Congratulations to Maria's Bookshop, Durango, Colo., which is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a big party on Saturday, September 28, 4-9 p.m. The event includes family-friendly activities; giveaways that feature a year of books to one lucky customer; photos and memories to be shared by friends of the store; beer, wine, and finger food, helped by Ska Brewing, which will unveil a special anniversary beer; live music & dancing from 6 to 9 p.m. with music by People We Know.
"We are honored and humbled to continue serving our community after 40 years," said owner Evan Schertz. "We simply would not exist without the intentional support of the Durango community. It says a lot about our community values that they've chosen to support an independent bookstore for four decades. We look forward to building community connection through books for the next 40 years."
Maria's Bookshop was opened by Dusty Teal in October 1984 at 928 Main Avenue. The name came from Teal's deep appreciation for the work of legendary potter Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso, N.Mex., and the bird logo was inspired by Martinez's work.
In May 1998, wife-and-husband team Andrea Avantaggio and Peter Schertz, purchased Maria's Bookshop. Avantaggio had worked at the bookshop since 1992. Under their leadership, and thanks to longtime staff members Julie Shimada and Jeanne Costello, Maria's Bookshop grew into one the premier bookstores in the Southwest. In 2019, Maria's Bookshop became a multigenerational family business when Evan Schertz, son of Andrea and Peter, took over ownership of the store.
Maria's Bookshop carries a curated inventory of new books, gifts and toys in 2,200 square feet of retail space. A staff of more than 20 booksellers keeps the store operating seven days a week and serves a large and loyal clientele. Maria's Bookshop sponsors more than 100 reading groups, hosts dozens of community events each year, and supports many local non-profit organizations through donations of services and goods.