Modern Times, a fixture in the Mission, dispenses books, social justice and activism

By Eric Meuser

You won't find any bright murals decorating the storefront of Modern Times Bookstore on San Francisco's Valencia Street. In fact, the seemingly ordinary building doesn't mesh that well with the neighborhood's colorful reputation. Its rather plain, big glass windows and off-white facade don't have the personality you would expect from an establishment with deep community roots.

Inside, though, you start to get a real sense of passion.

Banners around the store advocate for social justice, equal rights, and a world with no borders. The bookshelves are jammed with titles on globalization, politics, media, sexuality and gender. Furthermore, Modern Times has been providing space for local activists, authors and neighborhood leaders to voice their ideas and opinions.

But amidst an industry dominated by online sales and corporate chains, Modern Times Bookstore is struggling to stay in business, doing so only through a devoted community.

Modern Times Bookstore has been a local stronghold for political and social activism since it opened its doors in 1971. And in 1980, when the collectively owned store moved its books and shelves to the Mission District, the management knew they had become part of a unique community. That's why Modern Times opted to be the first store in San Francisco that carried, among a plethora of other genres, a broad selection of Spanish-language literature.

“We realized that in order to become a viable bookstore, and to participate meaningfully in the culture around us, we'd have to address all the needs and interests of our community,” said Ruth Mahaney, the oldest member of the collective. “Most Spanish stores in the area primarily carried the Bible and a limited selection of novellas and similar books.”

By offering Spanish-language children's books, popular books and books on a wide range of Latino studies, the Modern Times employees felt they would be providing a center of information that would be otherwise hard to come across. And the modest but valued percentage of sales that those titles bring in is proof enough for them that such resources are needed.

Local authors and independent presses are also vital to the survival of Modern Times, according to Mahaney. Every month, Modern Times highlights a different independent press with window displays, parties, and discounted prices to bookstore members.

“We're very proud of our ability to support local and independent authors and presses,” said Rebecca Tumposky, a three-year member of the collective. Tumposky says she is interested in becoming part-owner since she has completed the required tenure. “I'm a big lefty, so this place is a natural fit for me.”
Modern Times also holds gentrification discussions and on-going reading groups focusing on the War on Terror and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. In addition, free classes are occasionally offered on topics ranging from bicycle safety to writing workshops.

“We support a community that longs for social change and a just world,” Mahaney said.
Modern Times was born out of these very ideals.

A politically charged establishment, Modern Times was created with the hopes of keeping dissident ideas alive and voiced. The store is collectively owned by six individuals, all of whom were required to provide two years of service before being offered a position as part-owner. Employees and owners are not paid based on position or title, but instead on how long they've been with the store.

“We see everyone's efforts as equally valuable,” said Mahaney

Originally attracted to the store because of its support of liberal views, Mahaney has been with the store since 1980. Outside of the Mission district, she is known as a teacher of women's studies, having taught classes at San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco. Mahaney has seen the store as a vehicle for change and action in the 30 years she's been at Modern Times Bookstore.

As the 80s gave way to financial hardships, not dissimilar from those experienced today, Modern Times began opening up to the wider interests of the community.

Mahaney explained how Modern Times was tapped as a resource for legal advice in the wake of the riots sparked from the 1992 Rodney King verdict. Riots broke out, not only in Los Angeles, but in San Francisco as well as many other cities.

“Some 300 people were arrested in those riots” Mahaney said. “They were all taken from downtown and placed in a warehouse along The Embarcadero. When they got their one phone call, they called us!”

Mahaney said that they were familiar with the legal issues involved and helped many seek legal council. That's not what you would expect from a bookstore, but the Modern Times employees don't see it strictly as a bookstore.

According to Mahaney, whenever there is a political protest or rally in the city, the phones will be off the hook with people calling for information.

“'Do you guys know where the protest is?' they'll ask,” Mahaney said. “Why, yes we do” she says, grinning from ear to ear.

However, with new economic hardships, the future of Modern Times Bookstore looks, at best, bleak.

The staff has hopes of turning part of the store into a non-profit organization. The panel discussions and weekly groups would be the backbone of an idea that is still in the planning process.

“We're really looking into what our non-profit options are because we know that it might be the key to survival,” said Erin Stalnaker, another member of the collective. Stalnaker is familiar with Modern Times' business model having nearly six years experience working with collectives and co-ops. She recently moved from Minnesota where she worked for a non-profit organization that helps co-ops organize financially.

“Nobody wants to see us fail, but the truth is, we're in debt,” said Mahaney.

Though while Mahaney says business doesn't always seem effected by the recession, it is downright obvious some days. Modern Times has survived nearly four decades but now faces real dangers. The community donates and helps in any way it can because the residents realize how much of a cultural gem Modern Times is.

“We're truly grateful for our devoted members and customers, but we may soon have to face the harsh reality that we won't be around much longer,” Mahaney said.