Bookpalooza
Well Book Works celebrates their Pulitzer Prize Birthday Party on April 21
By City Weekly Staff
Book lovers all over the valley should check out Weller Book Works in April. On April 21, Weller Book Works will be the scene of a Pulitzer Prize Birthday Party, and April 30 is Independent Bookstore Day. Not free on those dates? The bookstore also hosts a Collector's Book Salon on the last Friday night of every month—a chance to mingle, munch and hear from a featured speaker.
Weller Book Works (previously Sam Weller Books) moved into Trolley Square in 2012. Lane Richins has worked for Weller Book Works for 11 years and loves being part of the history of books. "Sooner than later, we're going to have a generation of children who never have to pick up a physical book," Richins says. "Bookstores are in danger of becoming more museums than bookstores. Weller Book Works fights that daily and aggressively. We dare people to keep reading, get the book in the hand and open the mind. I like being part of that fight."
After 80-plus years of serving Salt Lake City's reading community, the store prides itself on a knowledgeable, capable and friendly staff. Weller Book Works has what you want to read—and a lot of things you didn't know you wanted to read. The staff is committed to keeping books alive. "Nothing can beat the feel of a book between your fingers," Richins says.
"I love having access and exposure to all kinds of information, including the treasures of the Rare Book room," staffer Melanie Jonasson says. "I also dig the unique personalities that I work with and have met since I have been employed here, and the fact that every day holds a new learning adventure!"
Co-owner Catherine Weller is proud of the community they've created. "We love that we host events for authors from the self-published to the marquee, play and poetry readings, panels and slams from the community at large," Weller says. "We have a long history with Salt Lake and Utah readers that we'll continue as long as they buy books from us."
Long-time staffer Bruce Christensen loves working where his passion for reading is both fostered and an asset for customers. "I enjoy discussing books with fellow employees and customers," Christensen says. "There are so many books and so little time to read them, working in a bookstore helps me focus on what to choose and what to save for later with the hope that I will get to them eventually."
Weller Book Works carries new, used and rare books, including first editions worth thousands of dollars. On a micro-budget? The bookstore frequently offers $1 books for sale in bargain carts at the front of the store.
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