Congratulations to Boulder Book Store, Boulder, Colo., which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, beginning today, with two weeks of events and promotions that include readings by local children's author T.A. Barron, Deep Survival author Laurence Gonzales and others, an appearance by children's character Skippyjon and discounts of 20% for loyalty program members on most products in the store October 10-12. The store is also honoring Banned Books Week with a large window display (below) and in-store displays.
The Daily Camera offers a long tribute to the store, highlighting its importance in revitalizing downtown, particularly the development of the Pearl Street Mall, its beautiful 20,000-sq.-ft. space, its role as "the city's literary heart" and its importance as a founding member 10 years ago of the Boulder Independent Business Alliance, one of the first buy local organizations.
The store was founded by David Bolduc, who told the paper, "One of the things that has allowed us to succeed is our increased ability to relate to the local community. We support it, and they support us."
Arsen Kashkashien, the store's head buyer and inventory manager, emphasized the store's ability to adapt, an effort that has included increasing the stock of CDs, DVDs, used books and items such as yoga mats, greeting cards, magnets and chocolate bars. "When I started here [16 years ago], I used to think of the bookstore as a glorified library where you can buy everything," Kashkashien said. "Now I think of it as a glorified living room. Everything that can entertain the family is here. The definition of what we do has enlarged in order for us to stay around."