When Karen Dial opened The Book Jewel in August 2020, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream to open a community book store in her beloved hometown of Westchester. The goal was to create a store that the whole neighborhood could treasure, that served as a “third place” (an informal gathering spot outside of home and work that fosters community), which felt welcoming, peaceful, and had a great selection of carefully curated books for people to browse and shop.
As the store readies to celebrate its fifth anniversary on Saturday, September 6, with a live band, refreshments and a book swap, Karen is proud that that’s exactly what she and her team have built.
“The sense of community is right up front,” says Karen. “We have a fabulous staff that is dedicated and excited to help people find what they are looking for and everyone is helpful and kind. We want to make sure that every resident in Playa del Rey and Westchester knows that there is an independent bookstore here, ready to serve and welcome them!”
If after perusing the store’s eclectic shelves–filled with approximately 11,000 new and gently used books in genres like Fiction, Cooking, Self Help, Romance and Bestsellers–they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, the staff is happy to order it for you and give you a call once it arrives in-store a few days later, she says.
Part of Karen’s joy of operating the store, which she named after her mother Jewel, is stocking it with gift items crafted by local artisans. While shoppers stock up on their latest bedside reading, they can also pick up cards, candles, clothing, gift wrap, jewelry and more.
“We want to have something for everyone,” says Karen. “We’re all about keeping it local!”
Since the beginning, a big focus of the store has been programming and in-store events, which continue to grow in popularity. They regularly host book clubs, author readings, and a bi-monthly LPS Poetry Open Mic Night, which allows local writers the chance to make their words come to life.
“lps is an opportunity for the community to come in and share the love of language with each other,” says interim bookstore manager Jay Paulson, who counts Emily Dickinson and Timothy Steele among his favorite poets. “What sets it apart is that it’s one person and one poem. We are demystifying and democratizing poetry, and bringing people together to feel our humanness fully.”
During the September 13 Second Saturday Stroll, the store will host its inaugural Short Film Festival, featuring 10-minute films in all genres created by budding directors.
Karen says events like the Stroll, which she chairs, are really activating the street, and creating a connection between residents and businesses.
“87th Street is really happening right now,” she says. “More local businesses have opened recently–a skate shop, a bike store, Triangle Wines, and of course, Tomat–making this area such a vibrant part of the community. It’s been delightful to see it all come together; it’s exactly what I was hoping for.”
In the age of online shopping, it means a lot to have the community’s support over the last five years.
Nowhere was this more evident than when a car careened into the shop in the middle of the night earlier this year, leaving glass shattered, products ruined and Paiges, the store’s beloved cat, temporarily missing.
“The following day was Independent Bookstore Day, so we were determined to be open,” says Karen. “With the hard work of our team, my family and the staff at Drollinger Properties, we were able to open, and people from all over the neighborhood–and l.A.–came to support us. We had so many patrons stop by to show their love. It was our best sales day ever, which was just icing on the cake, of showing what community is.”
Echoes Jay, “It was such a show of support from the community. It showed how much we meant to them, and every day we work to show how much the community means to us.”
As Karen thinks about The Book Jewel’s next five years, she’s excited to continue growing the store’s events and its reputation for being a community hub.
“I have big plans,” she says. “We’d love to bring in a bestselling author, host book fairs instore with our local schools and grow our selection of gifts. We’re really looking forward to increasing our community engagement and being there for our Westchester neighborhood!”
The Book Jewel is celebrating its fifth anniversary on September 6 at 5 p.m. with treats from Westchester Bakery and live music from Sixth & Third. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite paperback for a fun book swap. The Book Jewel is located at 6259 W. 87th St. in Westchester. Check them out online at thebookjewel.com.