One Woman's Pulp Treasures Reveal A Town's Pulse

I have always loved used bookstores. I tend to get lost in their stacks. I like their old worn rugs and even the messes of books waiting to be shelved. I especially like bookstores that serve coffee and fresh baked treats. It’s very satisfying; a hunt for the perfect book with a cup of steaming java in one hand and fresh baked goodness in the other. Great books go out of print, and good used bookstores are filled with hidden ‘treasure.’ When traveling, I always seek out these collections of local’s books. I find they hold the feel and character of their community.
Nederland’s Blue Owl Books is no exception. Locals have a hearty appetite for anarchy, counter-culture, and vegetarian cookbooks. Perhaps more interesting is how many mystery/suspense novels the locals read in great volume. Most striking, is that this bookshop is more than just a retail spot. Owner Kimba Stefane has turned the shop into a central gathering spot for the community.

Stefane grew up in Bethel, Vermont. It’s a small town with really thoughtful folks who watch out for one another, helping neighbors in need without waiting to be asked. Stefane carried this caring attitude forward throughout her life. She studied nursing in Vermont, but a childhood vacation to Boulder had left her enchanted, and she transferred to CU Boulder. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature. Shortly after, Stefane met her future-husband, Vince Herman, lead singer for Leftover Salmon. Stefane ran the band’s website, merchandising operations and was their office manager. She home-schooled their son, Silas, at their mountain home in Eldora, Colorado.

Stefane and her son Silas still reside in Eldora. Silas is a gifted musician in his own right. His former band BLISK, played at Ned Fest, the summer of 2006. At this past summer's Ned Fest, Silas performed with Great American Taxi. These days, Silas is performing with his father, Vince Herman at shows across the country. Most recently, Silas played at the Ryman Auditorium for the 2007 New Year's Eve show. During Silas' New Year's Eve debut on the former Grand Ole Opry Stage, he joined greats such as Del McCoury, Jon Fishman, Ronnie Bowman, and from Leftover Salmon; Drew Emmitt and his father, Vince Herman. When Silas was not on-stage that night, he was back-stage, picking bluegrass tunes with Del McCoury's grandkids. Silas and his dad have built a recording studio in their home, and our now recording with other local musicians.

Stefane beams when speaking of her son and she's proud of the young man he has become. She's also glad his music means so much to him. She says she's watched it have a positive effect on his life. Stefane was impressed enough to help start a program through the Teen Center, setting teens up with instruments and music lessons. She is also impressed with her son’s strong sense of self, community and right and wrong. He is a very outspoken young man who isn’t afraid to stand up for what he believes in. I have to wonder if some of this young man’s grasp of justice and how to defend it didn’t come from the shelves of his mom’s bookshop. But then again, these books are a reflection of what locals are thinking about.

Stefane took over managing the bookstore, then called Once Again Books, owned by Janette Taylor, in the Spring of 2004. She bought it in the Fall of 2005, and has changed the name to Blue Owl Books, making it 'more her own.' Her vision is “to provide an atmosphere for higher thought, with books of all different genres and without censorship.” To this end, Stefane keeps a wide range of books. Its one of those rare shops that becomes a hub of the community. Stefane believes that “unity is a better choice than competition within a community and its businesses.” She also believes in “individual involvement and participation in one’s community.” Here in this small mountain town, she provides a place for the “community to gather, where they can share, debate and discuss ideas about issues we are dealing with here and in the world.” Stefane also hosts off-beat and political films for free, encouraging dialogue afterwards amongst the community members gathered.

Stefane holds free book-signing by local authors so local residents can meet and talk with them. Best of all are her Saturday evenings when savory smells and soft music come lilting out the door. She serves delicious home-made dinner to the delighted gatherers. Dubbed 'Tacos and Tunes,' these evening performances are free as well and locals socialize in the warm atmosphere.

Many of these evenings, the music is provided by the local band, the Eldorans. They are adept at playing a wide range of music, from Irish folk tunes to Dylan songs, depending on the audience’s mood. Band member Mike Cutler is Stefane's companion and a huge help in running the store. Blue Owl Books also hosts other local acts, such as; Black Dog, The Elephant Revival Concept, Cameron Powers and Kristina Sophia, and Lil Rev to name a few. I was fortunate one evening to catch Billy and Gillian Nirsche playing wonderful tunes. I was moved by how sweetly Gillian sang Kate Wolfe songs.

Like all my favorite used bookshops, Blue Owl Books sells a nice array of home-made sweets, satisfying food and ice-cream. I’m always tantalized when her beef chili is stewing and fills the store with it’s aroma. Stefane's homemade smoked barbecue pork sandwich keeps locals and Eldora Mountain skiers coming back again and again. My favorite treat is Stefane's homemade lemon bars. Her European-style hot chocolate is made with homemade fudge, and is the best hot chocolate I've ever had. Best of all, her coffee 'Fire-station Roasters,' is locally roasted in the old fire house by a local woman. So, while you are enjoying a delicious latte’, you’re supporting two local businesswomen. Stefane prices are really reasonable. It's by far my favorite Nederland coffee spot.

The bookstore is also filled with very nice quality hand-crafted fare from Nederland’s locals. Actually 90% of her merchandise comes from locals, including the books. The shelves are laden with candles, soaps, pottery, jewelry, hand-knit hats, handmade cards and chocolates. Stefane also sells Leftover Salmon’s CD, 'Years In Your Ears, A Story of Leftover Salmon'. She is the only retailer selling them.

The store also boasts of sweet nooks, perfect for cozying up with your literary finds. Karen Andersen, a local Astrologer and Tarot Reader, can be found Saturday and Sunday afternoons, doing readings in her favorite peaceful nook at the back of the store, next to the Children's section and the new Antiquarian section.

You might also bump into me there…coffee and lemon bar in hand, perusing the stacks…looking for hidden treasure.

Kimba Stephane at Blue Owl Books.

Photo by Robert Berwick