Lioness Books Mobile Bookstore: Building The Lair
Sarah Ambrus • July 8, 2024

Why a Mobile Bookstore?


When deciding to open a mobile bookstore, I considered the many different options available to booksellers. There are so many different ways bookstores can operate these days - from online stores to brick-and-mortar, from new books to used books to audiobooks or ebooks - I had to decide what was most important to me and how it would align with my values as an entrepreneur.


I considered more traditional options but ultimately decided a mobile bookstore would be the best fit for me. A mobile bookstore allows me to take the books directly to the people and find customers in a variety of locations. I also recognize that going to a bookstore is a privilege not available to everyone - it was important to me to be able to remove that barrier for those who do not have access and make literature more accessible for everyone.

I envisioned the bookstore popping up at coffee shops, parks, or neighborhoods with a variety of literature available to the public. A mobile bookshop seemed the best way to accomplish this goal.


Once I decided to make the bookstore mobile, I needed to pick the best vehicle to transport the books. In doing my research, I came across vans and buses that had been converted into bookstores. I even found less traditional means such as bike and boat bookstores! But ultimately, I knew I needed to make a decision that would keep the books safe while still creating a comfortable environment for customers. It became obvious that a trailer was the best option, and I explored different sizes and styles in order to choose a trailer that would lend itself to the renovation process and create the perfect environment for a bookshop. 

I envisioned the bookstore popping up at coffee shops, parks, or neighborhoods with a variety of literature available to the public. A mobile bookshop seemed the best way to accomplish this goal.


Once I decided to make the bookstore mobile, I needed to pick the best vehicle to transport the books. In doing my research, I came across vans and buses that had been converted into bookstores.

I even found less traditional means such as bike and boat bookstores! But ultimately, I knew I needed to make a decision that would keep the books safe while still creating a comfortable environment for customers. It became obvious that a trailer was the best option, and I explored different sizes and styles in order to choose a trailer that would lend itself to the renovation process and create the perfect environment for a bookshop. 

Choosing The Right Materials


I wanted to create the feeling of an old bookstore while still being functional in a modern, mobile setting. When one thinks of an antiquarian bookstore or library, wood as a building material comes to mind.

I wanted to use as much wood as possible, including handcrafted bookshelves, wood siding on the storefront wall, a solid wood door and wood paneling on the ceiling. 


Lighting is also an important consideration for a bookstore. I decided on soft, recessed lighting throughout the trailer and track lighting shining down on the main bookshelves. I wanted to be able to illuminate selected titles available on display and adjustable track lighting allowed me to do this.


In addition to the lighting added to the indoor space, I wanted to encourage as much natural lighting as possible. I added two windows to the trailer and a full-light entrance door in order to let in the sunshine and keep the trailer from feeling dark, cramped or small. 


Lastly, I decided on soft, muted tones and natural colors for the interior finishes. I wanted something reminiscent of a lion’s habitat on the savannah - muted browns and yellows that would fade into the background and allow the books to be the focal point.

I wanted to use as much wood as possible, including handcrafted bookshelves, wood siding on the storefront wall, a solid wood door and wood paneling on the ceiling. 


Lighting is also an important consideration for a bookstore. I decided on soft, recessed lighting throughout the trailer and track lighting shining down on the main bookshelves. I wanted to be able to illuminate selected titles available on display and adjustable track lighting allowed me to do this.


In addition to the lighting added to the indoor space, I wanted to encourage as much natural lighting as possible. I added two windows to the trailer and a full-light entrance door in order to let in the sunshine and keep the trailer from feeling dark, cramped or small. 


Lastly, I decided on soft, muted tones and natural colors for the interior finishes. I wanted something reminiscent of a lion’s habitat on the savannah - muted browns and yellows that would fade into the background and allow the books to be the focal point.

I wanted to use as much wood as possible, including handcrafted bookshelves, wood siding on the storefront wall, a solid wood door and wood paneling on the ceiling. 


Lighting is also an important consideration for a bookstore. I decided on soft, recessed lighting throughout the trailer and track lighting shining down on the main bookshelves. I wanted to be able to illuminate selected titles available on display and adjustable track lighting allowed me to do this.


In addition to the lighting added to the indoor space, I wanted to encourage as much natural lighting as possible. I added two windows to the trailer and a full-light entrance door in order to let in the sunshine and keep the trailer from feeling dark, cramped or small. 

Lastly, I decided on soft, muted tones and natural colors for the interior finishes. I wanted something reminiscent of a lion’s habitat on the savannah - muted browns and yellows that would fade into the background and allow the books to be the focal point.

Building Out The Trailer


Creating a storefront for the trailer was important to make the entrance safe and accessible. Going through the built-in side door with steps was a less safe option and didn’t fit the needs of changing locations. In addition to creating a real storefront, having more space for displays was another reason for building a wall inside the trailer ramp door opening.


I wanted the majority of space in the trailer to be built out with bookshelves. Determining the perfect width of shelves was a challenge - having enough room for variation in book size while also leaving enough room for people to move around comfortably was the goal. I made sure to place all the kids books at an accessible height in the center aisle of the trailer so that they could easily find what they wanted.


It was critically important to have air conditioning and heat in the trailer so that people could shop comfortably in all types of weather. Installing a mini-split unit in the trailer allowed the trailer to be easily heated and cooled. Making sure the trailer was properly insulated also helped to maintain temperature and protect the inventory. 

