Book Haven - Loveland, CO

Book Haven, Loveland, CO

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If you're an aspiring bookstore owner or maybe new to the profession and could just use some tips and advice I can think of no better person to ask than Barb H., the owner at Book Haven in Loveland, CO.  This delightful lady really has it figured out and it was really impressive to hear her many decisions in the bookstore business that all made sense to me.  She and her sister Ruthie founded this business that has been going strong for 15 years, the last 8 years in its current location.  As Barb told me, her background in business prior to the bookstore was valuable when she and Ruthie opened Book Haven.  Both of these ladies are EXACTLY the kind of people any indie owner and bookseller would want to talk to.  

And boy do they have customers.  7000 alone listed in the store's data base as regulars.  Book Haven offers new and used books all shelved together in a very bright and neatly organized space.  Barb spoke VERY highly of the Basil program she uses for her used books.  Very user friendly and Basil's customer support has been excellent for her.  This might be an option for used book stores looking for an inventory program.  Customers who bring in books receive store credit in exchange and this is something the store also does for puzzles which has been very successful.  If they acquire books that they can't use or don't sell, they have 16 local organizations that they donate them to.  Barb has been told that the store doesn't smell like a bookstore and there's a reason for that.  She wipes down every used book that comes in before it gets shelved.  Additionally, Book Haven offers greeting cards, mugs, note cards, and book marks all produced by the Colorado company, Leanin' Tress.

The family support for this bookstore doesn't end with the two sisters.  Ruthie's husband Sam was the one who made all the beautiful bookshelves lining the aisles.  Although Ruthie and Sam remain supportive, they're no longer involved in the day to day operation.

Ruthie however, has left a mark on the bookstore to the exasperation of her sister.  From Ruthie's small gift of two beanie babies, the store has grown to accumulate many shelves of beanie babies and beanie boo's.  Something that Ruthie finds quite humorous and now is kindly endured by Barb.  

So when you visit Book Haven, enjoy the books, notice the beanies, and if you're a bookstore worker, immerse yourself in a conversation with Barb, one of the best.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Tom Franklin.  Childhood friends Larry Ott and Silas Jones live in small-town Mississippi but they are different races which soon leads to a split in their friendship.  Larry is belittled, bullied, and ridiculed and grows into adulthood as a loner, accused of a horrific crime.  But when he is tragically shot as an adult, Silas must find a way to repair what was lost.  Outstanding book and highly recommended.  5-star all the way. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Essex Dogs, Dan Jones. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Ragged Company, Richard Wagamese.  The Quiet American, Graham Greene.  West With Giraffes, Lynda Rutledge. 

 

Spring is in the air in front of this beautiful storefront. 

 

A nice touch just outside the store. 

ALWAYS ask your bookstore about gift certificates and gift cards, one of the best gifts you can give. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Lots of unique bookmarks to pick from just inside the front door. 

These are only a few of the Beanie Babies and Beanie Boo's that started from the small seedling gift from Barb's sister Ruthie.  There are too many to fit into a complete group photo.  This group is just behind the checkout counter. 

Find a few of the greeting cards at the checkout counter. 

Many more greeting cards to the right after entering the store. 

You'll find many puzzles to choose from on the right side of the store. 

No where near reality. 

Note cards for any occasion. 

Mugs for any occasion!

You'll need some time to browse this aisle on the far left side. 

Metal wallets. 

View looking straight down the middle of the store, front to back. 

There are inspirational quotes on the walls throughout the store. 

If you're on a budget, head to this section. 

Partial view of the children's section. 

Another view of the children's section. 

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

A variety of classics. 

This is Sammy Boy, a regular customer.  He dashed into the store and sprinted around the counter straight to Barb.  He decided go with the treat instead of a book.

 

With Ruthie on the left and Barb in the middle, two of the fine people you'll meet at Book Haven.  Thanks for a great visit.