Books Above the Clouds celebrates one-year anniversary on Nov. 11
“I’ve always wanted a bookstore, always,” begins Natalie Oliver, owner of the Books Above the Clouds used bookstore in Woodland Park. “I moved my 15 boxes of books into [my boyfriend’s] basement. [He said] ‘Remember that bookstore you talked about? Let’s open that!'” Michael Stein, the boyfriend with the basement, is Natalie’s business partner. They married on the store’s opening day, Nov. 11, 2023, with a ceremony in the corner of the store.
Natalie continues, “My vision was I wanted people to read, I wanted to have a community. We have events in the back room … and a dog, Bonnie, that comes in and lets the kids read to her. In fact, she [Bonnie] did a Halloween event [Boos and Books with Bonnie], and we’re working on a Christmas event as well.”
In addition to the thousands of used book titles, Books Above the Clouds has a small selection of new and current titles. A number of local authors are featured who come and do book signings and readings. Some titles come from library used book sales. But the bulk of the store’s soon-to-be 10,000 shelved books come from donors who receive store credit … people who are moving, downsizing or cleaning out their shelves to make room for newer sources of inspiration and knowledge. Natalie “takes everything. I don’t like to throw anything away. Even the damaged books … people use those for crafts. People are welcome to take them.”
Natalie has a unique way of tracking books that is unlike most used bookstores. She inventories everything. If you’re looking for a specific title, just ask and she’ll be able to tell you if it’s in the store. If it’s not, she’ll help you figure out the best way to get a copy.
The diversity of titles displayed and shelved is awe-inspiring, reflecting just how many diverse interests are represented in Woodland Park and the Ute Pass area. The small, cozy store has a handful of rooms perfect for separating books by interest. There’s one room for all history titles, one room for all fiction books, a children’s room (where Bonnie the dog is read to), and a front room with classics, non-fiction and all sorts of varied genres. One of Michael Stein’s contributions is the building of sturdy, beautiful wooden shelves for every nook, corner and cranny to hold and cradle these samples of literary art.
“When I started trying to label sections, I didn’t want to be typical,” says Natalie. “So, I renamed them all. Instead of a mysteries section, you’ll see ‘chills.’ Instead of a romance section, you’ll see ‘love.'” Books are priced according to their condition. Most books are priced for less than 50% of the publisher’s price. The “cuisine” section books are on sale all of November, with 20% off.
Above the shelves of books above the clouds you’ll see the incredible portrait art of Lois Rosio Sprague, who painted the mural on the Ute Pass Cultural Center. All her artwork in the store is for sale.
As the store continues to evolve and grow, watch for Natalie’s creative approach to literature and books with such additions as grab bags by genre, blind dates with books, more special sales, book signings, book clubs and more. Vets and first responders receive a 10% discount every day.
On Monday, Nov. 11, join Natalie in celebrating their one-year anniversary. Snacks will be provided all day long as well as $5 off any $50 purchase, a free sticker with any purchase, and a chance to win a bookish prize. Find out more on the Books Above the Clouds Facebook page.
Natalie concludes, “The reading community here is incredible. They are very nice people. Most of them come in multiple times during the month. The one that brought me flowers … wrote ‘You’re my favorite book lady!'”
Check it out and maybe she’ll be your favorite book lady too.
Books Above the Clouds is located at 111 East Midland Avenue, Unit A in Woodland Park between The Hungry Bear and BierWerks Brewery. Open every day except Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email Natalie Oliver at info@booksabovetheclouds.com.
Sisters helping sisters
Want to make a difference in the lives of girls and women around the world? Consider volunteering to help sew feminine hygiene products for those who don’t have easy or any access to them on Sunday, Nov.10, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Church in the Wildwood in Green Mountain Falls (10585 Ute Pass Avenue).
Sisters Helping Sisters formed in January 2018 as a service-focused ministry for Wildwood girls and women, along with neighbors and friends, to meet quarterly to work together making reusable sanitary pads and feminine hygiene kits for the nonprofit Days for Girls International.
For more information, contact Jane Scanlon at jane.scanlon6@gmail.com.or go to wildwooducc.org.