A Phoenix Rises from the Ashes: Between Books 2.0

Greg Schauer opened Between Books, a bookstore that operated successfully for 33 years, just after he graduated from Brandywine High School.

Thirty-three years later, in 2013, he was forced to close because he lost his lease after the space was allocated to another tenant.

When Schauer was asked what he would do, he would gleefully reply, "I'm going to Phoenix!"

He didn't mean the sunny city in Arizona. A fantasy fan, Schauer planned for his business to become like the Greek mythological long-lived bird that gained a new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor.

The next incarnation of Between Books had to be different, Schauer thought. People shop differently than they did more than 30 years ago, when he first opened his store, and he wanted to keep customers coming in.

The product knowledge and personal service of Between Books would remain, but in a new, smaller location, with stock frequently rotated from storage.

"There are treasures coming up all the time," Schauer said.

The 53-year-old Schauer reopened in Claymont, where he's been a longtime resident, in January. A soft spoken guy, Schauer often can be found outside the store smoking a pipe and chatting up customers.

Inside, Between Books 2.0 is small and unadorned, with every wall lined with overstuffed bookcases filled with books, graphic novels and comics, even the counter for the store's register.

Two chairs are placed near the counter so customers have a place to relax and chat.

Schauer says he always greets customers by name after their first visit. He discovers what customers like to read so he can point them in the direction of other titles that would be of interest to them.

And he says shoppers won't get that type of attention at a big box or online bookstore.

As part of his commitment to the community, Schauer is concentrating on supporting local artists and smaller press because he believes neither receive the mainstream media exposure they deserve.

"The core of the store has always been a community space and that's not going to change," he said.

Schauer also plans to host educational, social and community events at Between Books 2.0, such as small band performances, writers' groups and art illustration classes.

He'd also like for the wall space above the shelves to serve as gallery space for local artists.

"The bookstore experience has been a place to exchange ideas, and I want to encourage the arts to go along with that," he said.

Much of the stock is being offered at half price right now as Schauer works on balancing his stock.

Schauer prefers science fiction, pulp novels and non-fiction science books. He's also a partner in a start-up publisher, eSpec books.

The company's first offering, "The Society for the Preservation of C.J. Henderson," is an anthology of science-fiction stories that Schauer co-edited with Danielle Ackley-McPhail. It was published in April and dedicated to his mentor, the late C.J. Henderson who wrote horror stories, comic books and hard-boiled crime fiction. He appeared at the store and was considered a mentor by many science fiction fans on the East Coast, helping them write their own books, Schauer said.

All proceeds from the book, which has been a bestseller at the store, are being used to cover medical and funeral expenses for Henderson.

For the 30th anniversary celebration of Between Books, Henderson encouraged Schauer to publish an anthology of stories through a local press Fantasist Enterprises titled "The Stories In Between."

Local photographer Joe del Tufo provided the cover with stories by writers who had appeared for signings at Between Books during its first 30 years of business.

Other notable authors appearing in the store for book signings have included Jeff VanderMeer, who wrote the New York Times bestselling "The South Reach Trilogy" and David B. Coe, who wrote the fantasy novel "Dead Man's Reach" David B. Coe.

After being back in business six months, Schauer is happy to report Between Books 2.0 is sustaining itself.

"The community has been very supportive,' Schauer said.

Contact Christopher Calloway is The News Journal's brand manager. In his spare time, he's passionate about bookstores, comics and related topics. Contact him at (302) 324-2543 or ccalloway@delawareonline.com

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Between Books 2.0

WHERE: 3203 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont

WHEN: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun noon-4 p.m.