This is an independently owned, by a woman no less, bookstore. There are three locations in the Denver area but my favorite is in the LoDo district of Denver just at the end of the 16th street mall. Its in an old refurbished/ re-purposed building. It smells like books and coffee when you walk in the door, not plastic and gloss. The wooden floors creek under your feet. Denver's unique collective gathers there for a quiet hour of reading and an iced latte on their lunch breaks. There are stories of bookshelves, rather reminiscent of a public library, anyone remember what those are? But The Tattered Cover is better! Its better because it has character, it has kitsch it has knowledgeable staff, it has used books, it has bargain books, it holds author discussions. TTC is at the forefront of keeping the written and PRINTED word alive.
As you know, I am an English teacher. I didn't start out my adult life that way, and didn't really develop a love of reading until I was in my early twenties. But having made the voyage into the good life I really promote reading from actual books to my students. I'm sure I will delve into the benefits of reading from paper in future posts but I shall get back on topic...
The need for real bookstores that have actual paper books in them is so important for our culture, our children, and civilization as a whole for that matter! (Picture my fist in the air, index finger pointed at the sky for extra emphasis) I am so grateful to The Tattered Cover for all that they do to make the world a better place. I'll be back as soon as I can! Don't change a thing TTC!
