Elizabeth explained that books provide an opportunity to learn about different climates as well as social and economic situations. They also answer questions that may not be socially acceptable to ask aloud while exploring ways to love and respect others.
“ That opportunity is available to somebody every single day. To be able to talk to a bookseller about whatever book you’ ve just read or to ask a bookseller,‘ What did you learn from this?’ or‘ What did you like about this?’ To hear that firsthand experience with how a book shaped a new way of thinking or softness for someone different from them— it is such a high privilege for us to be able to allow people to expand their capacity for empathy. I think it’ s the most important thing a bookstore can do,” said Elizabeth.
Henry’ s Books officially opened in June of 2024. It was named after their son, who was 2 years old at the time of the opening. As an independently owned store, Elizabeth and Dylan make all the decisions regarding ordering, shelving, hours of operation and customer care for their corner of the world.
“ We have a unique but really wonderful challenge of curating the books that we have on the shelves. I want people to take home something that they’ ve seen on the New York Times bestseller list,” said Elizabeth,“ but I also want them to find titles that are adjacent to that that would be just as exciting to them.”
With their donated selection of used books and new books arriving every week, the stock in the store is continually rotating. The shelves display a balanced blend of genres for all ages, inspired by the personal tastes of the staff. From there, books are hand-sold to customers based on personal recommendations to help readers discover their next favorite book.
There are sponsored sections that are always available, like the mental health section sponsored by Spearfish Counseling Services. Individuals can also sponsor a book that was influential in their lives for $ 200. That book will then permanently remain on the shelves of Henry’ s Books.
“ We get the most wonderful variety. I think every month it gets a little more robust and rich, and we have a good balance of all age, topics and genres.
“ I really can tell you a story about every single person that sponsored a book. It’ s just such a wonderful way to connect other people in the community with something that is deeply meaningful to you,” said Elizabeth. myblackshillscountry. com Down Country Roads
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