Small-Biz Buzz: Writing the Book on Service

This new weekly series explores the customer aspect of small businesses, both from the customer's and business owner's perspective. If you have a small business you'd like to share, please email me.

Eat your heart out, Barnes & Noble (BKS Quote) and Borders(BGP Quote) -- here's an independent bookstore that unearths rare finds, stays open late for customers and keeps it real for the community.

Customer: Richard Myers, 38, head researcher for a financial online news service.

Hooked On: Community Bookstore in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y.

TheStreet.com: How did the Community Bookstore hook you?

Myers: I wanted a copy of a contemporary play that was only published in China. I scoured the libraries and other bookstores, but no avail. Since I refuse to use my credit card over the Internet, I went to Community Books to order a copy.

I called the store back [when the book arrived]. The clerk answered saying he was about ready to close, but he would stay open if I left right away. I don't think an online service would have been able to obtain a book so fast, and I don't believe a chain bookstore would have provided that level of accommodation.

What keeps you hooked?

The staff would always try to get [a book] for me as soon as possible. One clerk obtained an [advance] copy for me prior to it being released nationwide.

What kind of image does the store convey to customers?

They try to create an environment that is laid-back, yet professional.

Since the invasion of yuppies and baby strollers, Park Slope residents have become more uptight and guarded. Community Books serves as a small reminder of what Park Slope used to be like.