This month's Downtown Spotlight is on The Poulsbo Book Stop
Whenever I go on vacation or consider a move to a new town, one of the first things I do is check out the used bookstore. If there isn’t one, I’m not going. When I moved to Poulsbo I didn’t make any exception to this rule and found an exceptional used bookstore, The Book Stop (say that five times fast).
When most businesses don’t make it past five years, The Book Stop has flourished for twenty-five. Megan Holmberg opened the store as Books Unlimited in the old Blue Sky Printing building, and after three years Megan moved the store to its current spot, the store I found and frequent. When thoughts of retirement began to swirl Megan wanted someone who would take care of the customers, books, and store. She found Soon Hood, who worked in the store for four years while transitioning to owner.
 Soon Hood was raised in a non-reading home and wanted something different for her girls. So, she began to search out books to read and books to teach home-school. She found them and her passion for books. She now owns at least ten editions of the first book that got her hooked – Van Hunt’s “The Story of the Other Wise Men”.
The first opinion Soon formed about books was that she could “Read about anything and learn anything. That is where my passion comes from.” This has become her motto. The first thing I ever noticed about Soon was her ready-to-laugh demeanor and friendliness. Soon has managed to take over a long running store, add her touches, and keep it running successfully. She takes care of the books and then she takes care of the books – figures, sums, and “i’s” dotted. She enjoys both sides of the business and has given herself a degree in literature and book handling.
To my skippy joy, Soon enlarged the poetry section and to my sons’ joy added manga. Soon, following her passions, added a home-school section, and is the only used home-school bookseller on the peninsula (Kirkland is next closest). The store also has some magnificent old editions and various editions of the same books, for collectors. The website she opened up has been successful, as well.
While I was interviewing Soon she managed to give me six ideas for books to read and a curriculum to consider. She also gave me a packing tip – “spines down or flat when packing up your books. If you pack the books spine up then any crushing just ruins them.”
Soon enjoys and comes to know all her customers and sellers. Some make annual trips to Poulsbo to visit family and don’t leave without a visit to Sluy’s for pastries and The Book Stop. The boaters love her store, especially the extensive Northwest books section. And local customers buy and sell their books at The Book Stop.
 For selling books, Soon’s prices are almost impossible to beat. She pays in 100% store credit or cash. Her guidelines allow for only well cared for books, and she accepts a large variety. My sons are currently negotiating manga sales with her.
So, if you have books to sell or a yearn for a good read, stop into The Book Stop. Introduce yourself to Soon or any of her employees and they’ll help you find just the right thing.
On another note, last month’s column contained an error. I wrote about Admiral Bill Harlow, who doesn’t exist. Rear Admiral Bruce Harlow is the man who took over leadership for the Poulsbo Aquarium, and he’s doing a fabulous job.
All Month
During the month of May various stores in Downtown Poulsbo are doing a foodraiser for Fishline, a local food bank. For instance, for five items of food, and you can get 5% off your purchase at Liberty Bay Bookstore. Call Fishline for information on needed items at 360-779-4191.
Weekly Events
Mondays
There is a writing workshop at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House. It might be full at the moment, so be sure to call and check for space and further information at 360-779-9199.
Tuesdays
Game Night at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House provides an evening of games for card sharks, Scrabble experts, Trivial Pursuit brains, chess strategists, and game lovers of all types; gallons of coffee will flow, goodies consumed, and terrific conversation, competition and rousing fun to be had for all from 7-8pm. There is a $5 cover charge. For more info call The Poulsbohemian at 360-779-9199.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Day Time Book Group. They always meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. The group chooses a variety of fiction, non-fiction and sometimes classic reads. You don't have to have read the books to come. Just jump in on the discussion. Call for the title of this month’s discussion book - 360-779-5909.
Wednesdays
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Non-Fiction Book Group. This book group is for those who love to read non-fiction. The group meets at 10 a.m. every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Call for current book - 360-779-5909.
On Wednesdays, Sons of Norway invite one and all to attend a Norwegian lunch with sandwiches, desserts, beverages, and sometimes soup. The lunch begins at 11:00am and ends at 2:00pm.
Wednesdays are open-mic music nights at Tizley’s Europub. The mic opens at 8pm and stays open until 11pm, so grab your instrument or your best toe-tapping shoes and head over to Tizley’s. For further information call 360-394-0082.
Sons of Norway hosts Bingo in their Marine Room starting at 6:00pm. Can you imagine hearing your own voice holler out “BINGO!!” and winning the grand prize of $500.00?
On the first and third Wednesdays Heavenly Choices hosts a Reiki Circle. Jessa and Patti, Reiki Masters, welcome all people to their circles (regardless of level). The event is free and starts at 7pm.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Evening Book Group. The lively discussions begin at 7 p.m (nearly) every third Wednesday. The group doesn't meet every month, so please contact the book store for the group's specific date and book choice.
Thursdays
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Mystery Book Group. Want to branch out into suspense, mystery or thrillers? Come read with us. The group meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. Call for current book - 360-779-5909.
