7 Ways to Annoy a Bookseller

A Street Poet's Diary
5 min readJun 7, 2024

My first ever job was in a bookstore. I’ve only worked in bookstores since — and I sort of always knew bookstores were the place for me.

Books are everywhere in my life. My house is so full of them that I’ve had to start stacking them anywhere I can.

Just some of my TBR stacks

As a bookseller, I see books come in and out of print and watch trends fall in and out of fashion. I know about the new releases, get to meet authors, and get to be surrounded by that wonderful bookish energy. And one thing I love about this job is that rare moment where I get to place the right book into the right person’s hand. Books can change lives. They certainly changed mine.

I’m coming into my seventh year as a bookseller, and I thought it would be fun to share some of the things that customers sometimes say to me.

Without further ado, here are 7 ways to annoy a bookseller (one for each year I’ve been one). Maybe … don’t do these things. Or do. It’s up to you.

1. Ask to borrow the books

You’d be amazed at how many people ask this, but I’m not about shaming people who have the courage to ask a question. Bookstores are not, however…

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A Street Poet's Diary
A Street Poet's Diary

Written by A Street Poet's Diary

Jaidyn the Street Poet — author of The Street Poet & There’s a Tale to This City

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