New chapter: Local bookstores offer virtual events, storytime and shopping amid coronavirus pandemic

ORLANDO, Fla. — The world turned on to a new page with the coronavirus pandemic, forcing local residents and businesses to scramble to write their next chapter.

Locally-owned bookstores are working to meet their customers where they are: at home.

Writer’s Block Bookstore in Winter Park has opened its shelves and events to the world, using its website and social media pages to continue to connect with the community.

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Bored and looking for a new book or puzzle to take up some time? Fill out a questionnaire and their staff will play matchmaker to pick the perfect one and have it delivered to your home.

Looking for an activity to occupy your little one? The shop’s children specialist is livestreaming story time sessions on Facebook.

“Every day and week is changing for us,” owner Lauren Zimmerman said in a newsletter to customers.

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Best Used Books in Longwood is putting its expansive collection of puzzles and book to use, posting daily photo galleries of inventory on Facebook and offering shipping or curbside pickup from the store.

“We're here for you, just like you've been there for us,” the shop posted on Facebook in an update earlier this month.

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Spiral Circle Bookstore & More, in Orlando, has done Facebook Live sessions showing off its inventory as customers are asked to shop from home and pick up orders curbside or have them shipped to their door.

“We’re figuring out how to serve our community as Spiral has for the last 45 years during these interesting times,” said Julie Wilder, during a live broadcast on the shop’s page.

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