Many people think of Borders, 700 N.H., as just a place to buy books, but there is a lot more that goes on at this Lawrence neighborhood hangout.

Borders has come to be a place were Lawrence residents can come drink coffee, relax, read a good book or take part in one of the many events that come to the store.

“On average, we have about one event a week,” John Fackler, multimedia supervisor, said. “We have anywhere from five to 200 people at an event.”

Many of these events are book signings and author appearances. Some upcoming events include “Poka-bats and Octopus Slacks” by Calef Brown at 10:30 a.m. today, and an appearance of D.B. Johnson’s Henry the Bear at 10:30 a.m. April 11.

Many customers at the store can be found sitting among the stacks of books or lounging in one of the many chairs around the store reading a book.

“We don’t discourage people sitting and reading,” Fackler said. “The books will sell themselves.”

Borders expects a large crowd at the coffee shop inside the store every morning when it opens.

“People come to get papers and coffee and then go to work,” Fackler said.

According to Blake Grossenburg, an employee at the coffee shop, the large mocha is the most popular drink they sell.

Both areas of the store have steady traffic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day and on weekends. The store is also busier at the end of the year.

“From the time that school starts in August through the end of January is busy for us,” Fackler said.

Books are the stores biggest seller, but Borders also offers a large selection of CDs.

“Music does well, but we’re mainly a bookstore,” Fackler said.

 Jordan Beam-Ward is a student at Baker University in Baldwin.