LIFE-LONG LEARNING
Inspired by their daughter’s passion for reading, Darcie and Dave Shultz had always dreamed of getting into the book business.
“But we never imagined having the opportunity to open a bookstore,” Darcie said.
“Until moving to Pittsburg.”
In November 2020, the Shultz family opened Books & Burrow at 212 S. Broadway. The trendy charm of Pittsburg made it seem like the perfect place to follow their dreams.
“There wasn’t a new bookstore in town, and it was like everything that needed to fall into place aligned at just the right moment,” Dave said. “Once the space became available at the beginning of November, we moved full speed ahead opening in less than a month.”
“Bookstores have the ability and platform to affirm within their communities that representation matters.”
To open in that timeframe, they called on assistance from family and friends, particularly Darcie’s brother, Davey Froman. Davey and his wife Kim own Miners + Monroe, which is located right next door to Books & Burrow.
“Their retail expertise, knowledge of the Pittsburg business landscape and town really gave us the confidence to move forward with our dream,” Darcie said.
Along with selling books and fun accessories, Books & Burrow aims to highlight and spread awareness of Indigenous stories and authors.
“I am Peoria and Miami and an enrolled member of the Peoria Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma,” Darcie said, “so it’s a very personal goal for me and my family. Bookstores have the ability and platform to affirm within their communities that representation matters.”
A community with that mindset and energy, needs an independent bookstore.
And, she said, Pittsburg is just the right community to help in all of their endeavors.
“Pittsburg is a welcoming community,” Darcie said. “It has quintessential, small-town charm, but all these great elements of a trendy city. There is great pride and collaboration within the business community, and it’s a town that strives to grow and progress.”
A community with that mindset and energy, they believe, needs an independent bookstore.
“Books and reading are a big part of our family, and we believe strongly in raising life-long readers,” Dave said. “Independent bookstores are central to the community vibe and sense of place. They provide a space to meet, share, grow, learn, and are often a refuge for many.”