Just as Denver has the Tattered Cover, Downtown Boulder has the Boulder Book Store. Readers of all ages have flocked to this book lovers paradise (aka Boulder’s largest independent bookstore) for over three decades. Starting next month, the Book Store kicks it into high gear as they celebrate their 35th anniversary. Their event calendar is packed with appearances from well-known authors including Neal Stephenson, Tom Kostigen, Jon Scieszka, Neil Gaiman, Laurence Gonzales, T.A. Barron, Philippa Gregory, as well as a special appearance by the one and only, Skippyjon Jones (ask your kids)!

The Boulder Book Store was founded in Downtown Boulder in 1973 by owner David Bolduc. As a founding member of the Boulder Independent Business Alliance (one of the first of its kind in the country), Bolduc has been at the forefront of the “shop local” movement for over a decade. The store hosts more than 200 events (both in the store and throughout the community) every year. Employing nearly 50 people, the Book Store occupies 20,000 square feet and includes more than 100,000 titles which occupy three floors.

The Book Store has been at its current location (1107 Pearl St.) since 1991. Prior to moving in to the space (which had sat vacant since 1976), Bolduc made great efforts while renovating the building to use the most energy-efficient lighting, heating, windows and building materials (including a tin ceiling on the main floor to replicate the historic style of the space while conserving energy at the same time). He also hired a feng shui consultant to assist with the layout and design of the store ensuring a wonderful feel and flow the minute you walk through the front doors. Adjacent to the Book Store is the BookEnd Espresso Café with a fantastic indoor/outdoor patio…the perfect place to spend a few hours reading and people watching along Pearl Street!