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm Sip-N-Knitters join up and caffeinate or relax with coffee, tea, and goodies while adding to a scarf which will eventually be twenty-two miles long beating the world record held by some sweet little ol’ Scottish ladies. According to the sign-up sheet, to date, more than 200 men, women, and children have contributed to the effort.
Sons of Norway hosts a gathering of local beginner to master level wood carvers from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The curious are invited to see what they are up to and to appreciate their craft.
Magnolia Tree House hosts a musician’s jam. Fantastic local musicians gather and entertain while attendees enjoy meeting, mingling, conversation, and delicious drinks. There is no cover charge.
On the third Thursday of each month Heavenly Choices hosts a Spiritual Discussion Group. Cindy keeps the group running with the topics participants select. There isn't any cost for the event, which goes from 6:30- 8pm.
Fridays
“Reel Time Fiddle Tune Jam” takes place at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House every second Friday from 7:00-10:00pm. Join in and play your favorite reels, jigs, waltzes, polkas, and take a cheap trip ($2.00 cover charge) to Cape Breton, Quebec, New England, and abroad. Folks who can hold a stick, pick, pluck, or squeeze are welcome. For further info please call Jane Landstra at 360-697-6192.
Tizley’s Europub presents Rick May and Gil Yslas with the occasional guest player. This group is the perfect backdrop for a delicious dinner, desert, and a large variety of spirits. For further information call 360-394-0082.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Joy Luck Book Group on Fridays, starting at 11:00am. If it fits your schedule please join them. The group consistently chooses great reads and does great research, too. The February discussion will be about "A House for Mr. Biswas" by V.S. Naipaul.
Saturdays
Dancing Paint Brush hosts three different workshops from 10:00am until Noon. Each class is $75 which includes the $40 non-refundable deposit, materials, studio time, instruction, and firing. The Metal Clay Basics class teaches you how to make your own silver jewelry out of Metal Clay; in this fun class, artists twelve and up will learn to manipulate, dry, sand, and finish their pieces. Or artists twelve and up are invited to learn the basics of using frit, stringers & other techniques in the Fused Glass Workshop by creating a 7” plate. And artists of all ages are welcome to attend the Clay Handbuilding Workshop; in the workshop you will learn to slab and throw your own clay. Call Dancing Paint Brush today to sign-up for the class of your choice 360-598-3800.
  
Magnolia Tree House hosts live music every Saturday night - professional acts and no cover. Enjoy the wonderfully moody and intimate setting. Call today to get details about featured artists. 360-697-1447
Tizley’s Europub features live music on Saturday nights. The pub boasts excellent spirits and an excellent selection of wine, beers, deserts, and meals. Start times vary slightly and artists vary, so give them a call at 360-394-0082 for specific dates, start times, and artist information.
Events By Day
Saturday, June 7th
Come to the Marine Science Fundraiser on Saturday, June 7th from 11am to 4pm, where you can donate, have fun with fishy crafts and goodies and local author, Barbara Helen Berger, who will read from her famous children’s books. Activities will be held all over downtown Poulsbo and will be a fun filled event for kids and those who are so at heart. For questions call Liberty Bay Bookstore at 360-779-5909.
Starting at 7:00pm Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse hosts their Armchair Poetry series. Kris Hotchkiss, Jenifer Browne Lawrence, and Charles Sharp read their work. An open-mic provides a venue for rising literary stars. For more information call 360-779-9199.
Sunday, June 15th
The Jewel Box Theatre's new reading series focuses mainly on contemporary poetry, the Jewel Box Poets Sunday Reading Series features two regional poets each month. June 15th is Father’s Day, and is Anthology Day at the Jewel Box. We welcome author, editor and publisher David Horowitz of Rose Alley Press. David will be introducing several poets whose work appears in the press’s latest anthology “Limbs of the Pine.” Kitsap locals Byron Sacre and Ellen Elizabeth will be sharing their work with the audience. Also scheduled are Geoff Pope and Brenda Givens, both of the Seattle area. Brenda is a poet and storyteller. Born in Ruislip, England, she has lived most of her life in the Pacific Northwest. Geoff Pope teaches writing and literature for City University in Seattle. Hosted by local poet Jenifer Lawrence, the series is upbeat, energetic and entertaining. The readings begin at 3:00pm and are free to the public; all donations support the Jewel Box Theatre productions.
Friday, June 20th
Tizley’s Europub hosts an evening of piano and song with Suzanne Brewer from 8pm to 10pm. All ages are welcome. There is no cover. Call 360-394-0080 for more information.
Saturday, June 21st
Sons of Norway present St.Hans/Midsummer Fest at Waterfront Park from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Join in a Scandinavian tradition of celebrating the Summer Solstice. There will be folk dance exhibitions, kindergarten through high school and games for children - burlap Sack races, tug-of-war, egg carry, and balance beam. You can learn to dance around the Maistang, make a flower wreath, and about historical Poulsbo boats. There will be hot dogs to eat and a fish toss. Then, at 8:00 p.m the Viking Parade begins, followed by the lighting of the bon fire and Midsummer proclamation by Sons of Norway Vikings and a Viking saga around the fire. |
