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An Open Book

A A A Comments By Colin Bane Thursday, May 5 2011

Forty years ago, ten Park Hill residents looking for like-minded literature lovers put their heads together and founded the Park Hill Community Bookstore, a non-profit business that has both sustained and been sustained by that community since 1971. “Seven women and three men signed the original articles of incorporation, and some of those founding members are still among our 500-some active members,” says Mike Stickney, the bookstore’s current manager. “What they really wanted was a place in the community to meet and discuss the issues of the day, from the Vietnam War to women’s issues, civil rights and their visions for their own community here in Park Hill. The basement space they used to meet in is full of books now, but the shop remains a wonderful place to find great books and meet up with the eclectic and eccentric people who make Park Hill fascinating.”

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At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6, the bookstore celebrates 40 and Forward at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter Street, with a silent auction including autographed first-edition books, antiquarian treasures and items donated by other local businesses and book-store supporters. Retired Denver Post staff writer and Murder at the Brown Palace author Dick Kreck is tonight’s guest of honor, but the real pull is the same as it ever was. “This community is extremely literate and has wide and varied interests,” Stickney says. “I think this is why the bookstore works and has had such longevity: It’s a community in every best sense of the word.”

Admission to the celebration is $10; for more information, call 303-355-8508.
Fri., May 6, 6:30 p.m., 2011

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