White River Books - Carbondale, Colorado

White River Books Description

White River Books returned independent bookselling to Carbondale in March 2022, filling a gap that had existed for twelve years since Novel Tea closed on Main Street. Owner Izzy Stringham opened the shop out of a genuine commitment to storytelling and community access to books, naming it after the White River National Forest that surrounds the valley. The bookcases were hand-built by her husband, the floors installed by the same, and their daughters helped shape the children’s and young adult sections, which gives the shop a character that is difficult to manufacture.

The footprint is 550 square feet, but White River Books operates with reach well beyond its shelves. Through an independent warehousing network with no connection to Amazon, Izzy can source millions of titles and typically deliver special orders within a week. The in-store selection covers fiction, history, nature, poetry, and a children’s section that includes Spanish-language titles, alongside a rotating stock of new and select used books. The store takes a deliberate stance on access to literature, stocking titles that frequently appear on banned book lists to ensure the Roaring Fork Valley community has access to a full range of stories and perspectives.

Beyond retail, White River Books functions as a genuine gathering space. A free monthly Story Circle and creative writing sessions held on the fourth Tuesday of every month bring locals in to share their own work, not just buy someone else’s. The shop also carries art supplies, journals, stationery, greeting cards, puzzles, games, and pieces made by local Carbondale artists, rounding out the gift and creative supply side of the inventory.

Services: New books, used books, fiction, history, nature, poetry, children’s books, young adult, Spanish-language titles, special orders, banned book titles, art supplies, journals, stationery, greeting cards, puzzles, games, local artist goods, gift items, Story Circle, creative writing sessions, personalized book recommendations
Category: Specialty Store
Available Products: Gifts, Bookstore
Address: 65B N. 2nd St, Carbondale CO 81623
Directions: View on Google Maps