New Owners and a Face Lift for Book House
By Bobbi Zane

Photo by Jamey Ritter

Diana and Don Garrett have purchased the Julian Book House and are in the process of giving the venerable used book store a face-lift with the goal of restoring the 1926 cottage to its former look.

While the thousands of books will stay, the rooms are receiving a new, more comfortable ambiance.

"We're making it more homelike by adding chairs and tables where customers can sit down and read for awhile before deciding to purchase a book," Diana explains.

The house, which is owned by Woody and Jane Barnes, is undergoing a face-lift that involves stripping and refinishing the floors, painting most of the rooms, and installing an inviting garden. The renovation is expected to be completed in March; meanwhile, the store is open.

A fixture in town through the years, the shop has been a must-stop for visitors who can find all manner of old books. Many are one of a kind or out of print, making them more treasures than souvenirs.

The Garretts say they have an inventory of more than 20,000 volumes. Most are in storage while the renovations are under way, but by mid-March the shelves will be full once again and ready for browsers.

The Book House, located at the west end of town at 2230 Main St., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Call 760-765-3647 for information.