Life as a Bookseller Archives

Bookseller life: passion projects

by Naomi Being a bookseller has many benefits, unlimited access to books being a big one. It can be a blessing and a curse to read books that have not yet been published, since you will definitely never get through your TBR list. However, sometimes you read an ARC of a [...]

Naomi2026-04-19T11:22:48+02:00Tags: bookseller life, Displays, Ilona Andrews, Naomi|

5 Years in Leidschendam

by Júlia Spring is always a special time for our ABC family. As the days get longer and the world starts to bloom again, we find ourselves in full celebration mode. This season isn’t just about fresh starts — it’s party time for us. In April, we’re celebrating the birthdays [...]

Lilia2026-04-10T12:46:12+02:00Tags: ABC History, ABC Leidschendam, Júlia, life as a bookseller|

ABC The Hague: 50 years of bookselling

by Iris A few years after ABC first opened its doors in Amsterdam in 1972, founders Mitch Crossfield and Sam Boltansky decided to expand operations to The Hague. They got their hands on a cheap place to rent in the city center, and in 1976 the new store opened [...]

Iris2026-04-08T12:00:19+02:00Tags: ABC Birthday, ABC History, ABC The Hague, bookselling stories, Iris|

About that “American” in American Book Center

By Sophie Recently we featured in a satirical news show as the butt of a joke about how we had space for our new Romantasy section in Amsterdam because we had chucked out all our books on human rights. Funny joke, and thank you for highlighting us and books, Romantasy in particular, [...]

Lilia2026-04-09T16:29:13+02:00Tags: ABC, ABC History, American Book Center, Sophie, the meaning of america|

Interview with Joe, the original ABC The Hague staff member

In 1976, an American named Joe was tasked with starting up an American Discount Book Center in The Hague. From a basement on the Spuistraat to the current location on Lange Poten, Joe helped guide the store to where it is now. He retired a few years ago, but was still willing [...]

Sophie2026-04-08T20:46:10+02:00Tags: ABC Birthday, ABC The Hague, ABC The Hague 50 years, interview, Joe, Sophie|

What we’re reading, watching, and listening to

It's that time again that we'd like to share what we're currently reading, watching, and/or listening to with you. No gatekeeping allowed here! We hope that you enjoy our choices, and maybe find something new to discover. We have a lot of cool things to share with you, so grab a [...]

Damla2026-03-01T15:10:54+01:00Tags: Bella, Camil, Damla, Else, EmmaV, Iris, IrisM, Jilles, Lília, Martijn, Naomi, Read/Watch/Listen, Simone, Sophie, Yannis|

Bookseller life: inventory edition

by Iris As booksellers at ABC, certain days of the year are more important than others. Thanksgiving is one of those days, and the last Saturday before Christmas. And then there's the first Monday of February: inventory day! Inventory checking, also known as stocktaking, is "the physical verification of the [...]

Iris2026-01-23T20:43:26+01:00Tags: bookseller life, inventory, Iris, life as a bookseller, stocktake|

Trade-In Days at the ABC

Give Your Books a Second Life – Join Our Trade-In Days at ABC The Hague by Júlia If your shelves are breaking under the weight of books while your wish list keeps growing, and you simply need more space – the ABC has you covered! Just join us for [...]

Damla2025-11-02T16:31:14+01:00Tags: ABC Events, ABC The Hague, Júlia, Trade-In Days|

What we’re reading, watching, and listening to

by Damla Every so often we want to share what we're currently reading, watching, and/or listening to. We hope you'll enjoy our choices! Iris Reading: Currently reading The Last Gifts of the Universe by August Riley. It’s a sci-fi book about two siblings and their cat (called Pumpkin!), [...]

Damla2026-02-11T18:17:11+01:00Tags: Damla, Else, Iris, Mike, Read/Watch/Listen, Renata, Simone, Sophie, Sywert, Yannis|

Jitse: 25 years @ the ABC

by Iris While all ABC staff obviously looks very youthful and spry, some of us have actually been around for quite a while. Our Jitse is celebrating 25 years at ABC this year. A massive milestone! Read on to find out more about his highlights from the past 2.5 decades. [...]

Iris2025-09-22T19:03:03+02:00Tags: abc staff, interview, Jitse, life as a bookseller|

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