Ivy Bookshop — Local services in Baltimore

My mother and I went to this bookstore last Sunday. We had been to the new location only one time before. ..The new location has a very calming feel and I like the overall layout of the store. The problem my mother and I had was that at the time we were the only black people in the store and when we walked in the man at the counter was welcoming(on our first visit a women was at the counter and she was very pleasant. My mother had a conversation with her when I purchased a book.) but there was an older man that was at the computer next to the section containing fiction and mystery who watched us from the time he laid eyes on us. He helped other customers find and order books on the computer but never approached us to see if we needed any help.(He did this on our first visit too and only a younger guy came up to use to ask if we needed any help..) Instead, he kept pretending to use the computer while watching us like we were going to steal books. I actually picked up several books and decided to put them back because he made me feel uncomfortable. My mother also felt like she was being treated like she was a criminal. Meanwhile, he didn't watch any of the other customers who were mostly white. I didn't want to write this review but my mother; growing up in the deep south where she constantly experienced being followed in stores just because she was black from the time she was a little girl pushed me to say something. It's sad that even in 2022 that was still have race issues where people think that one race is more criminal than others just because of skin color. we as humans also have racial biases unconsciously too. My mother and I had agreed that we wouldn't visit this bookstore for awhile... We are a family that supports all bookstore in Baltimore from Atomic Books down the road to used bookstores and Greedy Reads. Speaking of Atomic books, your bookstore could use a bigger comic book section. IT'S SO SMALL THAT IT'S...

So amazing! Books by local Baltimore authors, queer authors, and activist authors, as well as a bunch of classics. Allies in all regards!!

It’s not in the building from the first pic that comes up, and I’m so glad! It’s in a house with land in the back where you can read in the garden or in a little gazebo in the back! Granted, the gazebo is unfortunately right behind the dumpsters, but it doesn’t smell or anything. I wanna read there in the Fall when it cools off.

They also have a 20% discount for teachers!!!

And last but not least, they also have some great stickers from independent illustrators as well as other random local homegoods (candles I think?).

P.S. The Fantasy and Sci-Fi are together, but the sign only says Science Fiction for some reason. So, that’s where you’ll find fantasy!

#ReadBannedBooks #ShopLocal #ReadingIsPower #ReadQueerAuthors #ReadPOCauthors #SupportYourLocalBookStoresAndLibraries

((Yes I know that hashtags aren’t a thing on...

I drove by this shop and decided to stop in and check it out. From the moment I walked in the door I felt unwelcome. The staff did not greet me or even acknowledge my presence. There was only one other customer in the bookstore and at least three staff members working. I browsed the shelves and again no one spoke to me or asked if I needed help. I picked out a few things form the children's section, which was pretty decent for a small bookshop (the only reason for two stars) and proceeded to the counter to pay. An older woman was behind the counter, glanced at me and then continued to type something on her computer. She never spoke to me at all. A second cashier rang me up after a few awkward moments. It was a very cold interaction. It's a decently stocked bookstore, but it needs better, more friendly staff. I won't be returning. I'll get better...