By Emma Rosenbaum
Calendar Editor
Alex Parducci
Staff Writer
Avoiding bookstores is common for teenagers, but the new Manhattan Beach bookstore, Pages, is turning things around.
Manhattan Beach business partners Linda Figel, Margot Farris and Patty Gibson came together to open the bookstore of their dreams.
Pages is located on the outskirts of downtown Manhattan Beach at 904 Manhattan Ave. and is every book lover’s heaven. From the cozy sea blue couches to the decorative window display, the atmosphere is perfect for snuggling up and enjoying a good read.
“I usually spend the minimum amount of time in bookstores necessary, but when I went to Pages, it was easy for me to lose track of time. Finding good books was easy,” senior Sarabeth Suter said.
Figel, Farris and Gibson partnered to start their own business. A year ago, they decided to open a bookstore and began looking for the best location for their enterprise.
“Patty and I have always wanted to own a bookstore. Margot was interested in starting a downtown business and approached Patty and me about joining our venture about six months ago. Margot’s interest really helped to reignite our efforts for this,” Figel said.
On March 12, Figel, Farris and Gibson opened Pages with a bang. With the store’s chic yet intellectual mood, success and customers came easily.
“As soon as you walk into the store, you want to read, even if you never do,” freshman Danielle Kay said.
The store includes a large variety of books 0chosen from the New York Times, LA Times and Indie Bound Best Seller to ensure quality.
“We carefully hand-select the books and cards that we have. We follow book reviews and book blogs carefully, and meet with publisher reps regularly to ensure we have the best selection of adult, children’s and gift books we can find,” Figel said.
Pages has also had several live book readings where up to 150 people attend. New York Times best seller Kelly Corrigan, the author of “Lift” and “Middle Place,” came to read and discuss her works.
The store offers two six-week writers’ workshops on Monday nights, one for fiction and one for non-fiction writers, as well as an open mic night for all Mira Costa, Vistamar and Chadwick students to share their own poems, stories and songs.
“I think it’s really great that they have an open mic night. Not a lot of students get the chance to express themselves, and this is a great opportunity,” junior Nico Ledesma said.
The bookstore’s environment doesn’t just bring costumers and stimulate their desires for literature, but also attracts prospective employees as well. Students and beach cities residents of all ages work at Pages.
“Pages is a great place to work. Helping people in the store is actually one of the best parts of the job,” Pages employee and sophomore Connor Wright said.
Pages has also been a hit among the Costa faculty.
“It’s so cool. I already have a book from there,” said English teacher Shawn Chen.
Pages bookstore prides itself on providing quality services and a comfortable, local shopping experience. Its light wood floors and homey feel are a great escape from the large and weary options of Barnes and Noble or Borders.
“I love the intimacy of the store and how it feels like a family in there. It’s a perfect environment for curling up with a good book to read,” junior Caitlyn Lombardo said.
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