As society embraces the age of e-readers, Aaron Johnson, owner of Lawn Gnome bookstore, maintains a “romantic sentiment” for the appeal of flipping through the pages of an actual, physical book.
It is a feeling that cannot be duplicated through technology, he said.
Lawn Gnome will open its doors to the public Wednesday at 8 a.m. The store is an extension of Lawn Gnome Publishing, an independent publishing company Johnson began in 2004.
“Things that are printed and physical … it’s kind of a collector’s item,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot more organic to be curled up with a book in our bed.”
After working at Jobot, a coffee shop located on 5th and Garfield streets, Johnson noticed a location available for rent nearby and jumped on the opportunity to open Lawn Gnome.
“I feel like right now is the perfect time to bring books back,” he said.
He said the location is perfect because of its affiliation with the Phoenix art scene, as well as its proximity to the Downtown campus.
Johnson said because so many ASU students are from out of state, many of them might not be familiar with the diverse culture downtown Phoenix has to offer. This is something he hopes to change.
“It’s going to be a way for the community of artists and writers to mingle with the students,” he said.
Learn more about Aaron Johnson and his journey to Arizona with State Press Magazine.
Johnson also said he believes Arizona is currently in the midst of a “weird vibe” politically and culturally.The controversial portrayal of Arizona on the news may be all of what out-of-state students know of Arizona, he said.
Johnson said he hopes to change negative stereotypes by showcasing and promoting local Hispanic writers and musicians.
“They see Arizona as a state that’s … rejecting this rich culture and history we have,” Johnson said. “The Mexican culture is totally woven in and to the world it looks like we’re pushing it out.”
Johnson plans to turn the backyard of Lawn Gnome into an area where he can host spoken word and music shows.
He plans to sell and play only local music inside the store in order to promote Phoenix artists.
“It’s a great way for (students) to support local artists and music,” Johnson said. “It gives them something to talk about when they go back home from Phoenix,” Johnson said.
Phoenix resident Billie Spreece said she thinks Johnson’s bookstore is a great addition to the community.
“We have enough bars and coffee shops,” Spreece said. “Something more intellectual is definitely needed.”
ASU alumnus and Jobot employee Joey ‘G.’ Grether agreed and said Lawn Gnome will bring even more people into the community.
“It’ll bring more people to come in and get books,” he said. “It just adds another dynamic facet to the arts neighborhood.”
Johnson plans to allow customers to trade and sell their own books and hopes the bookstore will provide a common ground for students and artists alike.
“We believe and share all these feelings of what the future of Arizona should look like,” Johnson said. “Let’s write about it, let’s record it, let’s read these books and learn how to make Arizona better.”
Reach the reporter at kmmandev@asu.edu Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
