The Network Effect

Opening a used bookstore: Stef records in real time, early June 2026. She's learning her Wed-Sunday rhythm, launching provenance bookmarks, starting book buybacks, building community partnerships, and opening a new drop-off location in Sausalito.

I cut it close this morning but recorded the pod almost in real time—we're up to date, and I'm sharing what's happening right now...

Operations & Platform: I'm not an affiliate, but I love the Square platform. I just set up payroll on it to stay tax-compliant and avoid trouble later. It's one less thing to worry about.

Community Presence: I attended the Larkspur City Council meeting last night—listened and contributed to the debate on piloting a farmers market downtown. I had to leave before the vote (exhaustion is real), but being in the room mattered.

This weekend, I'm tabling at the Reuse Alliance's Reuse Fair in Corte Madera with my free book swap. Then Sunday is the Battle of the Bands in Piper Park here in Larkspur. Both are great local starts for tabling and marketing.

Work-Life Balance: I'm noticing just how weird my Wed-Sunday work week is. I'm making adjustments to communications and protecting Monday and Tuesday for rest—otherwise I'll burn out. This has to be sustainable.

Book Buyback Program: Started this week. It's nice—people bring in good quality books and get store credit. I prefer contributions (keeps prices affordable), but I'm happy to say yes to people when they bring in awesome books.

Provenance Bookmarks: I'm rolling out my new provenance tracking bookmarks—inserting them into books to track their story. Books aren't commodities. They're connection devices that create community. Every book carries a network of stories that hold us together as humans.

New Drop-Off Location: As of June, you can drop books at The Social Klub in Sausalito—a playspace for kids. If you're closer to Sausalito, feel free to use this location for the month. 

Current Book Count: ~15,000+

Books build community.

Follow along as The Phoenix Used Bookshop continues to rise—subscribe to A Bookshop of My Own and get updates at phoenixusedbookshop.com.

Links mentioned:

• Book drop-off locations (including The Social Klub)
• Reuse Alliance Reuse Fair Corte Madera
• Battle of the Bands (Piper Park, Larkspur)
• Submit a book request