Meet the Magical Booksellers of Clark County
In a society where speed and convenience reign, local and independent bookstores are holding strong and proving they are needed now more than ever. Despite the prevalence of e-books and audio books, the selling of physical books has been increasing. 2020 and 2021 saw the biggest jump in physical book sales in a decade, with young adult novels being the fastest growing category, and print book sales have leapt by nearly 100 million copies compared to the pre-pandemic period. And while plenty of people appreciate the convenience of digital books, many customers say nothing can compete with holding a print book in their hands. Readers cite everything from the new book smell, the feeling of pages between their fingers, being able to wander the aisles and look at beautiful covers and the chance to take a break from electronics. Local children’s book author Gina Terwilleger Mercado says, “A bookstore is an experience that has no parallel.”
To meet this demand, new bookstores have popped up around Clark County in recent years and months. Armed with a love of literature and a craving for community, bookstore owners are working tirelessly to keep their doors open and provide a communal hub. Each bookstore in Clark County offers a unique curation of books and their own unique atmosphere, but each guarantees there is a book for everyone. Longtime bookseller, Becky Milner of Vintage Books, shares that all indie bookstores are different, but they work together to support one another and facilitate community over competition. I recently undertook my own little tour of local bookshops to find out what makes each one special. Meet the magical booksellers of Clark County.
Vintage Books
6613 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver
When Becky Milner graduated from college and had young children in tow, she made a decision: “I wanted to do something that was mine.” She started a sales business in 1975, selling everything from furniture, antiques, collectibles, books and inevitably, she says, “The books took over.” Vintage Books, a mainstay in the Vancouver community, has been in its current home since 1983. One of the best aspects of Milner’s job according to her, is the familial aspect. “I get to work with marvelous people every day and our customers have been wonderful,” she says.
Vintage Books offers an eclectic mix of used and new books, and they are regularly accepting donations or trades. Milner adds, “We’re very lucky. People let us do a little bit of everything.” The store’s offerings range from books from the 1700s to contemporary fiction and everything in between. The store offers puzzles, T-shirts and other eclectic merchandise and is also popular for pre-orders of new books. Vintage Books regularly hosts author readings, community book fairs and reading competitions. While Milner and her team have watched the book industry change drastically over the years, she wants people to know that “the little guys didn’t quit. We’re doing just fine, and we all have something different to offer.”
I Like Comics
1715 Broadway St., Vancouver
In the height of the 2008 recession, Chris Simons, owner of I Love Comics, was laid off from his high paying corporate job. Much to his wife’s dismay, he spent the last $500 of his unemployment check on a box of comics he found on Craigslist, a nod to his teen years spent working in a comic bookstore. Simons used the knowledge of his youth to sell those comics and turn a profit which progressively grew until the day he was able to visit a local comic bookstore on the verge of closing so he could buy the last of their inventory. Upon his visit, he learned that the store was owned by Clark College and offered impressively affordable rent. He exclaimed, “I think I’m a small business owner now!”
I Like Comics has since relocated to Downtown Vancouver and is now the largest comic bookstore in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The store boasts 5,000 square feet of retail space and 4,000 square feet of storage. Simons says he’s even running out of room because “I have no control when it comes to comic books and cool toys.” But the best part, says Simons, is getting to see families grow. He’s even had the privilege of officiating a wedding in the store.
I Like Comics offers something for every comic lover, including original Batman comics from the 1940s and Stan Lee’s personal signed copy of Spiderman. The store has hosted big names for signings and events such as Stan Lee, Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, as well as the creators of The Walking Dead and Spawn. Simon’s customers have become his people. “It wasn’t until I turned 40, but now I get to do what I always wanted to do and it’s something I truly love.”
Birdhouse Books
1001 Main St., Vancouver
Sarah Summerhill and Lucas Gubala had the wild idea to open a bookstore in downtown Vancouver in 2021, but they credit the community for its evolution. The friends went to college together at WSU Vancouver, and when Gubala suggested they open a bookstore, Summerhill immediately responded, “That’s crazy. We can’t do that.” But they were both eager to get involved in the community, so the idea took hold. Their joint venture started as a small bookstore and art gallery focusing on vintage and philosophy books. It may have started small but received a lot of support as the only bookstore in the downtown area (at the time). “Now we’re across the street from a paper store and another bookstore is here, so the literary scene is really thriving here,” says Summerhill.
