R.J. Julia Booksellers Blog

There’s a fresh face at R.J. Julia’s. Lily Bartels is our new store manager, & we get the impression she’s as happy to be here as we are happy to have her. Formerly a bookseller at The Open Door in Schenectady, she’s mastered the gamut of managing: people, books, inventory – but insists that, even more than poring over spreadsheets, she really loves to share her passion for her favorite books on the sales floor.

I’m ecstatic to be back in a bookstore, and not just any independent bookstore, but R.J. Julia’s – it’s amazing.

I hope you’ll come in and introduce yourself, but until then, here is a little Q & A to help you get acquainted.

Are you good with plants? My oldest plant, named Bertrand, is 41-years-old.

How did you celebrate your 50th birthday? As a present to myself I changed my name to Lily; no, I won’t tell you what I changed it from.

Favorite concert: The latest Springsteen – I’ve seen him 15 or 20 times, & he always gets better.

Favorite word: Zimbabwe – sounds and feels wonderful coming off the tongue.

Is there a Mr. Bartels? Yes, I first noticed him 38 years ago at college, because he was the guy with the longest hair on campus. He used to work for a wine distributor, so two things we’ve always had lots of in our lives have been books and champagne.

Pet Peeve: People who are proud of their ignorance.

We’ll see you in the store soon!