Reading Local Q & A: Green Bean Books Owner Jennifer Green

This interview was conducted by long time supporter Helen Koba.  You can see what Helen is up to over on her great blog, Life Is Good.

Green Bean Books is a new and used children’s bookstore that opened July 9th at 1600 NE Alberta St.  In addition to checking out their website, you can also follow store updates and become a fan on the Green Bean Books Facebook page. Now on to the interview.

Helen: Before your store opened, I drove by and saw the windows papered up and wondered what would go into this cute little house next. Then I saw your sign Green Bean Books go up and thought – a bookstore carrying cooking and/or gardening books! But when you opened last week, I found out it was a children’s bookstore! Tell us how you decided on that.

Jennifer: I was an elementary school teacher in the Portland Public Schools for 10 years. I also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) as well as art at a community center. During that time I was always on the lookout for appropriate books for my students. I especially seemed to have a difficult time finding bilingual books – new or used. So after I left teaching, I decided to open a children’s bookstore.

Helen: And why in this space at 1600 NE Alberta which has been many other things before now?

Jennifer: I liked it for many reasons. It’s cozy, has lots of ‘nooks and crannies’, a patio and small garden area. But most important, lots of families with little kids are moving into this NE Alberta neighborhood area. This shop is located between Grasshopper, a children’s clothing store to the east and Igpei Toys, a children’s toy shop to the west. There also seems to be a lot of foot traffic on this street. For all these reasons, I chose this spot.

Helen: You opened July 9 – how has business been so far?

Jennifer: I have gotten a very warm welcome. People who have come in say they were waiting for me to open!

Helen: What are you offering that may be different and unique in the way of children’s books?

Jennifer: I have made a special effort to carry books for children in as many other languages as I can find. I have a small collection of books in French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali and Arabic, Laos, Swahili, Latin, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and German. I also try to carry books that are multicultural. I categorize books so it may be easier for parents and teachers to find what they are looking for, i.e., Safety, How To, Bedtime, Songs, African-American, Native American.

Helen: What are your immediate and long term plans?

Jennifer: Everyone is welcome to the official grand opening on July 30 from 5:30 to 9 pm. And in the coming months I hope to have events such as story times, author reading events, and workshops on book making. People should check my website for these upcoming events. I am partnering with the Multnomah County Library around young adult reader events. I want Green Bean Books to be a community space for people to hang out, read books and get to know each other.

Helen: You are off to a great start. I see some books in the ‘grown up’ section that will make me come back here often and I like that you carry used books and buy or offer trade for books. Thanks for your time.