Colorado Bookstore Moves Into Historic Firehouse

The Book Rack in Fort Collins, Colorado, is going through a complete makeover -- it's moving, expanding, and changing its name. The bookstore will close on March 31, move into a historic firehouse in the indie-friendly area of Old Town in Fort Collins, and will reopen as Old Firehouse Books on April 10.

Co-owner Susie Wilmer started as a staff member at the Book Rack in 1983. "It was apparent to everyone almost immediately that I would be spending the rest of my life selling books," she recently told BTW. While working there, she and her husband, Dick Sommerfeld, also bought Book Rack (small, used-book) franchises in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Greeley, Colorado. They have since sold both and, in 2001, bought the Fort Collins Book Rack.

Manager Jacqie Hasan explained that the move will be a community event, with customers helping make the transition. Volunteers and local businesses will then be invited to a pre-opening party. While volunteers will help with unpacking and straightening, a local moving company will do the heavy lifting. "We don't want to drop any shelves on anybody," said Hasan. The company will shrink-wrap and move the books and bookshelves as one unit. "Moving shelves already loaded with books really helps with the packing and unpacking."

Old Firehouse Books will occupy half of the 1881 firehouse that once served as the stables for the fire wagon's horses. The 2,700-square-foot space provides 400 square feet more than its previous location and will house about 50,000 titles. The extra space will be used for book clubs and events.

The store, which sells both new and used books, is expected to experience an uptick in sales in Old Town. "The new location will have a lot more traffic," said Hasan. "We'll be on a vibrant street with nice restaurants and other independent retailers. Otherwise it will have a different name, but will be the same store with the same good customer service." The general bookstore is known for its Sci-Fi selections and its focus on book clubs.

Asked if she had any suggestions for bookselling in tough times, Wilmer said, "My tip, for what it's worth, is to pay attention to every bit of aid and advice you can find, whether it is from fellow bookstore owners, your regional organizations, and always ABA. I try never to lose sight of our primary goal in business, which is to sell books with the best selection and service. And remember, nothing works the first time you try it, so be prepared to try again."

Wilmer's plans for the future of Old Firehouse Books include remaining adaptable. "I want to be able to react to the next change, just as independents have reacted to the chains and Internet selling. Every decade is different." --Karen Schechner