Laurie and Emma Lenski have launched Indie Readery & Records, which opened on October 23 at 314 North Street in a 600-square-foot storefront near the corner of Melville Street. It offers a curated selection of new and used books, vinyl records, and a range of other items, including unique gifts and organic and personal care products.
While the books cover a wide range of subjects, Indie Readery & Records specializes in those with a liberal and progressive viewpoint, as well as new ideas. “It’s very eclectic, and we have a wide variety of voices and products represented,” Emma explained. “I’d say we have something for everyone. At the same time, we have a strong social justice lens and want to be inclusive in serving populations and perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream culture. We’re also active in the LGBTQ+ community and represent that here.”
A gallery section will feature different local artists in three-month shows. “The artists will keep all of the profits from these,” she said. The pair plans to utilize the space for various events, including author readings and book signings, as well as open mics, poetry slams, drag story times, and movie screenings.
The shop has a bright, homey feeling. In addition to the bookshelves and merchandise tables, there are seats for relaxing and separate sections for children’s books and albums. There’s also a “refillery”—complete with bulk containers of organic cleaning and self-care products—created in collaboration with North Adams-based Plant Connector, which until recently had an outlet in Pittsfield. Customers can bring in their own bottles and fill them, as a way to reduce the use of single-use plastic and to save on costs. “There’s been a lot of interest in that,” noted Emma.
Laurie and Emma, who reside in Pittsfield, have been a couple for 12 years and were married nine years ago. Laurie grew up in Berkshire County. Emma is from eastern Massachusetts. “I originally moved here to attend Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, and stayed here after school,” Emma said.
The Lenskis decided to open the store early this year and obtained a lease on the site in May. They spent the summer renovating the space, which had most recently been a hair salon. Laurie, who previously worked as a painter on home renovation projects for 25 years, works here full-time. Emma juggles her job at the bookstore with her other responsibilities: She serves as the director of education and outreach at Berkshire Pride, a resource and support organization for the LGBTQ+ community, and is a licensed therapist at Collaborative Endeavors, a group practice.
The original impetus for the business was Laurie’s desire for a career change. “After being a painter for so many years, I decided it was time to do something else that would be less physical,” she shared. “So we talked about what that might be. We went back and forth and thought about different possibilities, such as an ice cream shop or a bar.”
They eventually determined that there was a need for an independent bookstore in downtown Pittsfield. “That seemed right for several reasons,” Laurie said. Emma’s personal background contributed to their decision. She grew up in a family of avid book lovers and collectors. “Everyone should have access to a cozy bookstore where they can curl up with a good book,” she said. “Other communities in Berkshire County have great independent bookstores, and we saw a need for that in Pittsfield.”
They also wanted to contribute to the city’s revitalization. “We definitely see great potential for downtown,” said Laurie. “When I was growing up, my mother would take me here for shopping trips. It felt magical. That was when England’s (a large local department store) was open, and there was also a wide variety of businesses, including a really good bookstore.” She added that a “wonderful community of people with businesses here share the goal of bringing that vitality back. We want to be part of that.”
In today’s world of smartphones, social media, and streaming media, the owners are not concerned that books and vinyl records are becoming an anachronism. On the contrary, they see more traditional media making a comeback. “Although we’re living in a digital age, I’m getting tired of that and want to live a more analog life,” Laurie stated. “I think many others feel the same way.” That sentiment has struck a chord. “People have been coming in to check us out and have been very supportive,” she said. “They seem excited that we’re here.”
Indie Readery & Records is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
