Name and Title:
Sky Friedlander: Director, Books by the Foot
Company:
Strand Bookstore
Contact info:
Ph. 212-660-6646, email: sky@strandbooks.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
While Strand is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, the Books by the Foot department was started in 1986 by Strand’s owner, Nancy Bass Wyden.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
After years of helping designers search for books among Strand’s 18 miles of inventory, Nancy Bass Wyden started the Books by the Foot department as a service for interior decorators, set designers and book lovers alike. Our expert staff curates custom collections based on color, genre, height and more.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
We create collections that match not only both your space and style, but also your literary interests. Backed by Strand’s decades of literary knowledge, Books by the Foot creates collections full of surprises and sometimes even one-of-a-kind pieces.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love helping people build their personal libraries. As a book lover, it’s fun for me to scour the Strand for the perfect books for each and every client.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Tea & Sympathy--a completely adorable spot in Greenwich village to have a real British tea!
How do you benefit mamas?
It’s great to create collections for mothers (and mothers-to-be) knowing these books will be a part of their children’s lives. I grew up loving to read and I hope Books by the Foot helps mothers share that with their children.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
We did a collection once as a gift. The recipient, a librarian, sent us an email to tell us she loved it, and then came into the store days later to say thank you. it was so nice to meet her and know she appreciated the books!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Word Bookstore (in Brooklyn and Jersey City) is a great shop filled with great books (and people!).
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Fake it till you make it.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
If you’re arranging books on your own, they always look nice to line them up by height.