AADL Talks To: Marc and Jeff Taras

Mon, 04/15/2024 - 7:28pm

In this episode, AADL talks to Marc and Jeff Taras, brothers and founders of PJ’s Used Records. Marc and Jeff tell us about the origin of the store, how they've managed to maintain a close relationship despite being in business together, and the customers who meant so much to them. For 37 years the store survived the rise and fall in popularity of genres and formats, including witnessing the foretold death of vinyl only for it to surge in popularity again.

Find more about PJ's Used Records in our archival collections.

AADL Talks To: Earl Jackson

Thu, 04/11/2024 - 10:49am

In this episode, AADL Talks To Earl Jackson. Earl talks about his time growing up in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, from his early years to his work at Borders Books and Music where he worked as a framer to the evolution of his career in the visual arts. He also discusses some of the organizations and people who inspired and mentored him, and reflects on the changes in themes and style in his work.

Historical photos and articles about Earl Jackson

AADL Talks To: Jay Platt

Sat, 03/30/2024 - 1:09pm

Jay Platt is the owner of Ann Arbor's iconic West Side Book Shop located at 113 W. Liberty Street in the historic Haarer Building. Jay shares his journey learning the antiquarian book trade, from his early days working for several Ann Arbor and regional booksellers, including David Kozubei of David's Books, to the rare finds, losses, and lessons learned over his nearly 50 years in business. Jay also touches on the history of the Haarer Building and his participation in other classic Ann Arbor institutions and events, from the Psychedelic Rangers and Ann Arbor’s Medieval Play Festival to the Antiquarian Book Fair.

Historical photos and articles about Jay Platt 

Historical advertisements and articles about West Side Book Shop 

AADL Talks To: Sharon McRill

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 12:55pm

In this episode, AADL Talks To Sharon McRill. Back in the 1990s, Sharon spent several years with Borders. There she served as a new media liaison when DVDs and games on CD were new technologies, interviewed celebrities, and helped build the first Border’s website. After the first round of Border’s layoffs left her wondering what to do next, she decided to start her own business helping people clean and organize, move, and more. Sharon talks about the evolution of the Betty Brigade from its early years to the thriving business it is today.    

For more information about Borders, see our digital collections.