SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Hidden on a quiet street in Liverpool is Golden Bee Bookshop, a women owned business whose doors opened just five years ago – as one of first independent bookstores in the area to sell new books.
Golden Bee Bookshop opened just four months before COVID hit. Due to the quick thinking of owner Casey Rose Frank, the small business made it through the pandemic and created a community along the way.
Frank said the shop grew into a safe space for many, especially in the aftermath of the election.
“I actually came out after I started the bookstore,” said Frank. “Having that personal experience made a difference.”
Frank hosts book clubs centered around women’s issues and the LGBTQ+ community because she knows just one book with representation can make a world of difference.
“I’m proud to be able to, not only provide a space for marginalized communities, but (also) to provide content that will either allow readers to see themselves in the pages of the book, or invite other people to learn more about that lived experience,” said Frank.
However, these experiences haven’t always gotten a positive reaction. She said an issue arose in particular with the book “Emma and the Love Spell.”
“We did recently have an event where we partnered with the library where the children’s book had a queer main character,” said Frank. “There was a family where, once they discovered that, they left.”
Despite a few negative encounters, Frank still remains hopeful about how her store can make a better future.
“By leading with love, we’ll be able to change some people’s minds,” said Frank.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: A Liverpool Bookshop is creating a community beyond books.
Nester: Hidden on a quiet street in Liverpool, between a grocery store and a hair salon, is Golden Bee Bookshop. A woman-owned business whose doors opened just five years ago, as one of the first independent bookstroes in the area to sell new books. The shop has become a safe space for many thanks to owner Casey Rose Frank.
Frank: I actually came out after I started the bookstore, and so having that personal experience made a difference.
Nester: Frank hosts book clubs centered around women’s issues and the LGBTQ community because Golden Bee Bookshop knows that a book with representation can make a world of difference.
Frank: I’m proud to be able to not only provide a space for marginalized communities but to provide content that will either allow readers to see themselves in the pages of the book or invite other people to learn more about that lived experience.
Nester: But these experiences don’t always get a positive reaction. She says an issue arose in particular with the book “Emma and the Love Spell.”
Frank: We did recently have an event where we partnered with the library where the children’s book had a queer main character. And there was a family where once they discovered that, they left.
Nester: Despite what she calls an increase of sadness after the election, Frank still remains hopeful about how her store can make a better future.
Frank: By leading with love, we’ll be able to change some people’s minds.
Nester: Jessica Nester, NCC News
Frank has a 3-year-old daughter who she said loves to come to work with her. Knowing that she’s inspiring her daughter to be the boss one day, keeps her going when things get tough.
She aspires for the store to expand into a bigger space, one that she owns the property of. Frank has dreams of opening a café in the store and even a flower shop next door. Much to her dismay, the store on 1st Street is not currently handicap accessible. Creating a space that is available to everyone is her biggest mission for the future.