Kimba Stefane is living the bookworm’s dream.
Sitting amongst the cramped bookshelves laden with delicately creased second-hand volumes, the screech of the steamer in the kitchen announcing another cappuccino underway, Stefane talks about books with the same passion with which philosophers engage theories of existence. At one point, she rather sheepishly admits that she had cried when she realized that she would likely die before she’d finish reading all the books she wished to (a horrible reality many bookworms must face). It’s exactly that deeprooted connection that makes Stefane the right person to own Nederland’s bookstore.
Stefane owns and runs Blue Owl Books, the tiny bookstore just off Peak to Peak Hwy and on the corner of W. Spring Dr. which has become a fixture in its almost two-decade existence. The shop sells sandwiches and coffee, and is well recognized for its locally sourced ice cream. The shop also features various art and trinkets including upcycled books turned earrings created by Stefane herself.
The ice cream, which makes up a good portion of sales in the summer months, is made in Lakewood, Colorado, by Magill’s Ice Cream. Since COVID-19 forced Magill’s to cease deliveries Stefane’s partner, Chud, does the hour drive to fetch the ice cream. This summer’s busy season meant he was in Lakewood once or twice a week.
Despite that commitment, the treats and trinkets are secondary to the books to Stefane. The majority of the books are either donated or acquired as second-hand excluding a few titles that she keeps in permanent rotation like Angela Carter’s Bloody Chamber or Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. “This is a labor of love,” she said, gesturing at the books around her, “It doesn’t make enough money to support the overhead and all that. So I do all the other things to be able to do this.”
This determination has served Stefane well over the years. The advent of the Kindle forced Stefane to add to her stock and consider new avenues of revenue as hardcopy books fell out of favor. She added art by local artists and various crafts while expanding the coffee shop menu. “I decided I was going to ride it out and I was going to survive this electric age,” Stefane said. That determination paid off and hardcopy books are slowly coming back in style.
Electric books were exciting and convenient but Stefane maintains that there’s something different about the real thing. “There’s something about a place like this that is magical,” said Stefane. She only wishes that more locals would come to treasure it with her. “I do have a lot of wonderful local support but often somebody will come in and say ‘I’ve never been here before and I’ve lived here for ten years,’” Stefane said.
It is local support that will help keep the business alive, especially as winter curbs ice cream sales from tourists. And Blue Owl Books makes for a cozy stop and one that Stefane intends to keep around. “I’m really proud that I have been able to make it work this long. I’m looking forward to celebrating 20 years.” Stefane said.
Blue Owl Books is located at 176 Highway119 in Nederland. You can find out more on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ BlueOwlBooks.
Sponsored by the town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
