A new bookstore has come to the Arkansas River Valley, specializing in books on Leadville and Colorado history, books by local authors, outdoor guidebooks, and collector’s books. Two Dog Market at 603 Harrison Ave. in Leadville has steadily built out its selection of books.
The store now stocks more than 650 titles, including travel and adventure books, classic and contemporary fiction, memoir/biography, nonfiction, and poetry. Owners Becky and Joey Edwards believe every town needs a bookstore and had dreamed of opening one someday. These Leadville residents were frequent customers at the Book Mine and, when it closed, decided to fill the gap.
“The Christmas Witch” Reading
At this small shop, which also offers travel essentials, antiques, Colorado-made specialties, and more, 50 books might sell on a busy day. As the holidays approach, Two Dog Market is also hosting a special event for children and adults at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Leadville author Jaime Katusha will read from her new book “The Christmas Witch”.
Local history was the initial focus for the Edwards. “We started out finding all the Leadville and High Rockies history we could find—first in used books and then in new books,” said Joey Edwards, a journalism major, lifetime book collector, and member of Leadville’s Historic Preservation Commission. “We continue to find hidden gems from small publishers about Leadville and its history.”
Through Two Dog Travel, Becky Edwards leads small group tours around the world. That naturally led to the store’s book selection expanding into travel writing and outdoor adventure. A poetry section is new and doing well.
The couple stocks books that they enjoy and that they think Leadville locals will like. “We are both huge readers,” she added. “A lot of the books and authors we carry are books we’ve read before.” They also offer books requested or recommended by customers.
Both say they revel in connecting customers with a great book, whether fulfilling a request for a specific title or giving customers the chance to stumble on the perfect read. “It has been fun to watch how many true readers come into the shop,” said Becky. “People spend quite a bit of time perusing the book section and always seem to find something that interests them.”
The couple also appreciates the opportunity to provide this service to Leadville. They shared a quote from Neil Gaiman’s book American Gods: “What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore, it knows it’s not foolin’ a soul.”
Located near the downtown stoplight, Two Dog Market is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and welcomes book-lovers of all kinds.
Featured image: Joey and Becky Edwards of Two Dog Market in Leadville, Colorado Courtesy photo
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