Depending on where you're from, the words Dawn Treader can mean two things. You either think of the fantastical ship from the Narnia series or you think of the renowned Michigan bookstore. As much as I would love to sit and talk about the intricacies of the boat, the bookstore is a far more interesting topic.
Founded in 1979 by Bill Gilmore, the Dawn Treader bookstore stands as one of Ann Arbor’s greatest cornerstones.
The experience begins before even walking inside. Outside of the shop is where they place their carts of $1 books, which may contain trash or potentially even treasure. The smell of the paper that most book lovers know all too well seeps through the door.
Entering Dawn Treader Book Shop is like being in the past and future at the same time. Simutaneously, you are surrounded by so much history and artifacts, complemented by numerous pop culture references hidden around the shelves and aisles.
Some of the best “easter eggs” include the ever-so-charming Patrick Stewart as a cardboard cut-out Picard in the science fiction section. Plus, slightly outdoing him is the life-size mummies tomb that stands at the foot of an aisle. Little and big pieces like these make the Dawn Treader a fascinating place to explore and give it a personality that can’t be rivaled.
Now, one can't talk about the enchanting atmosphere without mentioning the main attraction, the books. Dawn Treader buys and sells all types of used books and media. From old movie posters and maps to first print editions of Catcher in the Rye.
There are claimed to be over 70,000 books inside covering practically every genre. Each shelf is lined with a genre and is put in alphabetical order. They range from basic fiction to myths and folklore and German history. One of the more interesting parts of the store is the first print showcase room. It’s a smaller area that looks more akin to a museum. Behind the glass doors on the shelves, there are several first edition prints of books that can date back hundreds of years. As mentioned before, there is a first edition copy of Catcher in the Rye from the 1950s. The Dawn Treader is a sanctuary for all of these stories and all of that history.
Unfortunately, like many businesses, COVID proved a big obstacle for the store. During the height of the pandemic, the store published a GoFundMe to receive donations. This campaign helped them stay in business until the lockdown was lifted. Several independent bookshops fell victim to these circumstances. However, the community support goes to show that Dawn Treader has become its own landmark, a beloved spot that regulars will continue to help thrive.
Many retail chains like Barnes and Nobles and big hitters like Amazon sit at the top in book retailers. Due to the recent resurgence of indie bookstore fascination mixed with the legendary name that the Dawn Treader has made for itself; it’s safe to say that this store will remain an Ann Arbor staple for years to come.
