Books have always been a part of Michael Ploetz’s life.
Growing up in Buffalo, he found himself gravitating to books. His mother, Deborah, was a reading specialist, instilling a love for literacy.
In college, Ploetz worked at Kards Unlimited, a bookstore in Shadyside, getting involved in book buying.
He moved to New York City to work in the publishing industry for a few years before recently returning to Western Pennsylvania.
He opened Woolly Bear Books and Gifts on Oct. 31 at 117 E. Main Street in Carnegie.
“I wanted to open a shop here, give back, and share my love of reading to people,” said Ploetz, 34.
The independent business not only sells new books but also promotes local businesses, artists and authors; with novelties, such as posters, stickers, jams and candles.
The 250-square-foot space presents a cozy yet modern vibe which complements the Carnegie community.
“It seems like a very cozy community that values reading,” Ploetz said, noting the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall up the hill from the bookstore.
Ploetz said reading has always been a passion; and opening a bookstore is a lifelong dream come true.
“I find myself waking up before 6 a.m. and going to the store and getting ready for the weekend,” he said. “That’s a sign you’re in the right profession.”
Being on both sides of the sale counter — publishing and purchasing books — has helped Ploetz in running the store. The store not only provides for a passion of reading but also one of environment and nature with many books touching on those topics.
Ploetz said the environment is his second passion, growing up around forests and wildlife in the Buffalo suburbs. He recently got into indoor gardening.
Ploetz’s goals include moving into a bigger space at some point, and tapping into the Carnegie community and beyond for event programming, nature talks and more.
He also hopes to pass down a love of reading to a younger generation. Finding a good and interesting book is “really all it takes to get children interested in reading,” he said.
With technology and similar advancements making their way into everyday life, the need for a real bookstore is viable, Ploetz said.
He said that, contrary to popular belief, publishing is a solid industry and book selling is still a solid profession. While people can buy books online, they don’t get the uniqueness and tailored approach to a book recommendation or the authentic vibe they get from a brick-and-mortar store.
“It allows people the chance to browse, and has an emphasis on local products and gifts people can pick up,” he said. “Everyone grows up reading bedtime books, and really that’s on all of us to keep that alive.”
