The Wild Detectives in Dallas is a combination bookstore (a small, curated section of books) and cafe and bar. Or, as the article in the Dallas Observer notes, "you can order up a Lakewood Lager, pull out your beat-up copy of a Jonathan Lethem novel or T.S. Eliot poems and read in peace. An eclectic playlist softly fills the space, only interrupted by the occasional conversation or the hiss of the bartender steaming milk." It also hopes to be a hub for creative thought, perhaps hosting author talks or book clubs, which is something many indie bookstores are already doing today.
So I wonder if this is the new norm for indie bookstores? Combination shops as opposed to books-only (or primarily) stores? I think it sounds like fun, and the owners seem pleased with possibly breaking even, but I can't help but wonder if this is another sign of the demise of traditional bookstores or just the inevitable evolution. Even Barnes and Noble integrated coffee shops into its locations years ago and now sells an increasing amount of non-book items like toys, games and software.
Would a concept like The Wild Detectives make you more or less likely to visit a bookstore?
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