Fountain Bookstore Inc — Local services in Richmond

There’s a bookstore in Richmond that has stood the test of time, a place where the walls are lined with the fruits of human thought and imagination. For over forty years, this store has faced down giants and weathered storms of digital transformation, yet it remains steadfast and unyielding. It’s a small haven in a fast-paced world, a place where each book holds a promise of adventure, knowledge, or escape.

This bookstore began with a focus on technical texts, but as the years passed, it embraced the changing tides, from the digital whispers of audiobooks to the surge of young adult fantasy that captured hearts worldwide. Despite these changes, the store’s essence remains unchanged. It’s a community cornerstone, a place where book lovers gather, where discussions flow freely, and where the love of reading binds strangers together.

As a patron, the evolution of the store is evident not just in the titles that line the shelves but in the very atmosphere that greets you as you step through the door. It’s in the thoughtful layout, the sections that seem tailored to every conceivable interest, and the events that transform shopping from a transaction to an experience. Here, authors and readers meet, share stories, and leave enriched.

The resilience of this bookstore is not just a story of survival; it’s a testament to the power of community. In its most challenging times, it was the unwavering support of its patrons, the shared $20 bills, that kept the lights on and the doors open. This sense of community, belonging to something more splendid, makes shopping here a unique experience. It’s not just about buying a book; it’s about contributing to a story that spans decades, about being part of a family that grows with every visit.

To walk into this bookstore is to step into a narrative woven from the countless stories it houses. It’s a place where history and innovation meet, where every visit leaves you with a sense of having shared in something special. This bookstore is more than a place to buy books; it’s a sanctuary for those who love them, a beacon for those who seek knowledge and entertainment, and a clear proof of the enduring value of independent bookstores in enriching the cultural fabric of...

Fountain Bookstore is a lovely gem in downtown Richmond. My daughter and I stumbled on it when we had a couple of hours to pass before an appointment, and were there when it opened. Everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable, and obviously read an enjoy so many different books. They were able to offer some great suggestions for my 9 yr old daughter (nearly 10), who has a reading level far above her age, but is of course not yet ready for all content that far above her age level (despite trying to convince everyone she's nearly a teenager!) :-) Ms. Andi listened to my daughter's interests and what other books she'd read, and she became my daughter's favorite person, offering a really wonderful variety of suggestions. My kiddo asked to go back the next week to specifically to see her, and to get some new books, since she'd already devoured the ones we got on our first visit. They remembered her immediately, and that made my kiddo feel so special. We've been back several times, and I have gotten some great reads myself. I really appreciate the diversity in material they highlight, and their promotion of local authors. The environment of the store is fun and happy, and there are several neat add-ons (bookmarks, stickers, candles, sweets, small gifts) that make popping in just extra enjoyable. Anytime we're in town, we'll definitely be...

Stopped by on my break today to visit this bookstore. Customer service must have gotten stolen from them before I got there. Not one clerk greeted me nor asked if I needed help. Seeing this is a cute and small bookstore you would think someone would have offered assistance.

The manager was too busy talking to staff about someone who didn’t show up for an interview. The clerk was busy placing an order for a book. The manager is happy she hired those two clerks because the person didn’t respond back to her request for a zoom call nor came in for the interview. In which a clerk gave a recommendation to do a courtesy call.

I felt like I was invisible. I walked around for about 25 minutes, I was the only customer in the store.

Two clerks and a manager just speaking amongst themselves.

I’ll stick to the other bookstores around Richmond. They probably had the book I was looking for but I decided that since I was invisible I shouldn’t purchase from this establishment.

Thank you so much for the...