Building Out The Trailer


Creating a storefront for the trailer was important to make the entrance safe and accessible. Going through the built-in side door with steps was a less safe option and didn’t fit the needs of changing locations. In addition to creating a real storefront, having more space for displays was another reason for building a wall inside the trailer ramp door opening.


I wanted the majority of space in the trailer to be built out with bookshelves. Determining the perfect width of shelves was a challenge - having enough room for variation in book size while also leaving enough room for people to move around comfortably was the goal. I made sure to place all the kids books at an accessible height in the center aisle of the trailer so that they could easily find what they wanted.


It was critically important to have air conditioning and heat in the trailer so that people could shop comfortably in all types of weather. Installing a mini-split unit in the trailer allowed the trailer to be easily heated and cooled. Making sure the trailer was properly insulated also helped to maintain temperature and protect the inventory. 

Building Out The Trailer


Creating a storefront for the trailer was important to make the entrance safe and accessible. Going through the built-in side door with steps was a less safe option and didn’t fit the needs of changing locations. In addition to creating a real storefront, having more space for displays was another reason for building a wall inside the trailer ramp door opening.


I wanted the majority of space in the trailer to be built out with bookshelves. Determining the perfect width of shelves was a challenge - having enough room for variation in book size while also leaving enough room for people to move around comfortably was the goal. I made sure to place all the kids books at an accessible height in the center aisle of the trailer so that they could easily find what they wanted.

It was critically important to have air conditioning and heat in the trailer so that people could shop comfortably in all types of weather. Installing a mini-split unit in the trailer allowed the trailer to be easily heated and cooled. Making sure the trailer was properly insulated also helped to maintain temperature and protect the inventory. 

The barrel-shaped ceiling of the trailer was challenging to finish out, so I ended up opting for wooden beadboard panels that would curve and conform to the shape of the trailer. Although difficult to work with, this ended up being my favorite part of the trailer build-out. The interior lights reflect off the lightly stained finish and bring a sense of openness to the trailer, while still having the old-world feel of wood paneling.


The finishing touch was the logo on the outside. Large, impossible to miss, and vibrant in white-on-black - the unique Lioness Books logo jumps out whether The Lair is driving down the road or parked at any location.

Atmosphere 


Creating the perfect atmosphere for the bookstore meant taking into consideration factors specific to a mobile bookshop - like space for people to move around and also the safety of the trailer itself. 


Although a small space, I wanted to create an open feel for customers. I wanted to keep plenty of room in the aisles, and also use the ramp door to create a large, open entrance to the store. I also expanded our inventory to the outside of the trailer, using book carts, tables, and racks to display merchandise. All of this helped to create a feeling of more space in the bookstore, and gave customers more options for browsing. 


I also made sure to create dedicated spaces for children and to place books for kids down low in an easily accessible location at the center of the trailer. At events curated for children, I provide even more accessible options, with low tables, rugs, and book displays for kids that are at their level. Making the trailer kid-friendly has made visiting the bookstore a great outing for families. 

Atmosphere 


Creating the perfect atmosphere for the bookstore meant taking into consideration factors specific to a mobile bookshop - like space for people to move around and also the safety of the trailer itself. 


Although a small space, I wanted to create an open feel for customers. I wanted to keep plenty of room in the aisles, and also use the ramp door to create a large, open entrance to the store. I also expanded our inventory to the outside of the trailer, using book carts, tables, and racks to display merchandise. All of this helped to create a feeling of more space in the bookstore, and gave customers more options for browsing. 

I also made sure to create dedicated spaces for children and to place books for kids down low in an easily accessible location at the center of the trailer. At events curated for children, I provide even more accessible options, with low tables, rugs, and book displays for kids that are at their level. Making the trailer kid-friendly has made visiting the bookstore a great outing for families. 

I also try to bring in elements that a customer would expect to find in a brick-and-mortar bookstore, such as music, plants, rotating displays, gift items, and educational materials on books and literacy. Providing these familiar elements creates a sense of comfort and intimacy within the store, and customers have remarked on how they instantly feel at-ease and can take their time browsing for the perfect selection. 

Final Result


It took about six months to finish out the trailer and get it ready for the grand opening. Regular maintenance is still required, as things move and shift each time the trailer travels to a new location.

Fluctuations from temperature changes, towing the trailer, and normal wear-and-tear all mean that the trailer needs more upkeep than a traditional brick-and-mortar store might need, but it also has some advantages. The smaller space allows for a more focused, curated collection, with the mobility to reach people where they are at.


If a bookstore is only in one location, that store is mainly going to reach “readers only” - people who have the means, ability, and privilege to visit a bookstore. Taking the books into the community allows me to reach everyone - people who might not go out of their way to make a special trip to a bookstore, or people who may not be able to. The Lair allows me to bridge this gap and bring the books to the people. 

Fluctuations from temperature changes, towing the trailer, and normal wear-and-tear all mean that the trailer needs more upkeep than a traditional brick-and-mortar store might need, but it also has some advantages. The smaller space allows for a more focused, curated collection, with the mobility to reach people where they are at.


If a bookstore is only in one location, that store is mainly going to reach “readers only” - people who have the means, ability, and privilege to visit a bookstore.

Taking the books into the community allows me to reach everyone - people who might not go out of their way to make a special trip to a bookstore, or people who may not be able to. The Lair allows me to bridge this gap and bring the books to the people. 

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