Submitted by Lopez Bookshop

Karen Barringer and Linda Brower haven’t shied away from change since opening Lopez Bookshop in November 2011. They’ve expanded the store to twice its original size, added used books to the inventory, increased their social media presence, and hosted author events. Recently the two sisters made their biggest modification, with Linda’s departure and Beth St. George, the former Youth Services Coordinator at Lopez Island Library, becoming Karen’s new business partner.

“As much as Linda loved the Bookshop,” Karen says. “It just couldn’t compete with her grandson Collin, who lives in Spokane.”

Karen valued Linda’s knowledge of children’s and young adult literature and feels that Beth’s love of books and her experience in schools and libraries creates, “the perfect continuum” for their shared partnership. Linda and Beth started two book clubs: Young Adult Readers of Lopez Island (YARLI) for adults and teens, and Pageturners for middle-school students, both of which Beth will continue to lead. An avid birder and naturalist, Beth will be combining her passions for books and nature on Book Walks – a walking tutorial of nature’s wonders.

Beth reads mostly youth literature, “because so much excellent writing is coming out for youth today, and much of it can be appreciated by adults. It’s often meaningful and entertaining without being graphic.”

Beth especially loves picture books. “I like to call them ‘Everybody Books,’ because so many are pertinent to all ages.”

The new team of Karen and Beth, along with staff members Adrienne Wiseman and Iris Graville, look forward to some further changes in the shop. What won’t change at Lopez Bookshop, though, are the lively conversations about books, notices of staff and customer favorites, and the ongoing scrabble game in the back of the store. Visit www.lopezbookshop.com for more information.