The bookstore is run by Gubala and Summerhill with the help of volunteers and has become a hub for poets and writers. Birdhouse Books hosts poetry workshops twice a month, plus poetry contests and readings, and has helped numerous local authors and poets showcase their work. They even have a bookstore within a bookstore: Epic Quest, a family run operation, leases several shelves within the store and features a selection of science fiction books. Summerhill states that owning a bookstore is no small feat, but they are paid in love and support. At the mention of the other bookstores sprouting up in the area, she exclaims that she’s glad for the community and that there’s no competition. “It’s just us against Amazon!”
The Romance Era Bookshop
1701 Lincoln Ave., Second Floor, Vancouver
Ren Rice discovered romance novels during lockdown and found they were a portal not only to connection and good literature, but also to self-discovery. “This genre was a whole lot more than I realized,” says Rice. Wanting to own a bookstore since childhood, Rice had decided this dream should be put off until retirement age until a therapist put things in perspective. In addition to a full-time job, Rice began lugging trunks of books to pop-up events until October 2023 when Rice was able to open a brick-and-mortar shop on the second story of Our 3rd Space (previously called Lincoln Warehouse Project).
Our 3rd Space is a woman- and queer-owned collaborative and creative space, has allowed Rice to have the space and capacity for hosting book clubs, author events and community gatherings. The Romance Era is open on Friday evenings and weekends and because of Rice’s commitment to keeping reading accessible and affordable, all books are used. The shop also sells jewelry, crafts and art from local artists.
The most important thing for customers, says Rice, is to know they can explore their interests in a safe space that strives to be “sex, body and pleasure positive.” Rice says that the bookshop is also a place for people with similar interests to come and connect. “I want people to feel like they’re at their best friend’s house.”
White Oak Books
1700 Main St., Suite D, Vancouver
When White Oak Books opened on Main Street, Vancouver was ready for it. “We weren’t ready to open, but people were excited,” says owner Sara Smith-Glavin. “We had dozens of people walking by daily asking when the bookstore would open, so we wanted to be open in time for the holidays.” The bookstore, which offers a wide variety of new books and gifts, has been a steep learning curve for Smith-Glavin, but has proven worth it. “I’ve always wanted to open a bookstore,” she gushes. “I fell in love with books as a child and it’s been a lifelong dream.”
After a long career as a nurse and a husband who was ready to retire, she thought to herself, “It’s my turn!” A lifelong Vancouver resident, Smith-Glavin’s intention is for everyone to see themselves represented in White Oak. “I want anyone who’s ever been marginalized, discriminated against or felt unseen to see themselves in this store,” she says. One of the greatest gifts, she’s spoken of, is the local community of other booksellers. “90% of what I’ve learned has come from them,” she says, grateful for the community collaboration.
The bookstore offers complimentary coffee, an area dedicated for kids to hang out and play while parents peruse, and a few comfy chairs and tables to enjoy. Smith-Glavin reflects on the amount of work this bookstore has required, calling it a “labor of love,” but says she has no regrets and people have embraced the bookstore with open arms. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Literary Leftovers
813 W Main St., #105, Battle Ground
When Literary Leftovers, a Battle Ground community staple for more than 27 years, was at risk of closing its doors, Heather Erwin leapt into action. Erwin, who moved to Battle Ground in 2016, says the first thing she looks for in any new place is the local bookstore, because they are the hubs of the community. Previously a project manager, Erwin had not initially set out to own a bookstore, but when she saw that the previous owners were leaving with no prospective buyers in sight, Erwin said to her husband, “We can’t let the bookstore close.” He agreed.
Thanks to a dedicated staff, Erwin continued with her full-time job for nearly two years before transitioning to the bookstore. The Literary Leftovers staff, including a children’s program manager who is described by her co-workers as “Mary Poppins,” is committed to forging a strong local connection in Battle Ground. The bookstore currently hosts a variety of children’s programs, including a Lego club, a chess club, juvenile book clubs, art and poetry contests, and they are now offering study halls for students to come in and get extra support. For adults, there are two book clubs, including one that meets at Emanar Cellars and reads literature with a wine-related theme.
