ANN ARBOR, MI - Africa Schaumann never would have guessed a visit to the Dawn Treader Book Shop with her father would someday lead her to own the store
The Dawn Treader Book Shop, 514 E. Liberty St., began in Ann Arbor in 1976 and was run by previous owner Bill Gillmore. The longstanding business became an iconic book store during the decades, selling used and rare books.
In need of a job and seeing a help wanted sign in the store’s window, Schaumann began working at Dawn Treader Book Shop in early 2018. She took over ownership in June 2022 and has continued what Dawn Treader has always been known for.
“We try to cultivate and foster what it already was for so many people and just make sure that we continue to stay open so new generations of people can be introduced to the store and it can mean something special to them, too,” she said.
Using her experience from working at other book shops in the past and her knowledge on book preservation and conservation, Schaumann took over as the store’s manager in October 2018, after the death of Corby Gillmore, Bill’s son and the store manager up to that point.
“That was a hard time, but someone needed to step into that position,” she said.
The Dawn Treader Book Shop at 514 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor.
However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that Schaumann really felt responsible for Dawn Treader and its future. A GoFundMe page was needed to help the store financially during the pandemic.
Read more: Ann Arbor resale bookstores seek community support to survive coronavirus pandemic closure
“I went to the public and I asked for their support, and we’re still here. I feel a great responsibility to make sure it continues,” she said.
“I know there’s a lot of love for the store, but seeing the support that people were willing to give during what was a hard time for everyone showed me how special and important and how much of a fixture and an institution this is.”
When Bill moved to Mississippi in 2019, Schaumann saw her opportunity to take over ownership and ensure Dawn Treader would continue for generations to come. She makes it a point to carry on the store’s legacy, but also make decisions in Corby’s memory.
“I very much run the store with the memory of Corby and also carrying forward the stuff that he and I talked about and were enthusiastic to maybe do one day,” she said. “That’s really special and a part of the love I have for the store.”
The Dawn Treader Book Shop at 514 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor.
Chloe Alberta is one employee who notices Schaumann’s work. She originally worked for Dawn Treader from August 2022 through May 2023 and is now back to continue working at a job she loves.
“Africa creates a really wonderful kind of atmosphere among th employees where we all just kind of feel really cared for. She really cares about us and our well being and is always willing to help people out,” Alberta said.
Despite the new ownership, Schaumann said she doesn’t anticipate any huge changes coming to Dawn Treader anytime soon. Instead, she said she just wants the store to continue being a space where people can find comfort.
“I hear the word love in the store all the time,” she said. “You have people with positive intentions, goodwill and love for the books. I think that is probably the greatest reason why the Dawn Treader has stuck around for as long as it has is because there’s just this constant flow of that.
“I know there’s something that draws people here and I think it’s special to each person. My job is just to make sure it’s here to continue being that place for people.”
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