Much of the charm of independent bookstores comes from the fact they’re run by eccentrics for eccentrics. They’re often located in repurposed buildings with strange layouts. Strange shelving patterns, odd floor plans, bizarre color schemes, and strange decor are the norm for independent bookstores. And multiply the weird factor by 10 if its a used or antiquarian dealer. The older the books, the weirder the decor should be. We rather expect the antiqurian book dealer to use skulls for bookends and have a live raven sitting at the checkout. If the owner has an eyepatch, so much the better! Yes, an independent bookstore often looks like a Monty Python sketch will break out at any moment.