The vast majority of inventory is through donated books, and donors receive a 20% discount on their purchase. They also come in to canoodle with Lucy, the bookstore cat. “People come in just to get their weekly mental health break with Lucy,” says Erwin. While this transition may have been spontaneous, Erwin has no regrets. “This is my current calling,” she says. “And I couldn’t ask for a better one.”
Copper Bell Bookshop
4315A S. Settler Drive, Ste. 110, Ridgefield
Debbie Warnock says fear nearly kept her from opening her bookstore, Copper Bell Bookshop, in Ridgefield. While keeping up a busy career in real estate, Warnock spent years sketching out her dream bookstore, attending conferences and doing the research. Just when she’d decided to take the plunge, COVID hit, and she worried it was a sign that she shouldn’t do it. “Anytime I decided not to think about it anymore, I would get so sad,” says Warnock. She displayed the book, “What Do You Do with an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada (Compendium, 2014) in her living room because she knew she couldn’t let this dream go. When a new commercial development in Ridgefield was underway, she knew she had to act fast. “I just had a wish and a prayer and went for it.” Copper Bell has now been open to the public for the past year and a half.
Warnock and her husband spent meticulous time and energy bringing her vision to life, and the Ridgefield region is reaping the benefits. “We’ve made so many friends here,” says Warnock. “It’s been way beyond my wildest expectations to see how embraced we’ve been by the community.” The shop features all new books in a variety of genres, and about 20% of the store is unique gifts. With a secret passageway and well-stocked children’s area, the store also features a table and hutch from Warnock’s late mother who always believed she would make the bookstore happen.
While she jokes that she might as well set up a cot in the bookstore, Warnock also says she has to pinch herself regularly. “I can’t believe I actually did it,” she says. “It’s really restored my faith in humanity.”
Bookish
335 NE 5th Ave., Camas
Melissa Peake is passionate about children’s literacy, and she is determined to help kids find books that are not only fun but that light a spark. “I really want kids to find books that help them think for themselves,” says Peake. Like many bookstore owners, Peake described owning a bookstore as a dream she had forever, but one she wasn’t sure would turn into a reality. “I just had to jump off a cliff and do it,” she laughs. Bookish has been open in Downtown Camas for a year and a half, and Peake says she hasn’t looked back since.
The bookstore started as solely a children and young adult bookstore with one shelf reserved for adults, but that shelf has since exploded and Bookish now offers a variety of new releases and popular adult novels. And while about 80% of the bookstore is still geared toward younger audiences, Peake keeps the Camas community at the forefront and hosts play groups, story times and book clubs, and has enticed popular authors to come in for exclusive events. Her goal is to have something for everyone by displaying a diverse range of literature, featuring banned books, humor books and books that emphasize social and emotional skills. “I think kids can get so much from a book that might feel condescending coming from an adult,” says Peake.
Bookish is always accepting donations for books while offering store credit for books as well. And if you’ve ever been considering opening your own bookstore, she has a little advice: “Just sign a lease and make yourself do it!”
Autumn Leaf Books
334 NE 4th Ave., Camas
The newest addition to the community of Clark County bookstores is Autumn Leaf Books, which opened in February 2024 in downtown Camas. The former dance studio space is now lined with new books, gifts and adorable fox-themed décor. Owner, Eden Wade, moved to Camas in 2017 and fell in love with the downtown area, which reignited her bookstore dreams. “I always knew I wanted to own a bookstore,” she says. “I just thought it would be something I would do when I retired.” After falling in love with the space, she decided she couldn’t put off her dream any longer and just had to go for it. “It was more than just a dream,” she says, adding “I have a young son and wanted to create more family and community for him.”
Wade’s son loves to hang out at Autumn Leaf and confirms that in even in the first months the store has already been cultivating the family atmosphere she envisioned. “I love watching where people wander in the store; it tells you what they’re really into.” Having a large children’s section with an area for kids to spend time in was of utmost importance to her, citing that parents who come in without children still naturally gravitate toward this section. When asked about the reason behind the name, she says that after coming from Southern California she’s enamored with the beautiful seasons the Pacific Northwest offers.
Ready to read? Visit any and all of these shops just in time for summer reading.
Read the full May 2024 issue here:
