The Other Change of Hobbit

The Other Change of Hobbit

Company type	Independent bookstore
Industry	Retail (bookstore)
Founded	May 1977 (1977-05)
Founder	Dave Nee, Debbie Notkin, Tom Whitmore
Headquarters	El Cerrito , United States
Products	Science fiction and fantasy books
Website	www.tocoh.com

The Other Change of Hobbit—often referred to as TOCOH—is a specialty bookstore focusing on science fiction and fantasy genres. Originally based in Berkeley, California, and later situated in El Cerrito, the store no longer maintains a physical storefront. Established in May 1977, coinciding with the debut weekend of Star Wars, it has hosted numerous author events over the years. The founders were dedicated science fiction enthusiasts Dave Nee, Debbie Notkin, and Tom Whitmore. The bookstore's name pays homage to the Hobbit characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's celebrated works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

History

In 1974, Dave Nee, Debbie Notkin, and Tom Whitmore launched The Portable Bookstore to serve members of a science fiction fan group named after the fictional Elves, Leprechauns, Gnomes, and Little Men's Chowder & Marching Society. While vending books at the 1976 Westercon convention, they received encouragement from Sherry Gottlieb—the founder of A Change of Hobbit, a bookstore initially located in Westwood and later in Santa Monica, California—to open a similar store in Berkeley. Gottlieb's shop was well-regarded within fandom circles for its distinctive events, including hosting Harlan Ellison in its storefront window and inspiring original storytelling. She offered her store’s name for use by the Berkeley team on the condition it be modified slightly.

The Other Change of Hobbit launched in May 1977 within a retail arcade near Telegraph Avenue, coinciding with the opening weekend of Star Wars in cinemas. In 1993, the business relocated to downtown Berkeley at 2020 Shattuck Avenue near Addison Street. This Shattuck location operated until April 2010 within a historic three-story building dating back to approximately 1905. The second floor—affectionately called Shelob's lair by staff—served as the office space; the street-level area housed both the bookstore and Dave Nee’s collection of toys; while thousands more books were stored in the basement. The storefront window featured notable memorabilia such as Poul Anderson’s typewriter and desk, generously donated by his widow, Karen Anderson, following his passing in 2001. For several years, Whitmore's Hugo Award, earned through co-chairing Worldcon in 2001, was also displayed there.

In 1994, Debbie Notkin exited the partnership shortly after the move to Shattuck Avenue; Jan Murphy subsequently joined as a partner. Tom Whitmore has since departed from ownership as well.

The bookstore established its website in January 1995, marking it as one of the earliest online presences dedicated to science fiction and fantasy literature.

Economic challenges during the early 2000s impacted the store’s financial stability. Dave Nee cited the closure of Alameda Air Station as an additional factor affecting local book retailers. He also reflected on the significant decline of bookstores in Berkeley over several decades: “In 1977, Berkeley had one of the highest concentrations of booksellers globally—perhaps second only to London! Back then—within three miles of campus—we’ve seen it all vanish.” Despite this trend, by 2008 the Bay Area still supported three distinct bookstores specializing in science fiction and fantasy.

In early 2010, The Other Change of Hobbit received an eviction notice after the building at 2020 Shattuck was sold; new ownership intended to convert the space into a restaurant. Consequently, in April 2010, the bookstore moved into a spacious single-story property at 3264 Adeline Street. To assist with relocation expenses, fantasy author Peter S. Beagle organized benefit sales featuring items connected to his novel The Last Unicorn, its film adaptation, and works by Avram Davidson.

Another eviction notice arrived in 2013, prompting a subsequent move to Kearney Street in El Cerrito, California.

As of July 16, 2014, The Other Change of Hobbit vacated its Kearney Street location entirely.

Author engagements

Over the years, the bookstore has welcomed numerous authors for readings, book signings, and discussions. Notable writers who have participated at TOCOH include Neil Gaiman, Tanya Huff, Clive Barker, Terry Pratchett, Roger Zelazny, Anne McCaffrey, Harlan Ellison, C. J. Cherryh, Jane Fancher, Katherine Kurtz, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Joe Haldeman, Poul and Karen Anderson, Gordon Dickson, Octavia Butler, Thomas M. Disch, Michael Bishop, Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, David Brin, Joanna Russ, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Madeleine L'Engle, artists Leo and Diane Dillon, Vonda N. McIntyre, Jane Yolen, musician and author Greg Kihn, Cecelia Holland, Kim Stanley Robinson, Pat Murphy, Sean Stewart, Cory Doctorow, David Weber, Terri Windling, Laurell K. Hamilton, and John Varley. The years 2010 to 2011 featured appearances by authors such as Seanan McGuire, Clare Bell, Anne Harris, Richard Kadrey, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Claude Lalumière, as well as artists and authors like Cecelia Holland and the duo of Brian and Wendy Froud.

The bookstore also boasts an extensive archive of autographs collected from these many author visits throughout its history.

External links

• The Other Change of Hobbit official site
• Other Change of Hobbit official facebook page
• website of The Other Change of Hobbit co-founder Tom Whitmore