Tucked away on third street, this little book store has come into its own identity.
“We first started as books on fourth about 30 years ago. I think next year will be our 30th anniversary. Then we became books on fourth, on third when we moved to this location, and that got a little confusing. So then we became Books and Company,” said Books and Company Manager Kayli Vandermeer.
This expansive store has treasures around every corner and a selection of books that might just blow you away.
“We really pride ourselves on the selection and the expertise of our team of booksters. Everyone’s got their areas of interest and expertise and we really try to cater to their knowledge base. So we have a great manga collection, we’ve got a great d&d collection, fantasy, book, history, everything that we can think of that folks in Prince George might like and that our booksters can really dive into and talk about with passion.” said Vandermeer.
When you go to Books and Company you will not meet any sales staff. You will meet booksters.
“It just fits better than booksellers or retail clerks or anything like that. It’s what we’ve all adopted, and it helps us in identify, you know, how we want to portray ourselves to customers and to each other and how we dictate our behavior throughout the day. Booksters was mentioned and stuck. There were other names thrown out there and nothing else really hit quite as hard as booksters did,” says Vandermeer.
They have exciting things coming up in the near future.
“We’re going to be opening up our space for events in the fall again, and we’ve got a few author events booked, just signings and some low-key things where folks can come in and chat with authors and hear about what they’re working on and their latest book,” said Vandermeer.
It is not lost on Vandermeer how special a store like this is.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to have. I just feel really lucky that I was able to find a place where that exists,” says Vandermeer, “Obviously, I’m biased, but I think this is one of the best stores in B.C. I adore the people who work here and the way that the business is run and the freedom with which we as booksters get to interact with our customers and help our customers out. Even if that doesn’t end up bringing us in any money that particular day, that’s okay.”
So if you are looking for books, puzzles or a funky pair of socks, Stop by Book and Company and let the booksters take care of you.
