A Browser’s Bookstore: Carol Brehm’s peaceable kingdom of literature and art at Harbor Books & Gallery
Carole Brehm, of Harbor Books & Gallery. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
by Heidi Trilling
The first thing you notice when crossing the threshold of Harbor Books & Gallery is the calm, serene atmosphere.
The second thing you notice is the selection of exquisite handicrafts and gift items sharing shelf space with the books. Wherever you look, your eye is pleased by artful arrangements. Each tableau invites you to see, to touch, to read.
“I want people to feel welcome and inspired. … I want to pique their interest and have them enjoy looking around,” says owner Carole Brehm. “I’m trying to make this a browser’s bookstore.”
And Brehm is succeeding. Beautifully.
Luxurious pashmina scarves from India at Harbor Books & Gallery. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
Located in the Shoppes at Harbor Village, the airy atrium mall adjoining the Oceano Hotel and Spa in Half Moon Bay, Harbor Books & Gallery offers locally made paintings, photography, greetings cards, pottery, jewelry, fiber art and other unique creations.
Books, too, of course.
The former manager of Moon News for 10 years, Brehm opened Harbor Books & Gallery in June 2009. She designed it with art gallery lighting and a book lover’s sensibility, providing comfortable seating and a wide variety of literary genres. New books and a constantly changing selection of used books are offered. Check often to see what gems turn up. Gift certificates and special orders are always available.
Harbor Books & Gallery offers an array of international newspapers and magazines. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
Harbor Books & Gallery also hosts author events. Upcoming readings include Eric Z. Shapira reading from A New Wrinkle: What I Learned from Older People Who Never Acted Their Age on Dec. 5, and Wendy Nelson Tokunaga reading from her new novel Love in Translation on Dec. 6.
“This year has the most incredible list of new books by well-known authors,” Brehm says. “There’s Margaret Atwood, [A.S.] Byatt, [Michael] Chabon, [Richard] Dawkins. … It’s an amazing year for fiction and non-fiction. New John Irving, too!”
Brehm continues: “I think there’s a real sea change going on. A lot of people in high-tech — and other industries — are buying books again. People are searching for things of true value. … I see people going back to books that are more stimulating, more worthwhile.”
Worthwhile children’s books also grace Brehm’s bookstore.
The children’s section of Harbor Books & Gallery inhabits a cozy corner complete with comfy wing chairs, rag dolls and a huggable stuffed seal. Low, child-friendly shelves house board books, picture books and chapter books to delight young readers.
“When I choose children’s books, I’m looking for humor, wonderful artwork, uplifting messages,” Brehm says. “What I’m representing are books I read as a child or ones I read to my children — as well as the wonderful new ones being published.”
One-of-a-kind, handmade necklaces and bracelets are for sale at Harbor Books & Gallery. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
As it is situated near the pier, hotels and visitor attractions, Harbor Books & Gallery also stocks a selection of international newspapers, magazines, and a helpful array of local tourism materials.
“So, along with Le Monde or Corriere della Serra or the Irish Independent … visitors can see these items handcrafted by artists,” Brehm says. “Each one is a treasure. … We have some fabulous artists represented here.”
Including Brehm, herself. A gifted watercolorist and innovative jewelry designer, Brehm’s lovely works are showcased alongside creations including Catherine Henry’s earthy Wild Woman Pottery designs; Pam Martin Noyes’Asian-inspired découpage necklaces; Richard Kirschner’s, Steve Horn’s and Ed Grant’s dynamic photography; Nina Miller’s delicate watercolor cards; and Patricia McKowen’s knitted, wearable art.
And the bookstore’s prevailing tranquility? Where does that come from?
Harbor Books & Gallery offers unique, colorful knitted creations by Patricia McKowen. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
“I’ve been greatly influenced by Asian paintings and readings in Zen Buddhism and Hinduism,” Brehm says. “To me, it’s a visual thing; I love colors and textures. … And that’s the great fun of it, finding the right books and art, and creating a mix that works.”
Brehm offers up books and art the way a good Samaritan offers cool water to thirsty pilgrims. Leaving her shop, one feels refreshed, inspired and open to the magic of holiday time. “It’s a great season for books,” Brehm says. “But then again, every season is!”
Carole Brehm's dreamy, poetic watercolor paintings are inspired by the ocean. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
Books and related giftware grace the shelves at Harbor Books & Gallery. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
Earthy, durable pottery, designed by Catherine Henry, is showcased at Harbor Books & Gallery. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
Beauty and Simplicity: an artful arrangement of children's literaure,handcrafted pottery and sea shells in a corner of Harbor Books & Gallery. Photo: Heidi Trilling.
