The Book Shop at 242 Main Street in Penticton, B.C., has been a fixture in the downtown core for more than 50 years and has stayed in the Stevenson family all that time.
The store is 5,000 square feet filled with books in every nook and cranny. From bestsellers, the classics, hardcover and soft to rare finds and a huge children and teens’ section, there is something for everyone here.
It has become a destination for book lovers from around the world and browsing is strongly encouraged. They were recently featured in an Amazing Race episode in the ‘needle in a haystack’ challenge.
The Book Shop exists because of Bruce and Pam Stevenson with Bruce having a dream and a car load of books in 1974 when the shop was opened.
Now when you walk through the doors, it’s the Stevensons’ children, Lisette and Tavis, who greet you.
Lisette and Tavis took over a number of years ago, keeping the cozy store in the way their late dad would have wanted it. Their mom Pam is still involved.
“We were raised at this book store,” said Tavis in between serving customers.
“Dad wanted this store to have sections like architecture, photography and history. There are books here you can’t find anywhere else,” said Lisette.
They buy and trade books too.
“We do consider ourselves an integral part of the recycling system. We are proud to be one of the three Rs – re-use,” said Tavis.
Visitors are lured in first by the whimsical wood wagon art that sits above the Book Shop.
The 3D art, that has become such an iconic part of Main Street, was actually created by Tavis Stevenson.
Fun Fact: Tavis is also responsible for one of Penticton’s largest and most colourful murals, located in the back alley behind The Book Shop. The ‘book’ mural features an owl standing on a stack of books and a cat stretching itself on books. As well, there is a boy sitting down intently reading – and a girl finding a quiet place underneath the stairs to read.
For the Stevenson family, choosing to support local is what has helped their business thrive over the years.
“In this social media era, where everything is coming at you so fast, there seems to be a renewed interest across the ages for reading. We love being part of that,” said Tavis.
The Book Shop, at 242 Main Street, is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store doesn’t have a social media presence but they can be reached at 250-492-6661 or at bookspenticton.com.
Love Local
This blog post is part of the City of Penticton's Love Local series, designed to shine spotlights on local businesses and encourage people to shop and support local. Do you have a local story or business to tell us about? Email communications@penticton.ca. And share your photos over social by tagging the City of Penticton and #lovelocalpenticton!