Locally owned bookstore opens in Modesto’s Roseburg Square. Here’s what makes it unique
A “crazy dream” turned to reality when Bookish, selling new and used books in Roseburg Square, celebrated its grand opening Thursday morning.
Mayor Sue Zwahlen, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, donors and book enthusiasts gathered to see the final product of an idea born nearly two years ago.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this emotional at a ribbon cutting before,” Zwahlen said. “There is something very unique about this place.”
Owners Paula Treick DeBoard and Will DeBoard got the idea to open an indie bookstore after Yesterday’s Books on McHenry Avenue closed in 2022.
The conversation between husband and wife eventually changed from “Modesto needs to have a bookstore” to “We need to open a bookstore in Modesto,” Will DeBoard said.
“Obviously, we want to sell a lot of books,” he said, but working with and for the community is also important to the couple.
One shelf in the store houses books by authors from the 209, including owner Paula Treick Deboard, who has written and published four novels: “Here We Lie,” “The Drowning Girls,” “The Fragile World” and “The Mourning Hours”.
Handmade merchandise from Central Valley crafters and paintings from area artists are also sold at Bookish.
The DeBoards used crowdfunding to help kick-start their business. The names of those who donated are incorporated into the titles of children’s books in a faux bookshelf archway over the youth area in the store.
Names like, “One Mill, Two Mill, Red Mill, Yogurt Mill” and “Go Deb Hall, Go!” are displayed on the spines of painted foam books.
Bookshelves throughout the store are sectioned with genres including memoir, history, travel, romance and mystery.
“Little Bookish,” the youth area of the store, has seating, activity tables and children’s books that range from very young to junior high.
Long tables in the middle of the store, a love seat and chairs in a corner, a row of bar stools facing a window and several chairs placed outside the store serve as reading and gathering areas.
There is a coffee cart and other drinks and snacks for sale.
Visitors can exchange gently used books for store credit beginning April 11. The store gives 25% of the retail price for books exchanged through this program. Donations also are accepted.
Bookish will serve as an event space and host readings, book club gatherings, live music, painting parties and more. If you have an idea for an event you’d like to see or host at Bookish, you can fill out a form at bookishmodesto.com/events.
Bookish grand opening weekend events
Bookish is celebrating its grand opening through Saturday with live music and giveaways.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and local musician Tea Noelle will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit the checkout stand to enter a drawing for a book lover’s basket and an artisan luxury pen.
Saturday’s drawings will include a mystery-themed basket and an artisan luxury pen. The store’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Regular spring hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit the store at 811 W. Roseburg Ave. or online at bookishmodesto.com.
This story was originally published April 5, 2024 at 10:59 AM.
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