Chaucer’s Books stays alive with curbside pickup

SANTA BARBARA Calif. — While the doors may not be open at Chaucer's Books, business is booming for curbside pick-ups. 

“Online for pickup has been vastly greater,” Chaucer's Books general manager Greg Feitt said. “We’ve been doing a lot more online sales and orders over the phone than we ever have before.”

“It’s incredibly busy,” Chaucer's Books sales clerk Te Marie Lionello said. We’re running around placing orders trying to  get everything put together so we can make it as convenient as possible for people.”

In order to prevent the spread of germs, Chaucer's staff handles books with gloves and a mask. 

Customers are also required to stand six feet away from the store, as transactions are completed without contact. 

“We’re just trying our best to service the public in the safest way,” Lionello said.

The bookstore is receiving up to 50 orders a day, as dedicated customers show their support.  

“I want a good solid book in my hands,” customer Laura VonDracek said. “I’m doing all I can to support them.”

While curbside pickups have been pouring off the shelves, some of the most popular include those pertaining to infectious diseases.

“There’s been a high demand for several books related to pandemics and plagues,” Feitt said. “A book called Spillover has picked up quite a bit and that’s related to the spread of human pandemics.”

As many people sit at home throughout the statewide lockdown, these books are providing people with a sense of normalcy.  

“They’re an essential business for some of us who read and need that kind of intellectual stimulation,” VonDracek said.

“It’s a good way to come back and do some self care,” Lionello said. “Allows you to go into your own world and have some fun.”

“When people are not having the same kind of social interaction or educational opportunities, books help provide them some sort of connection to other people,” Feitt concluded.

To place an order for curbside pickup, you can order on their website or call (805) 682-6787 between the hours of 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week.