02-19-2025 PTL - Flipbook - Page 19
A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Wednesday, February 19, 2025 19
young readers. It hosts writing workshops for kids, picture book launches,
and story hours that make reading fun
and accessible. It’s not just about selling
books; it’s about planting the seeds for
a lifelong love of reading. Parents and
kids alike leave these events with smiles,
memories, and, maybe, a new favorite
book in hand.
Snyder reflects on one of the benefits
of her role. “Owning and operating a
bookstore puts me in a hopeful position.
We’re so sped up. Reading reminds us of
the pleasures of slowing down, engaging
with something deeply satisfying. And it
takes you outside yourself, able to see
the world differently no matter what you
choose to read.”
Bird in Hand: a cup of coffee with books on
the side
Snyder explains the spirit of the second location. “The aim of Bird in Hand is
to be a social space anchored by books.
Cafés and bookstores are such important gathering places in their neighbor-
hoods, so we love getting to serve as
both. We use coffee roasted locally by
Thread Coffee, and stock lots of retail
items – soap, candles, jewelry, cards,
flowers – made or grown by local businesses.”
“The book side of Bird in Hand is a
small-scale operation with about 4,000
carefully curated titles, and we sell greater quantities of non-fiction,” says Snyder.
“It’s very different from The Ivy, where
we have 30,000 books and primarily sell
fiction. It’s a true neighborhood hub with
dedicated regulars. The challenge is to
ensure we’re cycling books that appeal
to those regulars so that the person having coffee is aware of that new book.”
The café repeatedly hosts events that
blend literature, science and the humanities, proving that books and coffee are a
perfect match.
If you think The Ivy is just about books
on shelves, think again. Author events
are at the heart of its programming,
drawing both big-name writers and local
talent. These gatherings turn books into
living, breathing conversations. Whether
it’s on The Ivy’s back patio or at Bird in
Hand, there’s a sense of intimacy and
connection that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Seasonal events add to the charm.
Imagine listening to poetry outdoors on
a warm summer evening or bundling up
for a cozy literary night in the winter. It’s
no wonder regular attendees keep coming back, forming a tight-knit community
of book lovers.
During the holidays, The Ivy hosted a Pop-up Shop at The Shops at
Kenilworth, a shopping mall in Towson.
Now, it’s staying in the space indefinitely
with something fun, thanks to the leasing
agents there. “We get to be creative with
what we have there,” says Snyder. “Any
time we go outside our comfort zone, it
can be a creative challenge.”
The Ivy is a place where everyone
is welcome. Its gardens are open daily,
inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the
beauty of nature. Whether you’re browsing for your next read, attending an event
or just soaking up the peaceful atmo-
NEW RESIDENCES. NEW AMENITIES. NEW EXPERIENCES.
Our expansion.
Your opportunity.
Edenwald is expanding, giving you a fresh opportunity to enjoy lifelong
life
learning,
personal growth, and trendsetting offerings.
sphere, The Ivy offers a respite from the
chaos of everyday life.
Independent bookstores like The Ivy
are rare gems in today’s world. They
remind us of the joy of discovery, the
power of community and the importance
of slowing down to enjoy life’s simple
pleasures. The Ivy isn’t just a bookstore –
it’s a space where ideas flourish, connections are made, and the love of reading
is contagious.
For Snyder, The Ivy isn’t just a business – it’s a symbol of hope. “We live
in a culture that reads,” she says. In a
world that often feels rushed and oversaturated, she believes in the importance
of slowing down, reflecting and savoring
the written word.
Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile
or just looking for a quiet corner to
escape to, The Ivy Bookshop is waiting
to welcome you. With its gardens, events
and shelves brimming with possibility, it’s
a place where the world feels just a little
brighter, one book at a time.
Learn how to join the Priority
Deposit Club and more:
edenwaldexpansion.org
or 410-650-0144.
This never gets old.
Our plans include:
•
127 new spacious senior living apartments on the Goucher College campus
•
Exciting amenities and social spaces
•
Edenwald
800 Southerly Road
Towson, MD 21286
senior living community. Soon Edenwald residents will be able to audit classes, access the library,
attend on-campus cultural events–and even participate in international study abroad programs.
It’s a thrilling opportunity to live in a stimulating environment where every day is a day of discovery.
PT
