She Keeps Memphis’s 150-Year-Old Bookstore Thriving
When Cheryl Mesler first entered Burke’s Books, she found two great loves: her future husband and a fulfilling career. Meet the co-owner of Burke’s Books, Cheryl Mesler! Image: Toby Mesler
For more than 150 years, Burke’s Books has been a Memphis landmark, connecting readers with stories they’ll remember long after they turn the final page. Behind the shelves is Cheryl Mesler, who, alongside her husband, Corey, has helped preserve one of the South’s oldest independent bookstores. From honoring its rich history to helping customers discover new authors and titles, Cheryl has built a life around the joy of reading and the community that keeps coming back for more.
When did you first walk through the doors of Burke’s Books, and what made you stay?
After graduating from college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I heard that Burke’s was hiring, and I had an aunt who lived in Memphis — so I applied for the job, got it, and moved in with my aunt, figuring that I would work the bookstore job until I decided what to do next.
You and your husband, Corey, met at Burke’s. We have to hear that story! Was it love at first sight, or did it take a while?
True story, the first time I went into Burke’s, I purchased a book of Leonard Cohen poetry. Corey waited on me and was so thrilled that I was buying Cohen (one of his literary/musical heroes) that he asked me to marry him!
When I started working at Burke’s, Corey had been there two years and was the manager. We started dating after I had been there two weeks. We moved in together and were engaged the next spring. We got married in 1992 at Circuit Playhouse next door and had our reception at the bookstore.
Owning an independent bookstore feels like a dream job. What’s something about the business that surprises people?
It’s not always a dream job! Owning any small business is really tough. It’s everything from selling books to hauling boxes to trying to get the internet to work to cleaning the toilets. But we get to work every day surrounded by books, talking about books, and being around people who love books. For us, being able to work with the things we love most and feed, clothe, and house ourselves IS a dream job.
When someone walks into Burke’s and says, “I don’t know what I want to read,” how do you figure out the perfect recommendation?
I ask them what the last thing they read was and if they prefer a certain genre. Our staff has a wide range of reading preferences, so we can generally find something to please them on our staff recommendation shelf.
Is there a book you’ve recommended hundreds of times that never seems to disappoint?
Lately, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith has been a crowd pleaser. At one point, it was The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
If you could only keep five books on your shelf forever, which ones make the cut?
The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald, Walden by Henry D Thoreau, a book of poetry by Corey Mesler, Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, and an art book with all my favorite artists.
Burke’s has welcomed generations of Memphians through its doors. What’s a moment that illustrates why this bookstore has remained such a beloved institution?
Last year, we celebrated our 150th anniversary. The party held in October was literally a packed house, with former staff, about 50 Burke family members, and a huge number of customers, past and present. It really was a testament to how the community feels about the store and the previous and (we hope!) current owners. I think we have all tried to serve Memphis well. Corey and I feel lucky to be caretakers of this institution.
Independent bookstores face a lot of competition these days. What’s your secret for keeping Burke’s fresh and competitive?
One thing that I think keeps folks coming back is our constantly rotating stock. In addition to new books, we buy and sell used books, so our stock can vary from one week to the next. We get used books every day and never know what’s coming through the door — maybe a library of art books, or yoga, or history, or philosophy, or signed books. There’s always something interesting.
What is one daily ritual you never skip?
My morning routine: grab a large cup of coffee (which Corey has ready for me before I wake up), then get back in bed with my book and newspapers for at least an hour. This has been my routine every morning since our child graduated high school, and I no longer had to get her to school. It’s VERY important. Assume that I will be grouchy if this routine is not honored.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten, and from whom?
My father had great pieces of wisdom. One of the best was “always take the scenic route.”
LIGHTNING ROUND!
What are you reading right now? Jackson Pollock: An American Saga
Your favorite snack or drink while snuggled up with a good book? Coffee, always!
Your favorite “hidden gem” in Memphis? Belvedere Blvd. in Central Gardens. I think it’s the loveliest street in Memphis. I’m a daily walker, and Belvedere is always on my route.
Three things you’re never caught without? Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, my wrist watch, and a sense of humor.
This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
**********
For more inspiring FACES of Memphis, click HERE!
Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.