Ann Arbor's Crazy Wisdom more than a book store

I am the kind of girl who can browse even a greeting card aisle for an hour before settling on the right pick. I like the big selection, and I like the ability to leaf through and put back. I have found many a wonderful author simply because of where books are placed on display or based on what I notice other people reading.

So, surviving and thriving local book sellers are a thing to be celebrated in my book (so to speak).

A downtown favorite here in Ann Arbor is Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. Despite the economic challenges and the online retail competition, Crazy Wisdom remains a strong presence here in Ann Arbor.

What’s their secret? Great location, eclectic offerings, thoughtful displays, a fabulous tin ceilinged tea room overlooking Main Street... yes, these are all part of what makes Crazy Wisdom an integral piece of Ann Arbor. But I think they have another feature that contributes greatly to their success.

One look at their online calendar of events gives it away. “We have a variety of things going on organized by a variety of people,” bookstore manager Rachel Pastiva tells me. During any given month you can find entertaining, educational and fun events almost every day of the week. And most of the events are free.

“We are more than a book store. I see Crazy Wisdom as a community resource, and a lot of people see us that way,” Pastiva explains. Many community leaders and experts host local talks and series in Crazy Wisdom’s Meeting Space and Tea Room. The Meeting Space can be rented out as well, so that allows for a lot of diversity and interest.

Here’s a sampling of some of the entries on their current calendar:

Singer songwriter Anna Elizabeth performs as a prelude to her father, Steve Gillis, presenting a reading at Works In Progress/Works In Print on March 17.

angela smith | contributor

Work In Progress/ Work In Print: Through May, Ann Arborites can become acquainted with some of the newest freshest local talent you can find on Wednesday nights. Last week, I caught a reading and performance by father and daughter Steve Gillis and Anna Elizabeth. Anna is a 15 year old singer, songwriter, and guitar player. I have gotten used to hearing her original melodies and ethereal voice at community venues and festivals; she performs locally throughout the summer. Her father Steve, an accomplished novelist and cofounder of dzanc books, read his most recent short story from a collection called the Principles of Landscape.

Fairy Tea: For a youngster, tea parties and dress up can be daily fun, but when even the grownups and staff are costumed, its easy to see why the Crazy Wisdom Fairy Teas sell out time and again. The Mother’s Day Fairy Tea on May 9 is sure to be a real treat. The Web site gives details: Children and their families are welcome for tea and petits fours. Celebrate with our (real) magical fairies as they serve tea, treats, and magic. (fee per person)

Live Music: The weekends are a perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea and some laid back tunes in the tin ceilinged tea room. Musician Randall Beek seeks out Ann Arbor performers and secures some favorites for free live entertainment every Friday and Saturday from 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Billy King of Frog Holler fame and John Churchville, who performs his soothing Indian tabla music on March 27, are two longtime favorites that perform regularly.

Crazy Wisdom is fortunate that people in Ann Arbor give importance to shopping locally, but Pastiva says the store gets many frequent visitors from literally all over the country. She says the bookstore owners Bill Zirinsky and Ruth Schekter are thoughtful about purchases and are researching the idea of online sales in order to stay current and successful.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail and business news in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.