"Who" is HearthFire Books?
We are Evergreen’s only full service bookstore and the locals' favorite place to have their “mind, spirit and imagination” kindled with great books and great writing.
We’re an independent bookstore, with a hand-selected collection of current literature, fiction, history and memoirs, politics and business, psychology and inspiration, and the works of local authors. We’re especially proud of a large children’s area, complete with a reading chair, a reading bear, and a pint-sized table perfect for playing with puzzles and other toys.
When you’re away from Evergreen, you can continue to get great service by shopping at our online store. Click the "Shop" tab above. Shipping is free and our online store includes music and DVDs as well!
The HearthFire Story
What is now Hearthfire Books began in 1996 when Linda Lovin organized a “bookstore” in her house to sell school books. When selling books out of her house became inconvenient, Linda and her husband Dale moved into retail space in the Elk Meadow Center, above Paragon Sports (now Boone Mountain Sports) on Evergreen Parkway. Operating as Lovin’s Books & Music, it was the premier bookstore in Evergreen in the 90’s.
The Lovins sold the business to new owners in early 2001. Dubbing it “Hearthfire Books” to note the change of ownership, they hoped to continue the success begun by the Lovins. Unfortunately, they were caught in the recession following the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Despite their efforts, Hearthfire struggled in the years following. And as Evergreen grew, the store’s location – upstairs and off the main road – became a liability. When the store manager was called up for active duty in 2004, they knew they had to make a change.
Lori Underwood, recently moved to Evergreen from London, couldn’t imagine Evergreen without a bookstore. She bought the business, and she and a former Hearthfire employee, Janet Rhodes, set about rebuilding Hearthfire into a working bookstore.
In 2006 Underwood moved the store to the new Bergen Village Shopping Center to take advantage of growing traffic in north Evergreen. Almost immediately following the move, she moved back to London and then to Conneticut. Rhodes remained the day-to-day manager.
In August, 2010, Kappy Kling has purchased HearthFire and is building a well-respected indie store, adding and upgrading the bookstore’s inventory, marketing, and events.
What People Say About HearthFire Books
In a survey conducted in the fall, we were delighted at the comments made by our customers and our fans. When we asked why they would shop at HearthFire versus bigbox stores or online, they replied:
I can browse.
I love looking at books.
I love being in a bookstore.
I can “impulse buy.”
I believe in independent sellers.
I like to look through the books.
Because everyone is so great.
Often I need to look before I choose.
It’s fast, efficient, and I like to support local business .
When I have the time there’s nothing like browsing a good bookstore or library shelves.
I want to keep you in business.
I like to have it in my hands!
I like to hold the book and look through it.
It is more personal.
I’m a “Boomer” and I still like to see, touch, smell or taste what I buy!
I like to browse and get recommendations from people I trust.
I am too rooted in my habits to go online.
I like coming in here. Then I get a coffee next door. It’s all very cozy.
I love the visual presentation and the ambience .
I like the service at HearthFire. They help me pick out great books for my grandchildren.
