BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:A bookstore with character

When he retired after almost three decades as an English teacher, Costa Mesa resident Dan Schmenk started working at Lido Village Books to continue indulging his love of literature.

But when the bookstore literally closed overnight in 2001, he decided he couldn’t let it stay shuttered, seemingly the fate of many independently-owned bookstores that have to compete with large chain stores and online commerce.

“Up to that minute, I had no idea I ever wanted to own a bookstore,” Schmenk said. “But I love books and it just seemed like a challenge and I’d be able to do something I really enjoyed.”

Although it doesn’t have quite the inventory of the large chain stores, it does have character and both Schmenk’s and sole employee Jesse Sommer’s expertise.

“We depend on our ability to know books and … we continue to really select the books ourselves,” Schmenk said. “We handpick everything.”

Schmenk is an avid reader and both he and Sommer make personal recommendations on books they find especially captivating.

The store features an expansive nautical selection, with an emphasis on sailing adventures. The children’s section features a mini-table and chairs for the little ones to sit and read. During its off season the bookstore relies heavily on its loyal regular customers, Schmenk said.

Hermosa Beach resident Colin Browne, 29, grew up on Lido Isle and has been going to the bookstore since he was a little kid.

Despite living about 40 miles away, he still relies on Schmenk to supply him with books, including those that seem to be hard-to-find.

“Sometimes I find things I’m looking for in the book shop, but he’ll find anything I’m looking for,” Browne said.

Schmenk recently found a few first-edition books published in the 1940s by a Chinese author to complement a set Browne found that belonged to his grandmother.

More than the books, it’s about relationships and knowledge. Although he has ventured into the large chain stores, Browne said there’s nothing like a trip to Lido for a chat with Schmenk.

“I wish there were still more book shops like that around here,” Browne said. “I feel like his selection is interesting — it’s not a huge bookstore, but the books that are in there are choice picks, ranging from classics to the modern.”