Salida Books - Salida, CO

Salida Books, Salida, CO

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First things first.  To clear up any confusion about the name of this terrific bookstore, it is not The Book Haven.  It is Salida's own, Salida Books, located downtown on F St surrounded by many unique small businesses.  As owner John C. told me, when he took over this business in Feb 2020 as the 4th owner, he wanted to change the name and wanted to go with something simple so Salida Books it was.  And as with everything Salida, it has a very cool and hip Rocky Mountain vibe making the bookstore and the town a fantastic destination.  

Salida Books is in its 17th year of business and offers new and used books.  For the most part, new books on the left used on the right, and new on the display tables.  They offer a nice complement of sidelines like stickers, postcards, and journals to name a few.  They also offer art by local artists and receive a consignment fee for those sales.  You can even buy unique mugs made by Missy, one of the booksellers.  In addition to new and used books, they offer collectible editions, something John may expand on in time.  Can't visit the store in person?  Support this store online via bookshop.org, a great tool for many indies.  

Salida is a very touristy town and although they enjoy this year round, their busiest time is Memorial Day to Labor Day.  John estimates business during that time of year as 90% tourists.  The store is well-stocked with travel guides, activity guides of all kinds, books by local authors, and recent paperback releases which all sell well to tourists.  

As with so many other bookstore owners, John comes to this business from a totally different background in construction and journalism.  He only knew he wanted to own his own business and now says he could be happy selling books all day long.  Nicely done, John.

Salida is a town you can plan to visit any time of the year for a variety of outdoor activities.  But sooner or later you'll need a break and that's when you must pay a visit to Salida Books, a long-running successful business in the beautiful mountains of Salida, CO.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Power Of The Dog, Thomas Savage.  Set in the rural American West of the early 20th century, two adult brothers, both single, continue to manage their parents' homestead with a large cattle operation that involves a large number of hired hands.  But their dynamics change when one of the brothers, George, takes up with a local widow and they get married.  They live at the ranch, along with the widow's teenage son which changes everything. 

CURRENTLY READING:  In Praise Of Good Bookstores, Jeff Deutsch. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Heartbreak Kennel, Cary Unkelbach.  

 

Before going to the bookstore consider enjoying this spectacular view. 

Ample display window space with an unavoidable glare on a beautiful Colorado day. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking directly to the right inside the front door you'll see just a few of the artworks displayed and available for purchase, all created by talented local artists. 

Looking to the left after entering and the uniquely displayed staff picks. 

Who says you have to put gumballs in a gumball machine?!  Nicely done. 

Table display of notebooks, journals, and art materials. 

The store does a great job of providing tourist-popular items. 

Just a few of the greeting cards offered. 

Lots of valuable guides for tourists. 

Nice display of new non-fiction. 

Table display of popular releases. 

Behind all these displayed books of local interest is an antique printing press. 

Keep your eyes open for sales.  

Much to browse along this wall. 

I really enjoyed seeing all of the Salida and Colorado themed books. 

Overview of the children's section. 

Bring your little reader to the store with you and read them a book. 

The ladder display of books. 

See the next picture.  It's not what you think. 

 

But they are kept in a refrigerator!

Check out the popular Sasquatch series by a local author. 

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

Some of the stores' collectable editions. 

So many indies feature artwork by local artists I'm almost surprised when I don't see it on my store visits. 

Ask bookseller Missy about her unique, one-of-kind mugs.

Stickers are selling well here. 

There is no end to the unique party games I find in independent bookstores. 

With John on the left, the fine owner at Salida Books.  Thanks for a great visit.