ALAMOSA — The doors to Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative, a community-based retail bookstore, officially opened to the public on Saturday, Aug. 11. An all-day celebration was held to mark the event, which included an author reading and story slam.

“The store was full from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” said Marlena Antonucci, general manager of the co- op. “It was such a thrill to see people sit down on our vintage couch and read. “

The large variety of events held throughout the day showed Antonucci and her volunteers that Alamosa welcomes a creative haven.

“These events were each well attended by diverse groups, admirably sharing their stories and their love of words,” she said.

The new store takes the place of the former business, the Narrow Gauge Bookstore and Newsstand, which served the San Luis Valley at the corner of State Avenue and Main Street for more than 40 years. Generations of valley residents enjoyed the bookstore that unfortunately closed its doors in March 2018.

Almost immediately, a large group of community-minded residents started meeting to see what they could do to keep literature alive in Alamosa. The revived business follows a cooperative model, and fosters a curated place run by members of the community.

The space has already hit the ground running with a number of author readings and book signings that began even before the store was officially open.

Throughout the successful and busy day, Antonucci gave the credit of the store opening to the many people that stood behind the idea and volunteered to make it a reality.

“I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to all of the Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative volunteers, owners and members,” she said. “In six months, you organized, fundraised and re-opened a business because of your belief in the value of literature. I’m so very proud to call you my neighbors and friends.”

While the store currently has a growing selection of used and new books to choose from, it is already making plans to add magazines and locally made items to the list of what can be purchased there. Special ordering is even available for items not currently in stock, and customers are urged to ask if they don’t find what they’re looking for right away.

But for now, in between the upcoming events, everyone is invited to take some time to come in, browse the many items now available, and just sit and relax with a book for a while.

“I think our society needs a reason to slow down,” Antonucci said. “I’m hoping we can provide that leisure space.”

Narrow Gauge Book Co-Op will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information on volunteering, or taking part in the owner and member opportunities, stop by the store, go on the Facebook page, email [email protected] or call 719-589-3464.