Katie Keisling stumbled upon a van bench listed on the Facebook page Buy Nothing North Andover, a platform that facilitates giving, receiving, sharing, or lending items without any cost involved. Her brother-in-law, a skilled craftsman, took the bench and skillfully transformed it into a comfortable couch. Today, this unique piece sits proudly at the front of her newly established bookstore, The Purple Couch, in North Andover.

For over two decades, Keisling's career revolved around software for hotels, meetings, and events, which often required her to travel extensively. However, she realized that her demanding career was taking her away from her family, and she yearned for more quality time with her loved ones. That's when she decided to make a change and dive into the world of books by opening The Purple Couch.

Keisling is a strong advocate for the resurgence of independent bookstores, noting that many people have recognized the drawbacks of e-books and Kindle novels, especially when it comes to screen time. She emphasized the importance of the tactile experience of flipping through pages, a sensation cherished by both children and adults.

The Purple Couch boasts an impressive collection of children's books, making up approximately 40% of its inventory. Another 40% is dedicated to adult literature, while the remainder includes a mix of genres to cater to various tastes.

One of the primary goals was to provide a wide range of choices for children, considering the presence of many young families and stay-at-home parents in the area. To foster a love for reading among kids, The Purple Couch plans to host story times and other reading events.

In addition to children's activities, the bookstore aims to engage the entire community. Events such as poetry readings led by North Andover's poet laureate, Jason O'Toole, and author talks organized by the historical society are on the horizon. Keisling also envisions hosting book clubs, discussions, and gatherings that bring people together through their love of literature.

Above all, The Purple Couch invites people to simply relax within its cozy confines. The store offers ample seating where customers can leisurely peruse books before making a purchase, teenagers can complete their homework, and children can lose themselves in the pages of a good book while their siblings search for their next literary adventure.

Independent bookstores like The Purple Couch offer a respite from the overwhelming dominance of Amazon in the book market. By fostering personal connections with customers, the store's staff can offer tailored recommendations that go beyond popular titles. Keisling mentioned that philosophy and self-care books have been in high demand. Additionally, she anticipates strong interest in Brittney Spears's new biography and Paul McCartney's collector's volume "The Lyrics: 1956 to Present," released in 2021, during the upcoming holiday season.

The bookstore caters to all age groups, from timeless children's classics like Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings" to young adult favorites like Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. Additionally, The Purple Couch stocks books adapted from movies and television shows, such as Bonnie Garmus's "Lessons in Chemistry" and David Grann's "Killers of the Flower Moon."

Keisling's primary aim is to offer a selection that aligns with the interests and preferences of the local community. She seeks to provide books that resonate with the spirit of the times and the world people inhabit in the current year.

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