WEST SPRINGFIELD — Scott Szaban has had several careers, working in retail, policing and dental hygiene. Now, Szaban is literally starting a new chapter, opening the bookstore, A New Chapter, in West Springfield.
“I’ve always loved to read,” Szaban said. “I’m that person out buying 15 to 20 books a week.” After working in the dental field for a few years, he said, “I wanted to work for myself. I had to go where my heart is, which is books.”
A New Chapter’s grand opening is happening from Nov. 7 through Nov. 9, but the bookseller opened its doors on Oct. 7. Since then, he said, “The town has welcomed me with open arms. It’s better than I could ever have hoped.” Szaban promised the grand opening would include raffles and prizes. Without giving away too much, he coyly urged people to be among the first 25 shoppers each day when the shop opens at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. on Sunday.
The bookstore is nestled between other shops on Elm Street. Inside, the walls are lined with shelves filled with books. On a small table near the front door was a seasonal display of spooky stories and Halloween horror that will be changed to match the time of year. Szaban also plans to update the front window regularly. When Reminder Publishing visited the shop, there was a giant stuffed Octopus lounging comfortably in a chair with books about sea creatures surrounding it. After Thanksgiving, Szaban said the window will rival the holiday displays seen along Fifth Avenue in New York City. He said he anticipates a “great holiday season.”
Szaban, a Springfield resident, had originally planned to open the shop in East Longmeadow. However, when the location fell through, Szaban reached out to Mayor Will Reichelt’s office to see if they knew of an available storefront. Despite never having met Reichelt, the business owner said the mayor called him back within five minutes to tell him about possible locations. Of Reichelt’s support, Szaban said, “He’s a reader and here was here on day one.”
Szaban believes in the adage that the three most important things for a successful business are location, location and location, and he sees value in being situated on a main thoroughfare along a row of “many good businesses.”
Being an independent bookseller is challenging in some ways. Purely because of the shop’s size, A New Chapter has a smaller selection of books customers will find at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon.com, but if a title is not in stock, Szaban said that he can usually order it and have it ready for pick-up within 24 to 48 hours. Additionally, the books can be gift wrapped, free of charge. The price of books is another difference people may find. Most of the titles at A New Chapter at about $15, but the owner said, “Even if a book is $30, how much time are you going to spend reading it?” Books provide a good return on investment in terms of entertainment.
While the large retailers may be able to offer titles for a few dollars less than A New Chapter, Szaban said it is often difficult to find someone to ask for help or provide a recommendation. At a New Chapter, people can come in, have a complimentary cup of coffee and talk about an author they love or ask which series would be good for their fantasy-loving niece.
“When you are in a local bookstore, that’s what it’s about,” Szaban said, referring to the personal touches. He said, “There’s nothing more rewarding than turning someone on to a book.”
While A New Chapter does not yet have a website, Szaban said the business will offer online sales once it does. In the meantime, Szaban said books can be ordered over the phone at 413-355-4503.
Szaban has a two-year lease for the storefront at 209 Elm St. but said he plans for A New Chapter to be in town for the next 30 years. He said, “It’s only been a few weeks, but I could see myself doing this for the rest of my life.”
