John Cameron, a writer and ski patrol adventurer, has bought The Book Haven in Salida, Colo., from previous owners Jessie and Josh Smith, the Ark Valley Voice reported.
Cameron plans to incorporate more used books into the store's inventory and offer a larger selection of books focused on the Salida area and the outdoors in general. At the same time, he intends to carry more nonbook items such as notebooks, maps and art supplies. And while customers can still buy books from the store's website, Cameron has decided to end the in-store pick-up option.
"I want to be an anchor of authenticity in a world that is so much online and digital," Cameron told the Ark Valley Voice. "Having a place where people can come to browse books and engage in a little bit more of the community of books in literature, print, and magazines."
He also intends to broaden the store's range of events with a weekly Thursday night event that could be anything from a poetry night or writers' group to a storytime session. Longer term goals include a book club and monthly author events.
While Cameron has never been a bookseller before, owning a bookstore is something that he's wanted to do for a long time. Last Thanksgiving, that opportunity finally presented itself when talking with the previous owners. They worked out the details over the next few months, and Cameron's stewardship of the store really began in 2020.
"I have thought about owning a bookstore for a really long time," said Cameron. "It's been an idea that I had for many years."