About Our Bookstore

Discover the story behind our passion for books and our commitment to readers everywhere.

Our bookstore

Our Story

How we became your favorite bookstore

Founded in 2010, our bookstore began as a small corner shop with a simple mission: to connect readers with books that inspire, educate, and entertain. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a beloved community hub for book lovers of all ages.

Our founder, Sarah Johnson, had spent 15 years in publishing before deciding to create a space where books were more than just products—they were gateways to new worlds and perspectives. With just 500 carefully selected titles and a small reading nook, the original store opened its doors on Book Lane.

Within the first year, our little bookshop had become a neighborhood fixture. Local authors held their first readings here, book clubs formed organically, and children would spend hours exploring the growing children's section. By 2013, we had expanded to a larger location and doubled our inventory.

In 2015, we launched our "Books for All" program, partnering with local schools to ensure every child had access to quality literature regardless of their circumstances. This initiative has since provided over 50,000 books to underserved communities.

Over the years, we've expanded our collection to include thousands of titles across all genres, from bestselling fiction to rare collectibles. We've hosted hundreds of author events, book clubs, and reading workshops, creating a vibrant literary community.

In 2018, we launched our online store to bring our carefully curated selection to readers beyond our local community. Today, we're proud to serve book lovers across the country while maintaining the personalized service and thoughtful recommendations that have always been our hallmark.

Our Mission

To foster a love of reading by providing access to diverse, thought-provoking literature and creating spaces—both physical and digital—where readers can discover, connect, and grow. We believe books have the power to transform lives, and we're committed to putting the right book in the right hands at the right time.

  • Curate exceptional books across all genres
  • Support diverse voices and perspectives
  • Create inclusive reading communities
  • Make literature accessible to all

Our Vision

We envision a world where everyone has access to the transformative power of books—where literature bridges divides, sparks imagination, and nurtures empathy. We strive to be more than a bookstore; we aim to be a catalyst for literary discovery and meaningful connection in an increasingly digital world.

By 2030, we aim to:

  • Donate 1 million books to underserved communities
  • Support 500 emerging authors through our publishing initiative
  • Establish reading programs in 1,000 schools nationwide
  • Create the most personalized book discovery platform in the industry

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Community

We believe in the power of books to bring people together and foster meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Diversity

We celebrate diverse voices and perspectives in literature and strive to make all readers feel represented and welcomed in our spaces.

Knowledge

We're committed to promoting literacy and lifelong learning through access to quality books and educational resources for all ages.

Our Journey

Key milestones in our growth

Our Beginning

Opened our first small corner bookshop with just 500 carefully selected titles.

First Expansion

Moved to a larger location and doubled our inventory to meet growing community demand.

Books for All Program

Launched our initiative to provide books to underserved schools and communities.

Author Series

Started our monthly author event series featuring both established and emerging writers.

Digital Launch

Expanded beyond our physical stores with the launch of our online bookstore.

Virtual Book Clubs

Adapted to global challenges by creating virtual reading communities and events.

Publishing Initiative

Began our small press to support local and underrepresented authors.

National Expansion

Opened our fifth physical location and shipped our millionth online order.

Meet Our Team

The book lovers behind our store

Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Founder & CEO

Book lover since childhood with 15+ years in publishing. Started the store to share her passion for literature.

Michael Chen

Michael Chen

Head Buyer

Former librarian with an uncanny ability to predict bestsellers. Curates our collection with care.

Emily Rodriguez

Emily Rodriguez

Events Manager

Literary enthusiast who brings authors and readers together through our popular event series.

David Wilson

David Wilson

Digital Director

Tech expert with a literature degree who leads our online presence and digital reading initiatives.

Aisha Patel

Aisha Patel

Community Outreach

Former teacher who manages our literacy programs and educational partnerships.

James Thompson

James Thompson

Rare Books Specialist

Antiquarian book expert who oversees our collection of first editions and rare finds.

Olivia Kim

Olivia Kim

Children's Literature

Children's author who curates our expansive kids' section and runs our young readers program.

Robert Garcia

Robert Garcia

Operations Manager

Logistics expert who ensures our stores and online orders run smoothly and efficiently.

Awards & Recognition

Celebrating our achievements

Independent Bookstore of the Year

2023

Recognized for excellence in curation, community engagement, and business innovation.

Best Online Book Retailer

2022

Awarded for our user-friendly website, personalized recommendations, and customer service.

Community Impact Award

2021

Honored for our Books for All program and educational partnerships.

Literacy Champion

2020

Recognized by the National Literacy Association for promoting reading in underserved communities.

Small Business of the Year

2019

Selected by the Chamber of Commerce for business excellence and community contribution.

Inclusive Retailer Award

2018

Recognized for our commitment to diverse books and creating inclusive reading spaces.