Michael Gustafson graduated from Lowell High School in 2001. After a journey of approximately 6,000 miles, he and his wife have landed in Ann Arbor where the two own and operate an independent bookstore named Literati. Last year he was part of a book project, creating Notes from a Public Typewriter, which has since been named one of the Library of Michigan’s Notable Books of 2019.
The Journey to Owning a Bookstore
After high school, Gustafson went to college in Chicago followed by stints in Los Angeles and New York for work before moving back to Michigan. “As soon as I moved away, I wanted to move back.” he says remembering his roots. “I’m glad having lived in the three biggest cities in America, and I’m relieved to be back home.”
Upon hearing Borders was going out of business, Gustafson and his wife Hilary decided there would be a market in Ann Arbor for an independent bookstore. Owning such an establishment was always a dream for him and with his wife’s experience working at a major publisher in NYC, the two took the plunge. They quit their jobs in New York and moved to Ann Arbor.
Part of the process of opening Literati was coming up with a logo. “We thought a typewriter would signify the kind of thoughtful writing we wanted to support: When you type on a typewriter, you must self-edit; there’s no delete key.” says Gustafson. Typewriters can be found throughout the store. They can be seen in the front window, under display cases, and a public typewriter is located on the lower level.
Leaving Notes
Gustafson didn’t know if anyone would use the public typewriter after leaving blank white pages out. It took several weeks and months for people to begin leaving messages. Once visitors started leaving messages, they continued. The public typewriter remains on the lower floor of the store today. People have left notes of love, loss, and everything in between according to Gustafson. Some even answer rhetorical questions left by someone before them. Some are serious while others evoke laughter. After five years of keeping and reading every note left on the typewriter, Gustafson decided to share some of what people had written. Along with co-editor Oliver Uberti, the two created Notes from a Public Typewriter. Published in 2018, the book shares some of their favorite messages intertwined between accounts of the typewriter itself and the selection process of notes to include or exclude from the book.
Visitors from around the country and have visited Literati to type a note on the typewriter. “It’s been fun to see what started as a very simple and small idea flourish into something that a community of people have embraced.” says Gustafson. A handful of quotes have also been painted on the outside of the building where the bookstore is located. “I would need to think and ponder how a second book would feel substantially different than the first, as the first was very much a completed thought. It’s my love letter to indie bookstores and the written word.”
Since its publication, Notes from a Public Typewriter has been featured in various media outlets including NBC News, NPR’s All Things Considered, and the Library of Michigan which named it one of the year’s Notable Books. The book has also been released in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Each year the Library of Michigan publishes its list of Michigan Notable Books. The 20 books on the list were published the previous year, are set in Michigan or the Great Lakes region and are written by a Michigan author. Gustafson was notified in January that his book was to be part of the 2019 compilation. “I never expected such an honor, and I’m delighted with the recognition and to be included with other fine Michigan Notable books.” he says of making the list.
Independent Bookstore Vibes
Even in a culture where digital technology gains popularity and momentum, Literati thrives. The store encompasses three levels. The upper level contains childrens’ books as well as a coffee shop. The main floor and lower level contain books grouped by genre. Gustafson feels that brick and mortar bookstores help people discover new authors, characters, and most importantly a sense of community. Handling books, shopping and browsing, and communicating with others in person enhance a physical experience that technology does not promote. “It’s more important now than ever before to get people together, face-to-face, to discuss ideas and to foster a physical space of self-discovery, art, and dialogue — even if that dialogue is internal and solitary between a reader and an author.” remarks Gustafson. He also feels supporting independent stores helps enrich the community where it is located.
Literati opened in 2013 with seven employees. Since then the space has doubled and a coffee shop was added. There are now 30 employees working at the store. Earlier this year, the store was recognized as Publishers Weekly’s 2019 Bookstore of the year. Those who visit Literati are invited to browse, have discussions over coffee, and attend special events.
It’d be careless if Gustafson didn’t discuss his favorite books. A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold taught him that adventures can be had through looking closely at his own surroundings. He also named Michigan writer Bonnie Jo Cambell’s Americal Salvage as a must read. Authors Phil and Erin Stead, Alice Munro, Marilynne Robinson, Jesmyn Ward, and Anthony Marra as some of his favorite.
Should your adventures take you to Ann Arbor, be sure to stop and visit Literati. It’s located at 124 E Washington in Ann Arbor. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 10-9, Friday and Saturday 10-10, and Sunday 10-7. While you’re there, look for the public typewriter on the lower level and leave a message if you’re so inclined. Gustafson concludes, “I would encourage anyone reading this to visit their local indie bookstore, wander the shelves, and surprise themselves. There are many great bookstores here in Michigan. We’re lucky, but they all need our support.”
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