Tucked between the library and Photo Tech on Shopper’s Row is Still Water Books and Art, the newest hang out for word addicts in Campbell River. Kids, travel, hobbies and crafts, fiction, business, and nature – the categories are varied and offer relaxed browsing. Prices are reasonable and the books are in quality condition.
Owner/operator Ruth McMonagle says, “You grow as a person constantly” in this business, also saying “this job makes it easy to love life”.
The seeds for this undertaking were planted years ago, early in Ruth’s relationship with husband Trevor, when she managed the book store at the University of Winnipeg and also worked at the city’s art gallery.
“That’s the cohesion (of the books and art),” she said. “A big part of our coupleness” has been, and continues to be, art and books.
In the years following, various people suggested to Ruth that she give serious thought to entering the world of book store ownership. The thought appealed to her on a deep level, feeling that her love of reading, sharing knowledge, and being an enthusiatic people-person would stand her in good stead.
Ruth and Trevor began acquiring stock a couple of years ago with the faith that opening a book store would eventually happen. Ruth also took on how to run a successful book store. Visiting bookstores in Winnipeg, Portland, and Bellingham was also part of the preparation Ruth and Trevor made a priority. They were interested in learning about their operation and discovering their specialities and unique characters.
And not too long ago, they felt the time was right. A space in the downtown core was renovated to create a cozy, friendly feeling, and shelves were stocked. The doors opened only slightly more than a month and already Ruth is discovering unexpected joys.
“You receive a lot from the people you serve. You hear life stories and people’s insights into the world.”
In addition to books, works by local artists work are also featured. Currently, potter Kathy Mancell, nature photographer Jamie Scarrow, and painter Jill Paris Rody all have creations on display. Recently, romantic painter, Jim Miller, has added four of his oils as well.
“It’s an enriching experience” but not necessarily in a monetary sense. The business allows a lot of freedom – from how to market a book within the store to making plans for offering broad-based cultural events suitable for all ages.
Included in the future plans are folk singing evenings, a paper making seminar, reading club, and starting in early September, freshly brewed coffee from Salt Spring Island at affordable prices.
Trevor has been a regular in the store since its opening earlier this summer, however, with teaching at Carihi about to begin for another year, his time will be limited. But his lack of physical presence doesn’t mean he won’t continue to play an intergral part in the business.
“Trevor’s a huge influence on my thinking,” confided Ruth.
A successful book store owner needs to have been bitten by the reading bug or the business simply becomes shelves with books minus the passion. When Ruth is asked about her favorite writers, she doesn’t hesitate to share:
* George Macdonald, a 19th centure Scottish writer and contemporary of Charles Dickens, and the inspiration behind C.S. Lewis and Tolkein, because of his “deep sense of humanity”
*Fedor Dostoevsky, Anton Chekov, and other Russian writers. Their sense of personhood is completely different from Macdonald. They “deal with violence and a violated humanity”;
*Books from the 1940s and 50s, provide Ruth’s “comfort reads” as do short contemporary novels.
Still Water Books is open every day except Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Look for the book tables outside at #120 – 1260 Shopper’s Row. Call them at 250-850-3103. Check out their website at www.stillwaterbooksandart.ca.
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