6 minute read
Oasis of Words & Whimsy
walked into a home filled with books and objets d'art, the place where someone knows your story and you’re always welcome.
Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse is domiciled in an 1870’s-era building exuding historic charm. Original wood floors, area carpets, and an eclectic mix of furnishings and décor create a homey atmosphere. The shop formerly housed Annapolis Bookstore, which moved its location before Jinny Amundson and Janice Holmes, co-owners of Old Fox (a nickname given to General George Washington), opened its door on Small Business Saturday of 2016.
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For a nostalgic escape, take a stroll down cobblestoned Maryland Avenue in downtown “It already has an Annapolis institution feeling. A good vibe and energy, feels like a home and a community,” says Annapolis and prepare to Amundson. be charmed. Push open the That’s not by accident. broad door to Old Fox Books Amundson and Holmes & Coffeehouse. (Its tagline believe that the shop has a is “Where story lives.”) The role in the local community squeak of the door’s hinges as a mainstay, offering and the tinkle consistency of its bell with its openabove signals daily schedule. that a new “It matters for arrival has people to rely crossed the on that,” says threshold into Amundson. this magical, calming realm. “One of the reasons people
Your olfactory senses will come is they know what be greeted by fresh-brewed they’ll get: coziness, comfort, coffee emanating from Brown warmth,” Holmes adds, “Also, Mustache Coffeehouse, elements of imagination and located at the back of the whimsy.” Treasured moments shop. include hearing first-time
Take a moment to gain visitors’ reactions. Comments your bearings. Shelves and range from “This is how bookcases line the front room. bookstores are supposed to do Stacks of books sit atop tables. it” and “I wish we had one like You may feel as if you just this back home.”
by DESIREE SMITH-DAUGHETY photography by JEANETTE KREUZBURG
The shop reflects Holmes and Amundson—easy-going, relaxed, welcoming, ready to learn your story and hear about your life updates, travels, and interests. While seated alongside a long table ideal for leafing through book selections, former Maryland State Senator John Astle stops by mid-interview to say hello to the owners and update them on his book project. “He has been a good friend to us,” says Holmes. Later, another customer pauses to chat and catch up on his way to buy coffee.
Lounge area on the lower level.
Old Fox customers range from boating live-aboards and current and former St. John’s College students to out-of-towners and neighbors. Customers bring visitors to show off their local bookshop. “We love to see the shop through the eyes of first-time visitors,” says Amundson. It’s important, having that affirmation.”
“People forget we’re not just a tourist town,” says Amundson. “They think the parking will be a problem, but it’s easy to park down here to get to our bookshop. It’s a beautiful seven-minute walk from Calvert Parking Garage, which is free on weekends.”
Children's bookshelves. Owners of Old Fox Books, Janice Holmes and Jinny Amundson.
Little book house.
Brown Mustache Coffee, located inside of Old Fox Books.
While the shop carries both new and old books, Amundson and Holmes often don’t know what types of old books will come through their doors, as they are replenishing with sources such as collections from people downsizing their homes. They curate their offerings according to what interests them and what they’d like to read or learn. They also know what interests their large customer base and often think about who would love certain books. “We’re like bartenders, but everyone is sober. Mostly!” laughs Holmes.
The bookstore offers something for everyone, and if you’re stuck on what to try, then just ask. All the shop’s booksellers possess genuine curiosity and can make suggestions, and anything can be special ordered.
What does Annapolis read? “Annapolis is pretty literature rich,” says Holmes. “A lot of literary fiction, colonial history, maritime history—we try to find older, interesting books. Naval, pirates, history of rum, philosophy.” They sell many copies of George Washington’s Rules of Civility. Their proximity to Prince George and King George Streets—the shop nestled between—may serve as an influence.
Both Amundson and Holmes recommend trying new topics and taking a break from the multiple lists of recommend reads each year. They suggest sussing out former Booker Prize winners or older authors. “Barbara Pym is a wonderful writer who was forgotten in the 1950s, then rediscovered around 1977, before becoming obscure again” says Amundson. “There are so many amazing writers. Go to the older ones, see how new writers were influenced.” Holmes adds, “Be open to recommendations. Join a book club, start a book club, or join ours!”
Or you can take a chance on a “blind date.” While marriage proposals have occurred at the store (six and counting), Amundson and Holmes are a different type of matchmaker. At Old Fox the blind date is a book that they’ve read, wrapped in newspaper, with a natural adornment added such as a sprig of pine. A synopsis, penned on an index card, explaining what the reader might like about the book inside, is attached to the top like a gift card.
The store’s picturesque, book-rich space welcomes both young and seasoned readers, with an exclusive, children-centric section. It’s here that a child-sized chair has become the only tug-of-war in which the business partners engage; one will situate the chair so that it sits straight and “in place” on the carpet, and the other will later walk by, see that it’s “out of place” and catercorner it.
French doors lead customers to a deck with bistro seating to settle awhile and enjoy a cup of coffee or espresso and other locally sourced treats while perusing new reading material. A generous seating area awaits in the garden area, along with a bookhouse built by Holmes that’s partially made, literally, of books. Since opening, Holmes has rebuilt the garden bookhouse six times, a hazard of little ones not understanding that the books are part of its structure. “We hate to throw any books away,” says Amundson, “so we make sure to try and squeeze as much love and use out of all the books that come into our shop.” █
For more information, visit oldfoxbooks.com & brownmustache.com.
History section on the lower level.
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