Welcome to Gaia! ::

Here in the basement is a wide selection of music of all sorts ranging from the chart toppers of yesterday to vintage vinyls of yesteryear. Nearly every genre is represented in the racks and rare or obscure music can be ordered upon request if it isn't available here. Sheet music and scores from classical to pop, for those who like to read music, are located next to the vinyls as are wall scrolls, posters, and other music-related paraphenalia. There is a listening "bar" where you can ask to preview your music before you buy. Off to the far corner of the basement is a stage for musicians and singers or other performers (poetry slam anyone?) who wish to perform live in front of an audience (area in front of stage seats 50). Off to one side of the stage is a grand piano, and anyone is welcome to play on it, so long as it isn't nonsense. Concerts are held nearly every weekend night, if scheduled at all. Admission to watch and listen is free. Anyone who is interested in performing and wishes to book a time please contact the owner (that would be me) to be scheduled. (Secret: Now that the cat's out of the bag due to the Gino explosion, this basement is also constructed to be a shelter, even though it is rather close to the ground, the floor between the basement and 1st floor is very thick as are the walls. As with most shelters, there is a large antechamber with supplies sealed off during normal operating hours. Only in emergencies will it be open.)



The ground floor is the main area for books and periodicals. Up front are the latest releases and bestsellers. Towards the back are the magazines and newspapers constantly updated whenever a new issue arrives. In between are most of the books under the non-fiction genre categorized under subject whether it is science, art, politics, or history. On the east end of the floor is the coffeeshop which will serve coffee, tea, non-alcoholic drinks, light snacks, and desserts for customers and readers alike. The coffeeshop seats twenty, ten tables with two chairs each. The employee lounge is located behind a door next to the periodicals marked "Employee Lounge". Only employees of the Barton Books & Music are allowed use of the lounge. There are chairs, tables, and benches judiciously placed throughout for the convenience of the customers who would more than likely want to sit and read what they are browsing for.



The entire collection of fiction is housed on the second floor, whether you're into chick lit, fantasy, sci-fi, dectective noir, poetry, or just a simple escape from the harsh realities of life, this is the place for you. The east side of the floor is partitioned off for children's literature and other books for young kids. The west end of the floor are the restrooms (male, female, and unisex). Right in the center of the floor is the Reading Area filled with cushions, chairs, couches, tables, and other comfy furniture to sink into and relax while you dive deep into the book you're reading. This floor is a designated quiet floor. If you wish to carry conversation, go to any of the other floors.



This entire floor is devoted to comic books, graphic novels, and manga. Offering the latest releases from both the East and the West, countless titles and publishers are represented in the shelves. While most of the inventory is in the English language, we also have a collection of imports of titles not yet translated or licensed in the West. Also among the imports are collectibles from overseas, the kind you find in conventions, such as artbooks, figurines, and other trinkets. There are chairs, tables, and couches scattered about for the convenience of the customers who would more than likely want to sit and read what they are browsing for.



On the roof of the bookstore is a deck that covers about a third of the roof with a telescope in the center. Lawn chairs and side tables are scattered throughout available to those who wish to do their reading outdoors. The perimeter of the roof is a raised cornice high enough to prevent anyone from accidentally falling over. At night, the telescope is available to those who wish to use it. Those who want to read at night will be provided with page illuminators so as to not disturb aspiring astronomers. Star parties are regularily held at Sunday evenings where you can bring your own telescope and discuss the night sky and other astronomical phenomena.

All floors and the roof are connected by stairs and an elevator for your convenience. The entire store is equipped with free WIFI for those who brought laptops in.

Reserved

I am thinking of putting one up here soon, but considering the multitude of bars and coffeeshops in the Commerce forum, I wonder if I put one up here, will it be more about the books or about the coffeeshop?

But the combination of coffee and books is generally a successful one, so I would probably have a space for it by Grand Opening.

Anyway . . .

*continues wheeling in more boxes to unpack*

*wipes sweat from forehead*

Okay, the basement is finished unpacking and half the first floor is done.

I have made space on the east end of the first floor for a small coffee shop and that will be ready by opening too. If the best stores have them, then so will mine.

*continues shelving more books*

Again, feel free to pitch in, and if you know anyone who would like to perform on opening night, as an inagural touch, please let me know.