How do I check a bookstore’s children’s section and storytime programs?

Spend a morning there when storytime is on. Count how many families attend, whether they browse afterwards, and whether the staff member leading it knows the children by name. Then check the section itself: Is the stock current and well arranged, with a spread of ages and reading levels, or does it look neglected?

Ask for sales in the children’s section as a share of the whole store, and compare it with the days when events run. Ask whether schools, libraries or daycares order from the store, and whether those buyers have standing arrangements. Such orders can be steady, but check whether they exist only by handshake.

Then ask who owns the program. If the events are run by the owner or by one employee, think about whether that person would stay. Ask about any partnerships with authors, publishers or local groups, and whether they would continue under new ownership. Finally, ask how the program is promoted: a mailing list, social media or a calendar in the shop. Make sure those accounts and lists will come with the business. Ask, too, how much the section depends on seasonal buying such as holidays and the start of the school year, and what stock is left over afterwards.

Key takeaways

• Attend a storytime and watch whether families stay to buy.
• Compare children’s sales with sales on event days.
• Find out who runs the program and whether they will stay.