Toulouse. A new independent bookshop at Les Minimes
It has a very beautiful storefront, at 28 avenue des Minimes, where it is written in black letters on a white background “L’Ecume des jours”, in reference to the novel by Boris Vian. This new independent bookstore opened in mid-August in northern Toulouse. In the middle of the shelves of books, we find Agnès Toutin, the mistress of the place.
At almost 49 years old, this former executive in the pharmaceutical industry has decided to initiate a 180°C shift. She leaves a comfortable situation to embark on this crazy adventure where she knows in advance that she will “earn half as much”.
Whatever, after going through heavy ordeals, Agnès Toutin wanted to turn the page to devote herself “to books and people”, whom she loves in equal measure. “One of the greatest memories of my life is when I learned to read in first grade. I remember very well my class and my mistress, Mademoiselle Avine. Since then, I have always read”, says the library.
Located a stone’s throw from a cheesemonger and the Ginette café or the Fornara pastry shop, the “L’Ecume des jours” bookshop fits perfectly into the increasingly bobo decor of this part of the avenue des Minimes. Agnès Toutin lived in the area for ten years before opening her bookstore there instead of a shoe store. “I thought it was lacking,” she says. Besides, among her customers, she has “a lot of people from the neighborhood, super nice”.
On Friday, November 4, it will be the inauguration
The bookstore “L’Ecume des Jours” is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., non-stop. On the 50 m2 of her shop, the first room gives pride of place to works of all kinds: foreign literature, French-speaking, thrillers, science fiction, human sciences, practical life, feminism, not to mention the small stationery corner. And in the old reserve, there is children’s literature, manga, adult comics and a few games. “I try to be as eclectic as possible,” explains Agnès Toutin. And on some covers, she does not hesitate to deliver her little favorites.
On Friday, November 4 from 7 p.m., Agnès Toutin inaugurates “L’Ecume des jours”. At 8 p.m., don’t miss the reading by Sophie Berneyron of “Zizi Cabane”, by Bérengère Cournut. A book that the library particularly likes.