Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. is Excited to Officially Welcome New Member, Harbor Books!
Harbor Books, located at 720 Simpson Ave in downtown Hoquiam, is an independent bookstore committed to offering a quality selection of new and used books, as well as gift and educational items carefully curated for customers of all ages and backgrounds. “We believe in the power of literature and literacy to change lives and wish to serve the Grays Harbor community with a physical space in which reading, writing, and meaningful interactions can happen,” stated Melinda Einander, Owner of Harbor Books. “We seek to be a place for all kinds of readers through our commitment to improving equity and sustainability in our company and our community.”
Harbor Books carries an eclectic selection of new and used books highlighting local authors and books of local interest and is a lovely place to visit by yourself or to bring your out-of-town guests. In addition to offering a quality selection of new and used books, they also carry gift and educational items as well as offer gift certificates and are able to special order most books that they don’t currently have in stock.
While most of their customers appreciate the pleasure of holding and reading a physical book, Harbor Books does also offer eBooks and audio books through their affiliates libro.fm and bookshop.org (alternatives to Amazon, which support independent bookstores). “We believe that all forms of reading are reading, explained Melinda, “and that having multiple ways to access books allows more people to access and enjoy more books. The best thing we offer is something you won’t often find in online shopping–the joy of browsing and stumbling across a delightful book you didn’t even know you were looking for.”
Harbor Books was started by Ruth and Greg Zschomler as a way to showcase and support local authors. Over the course of four years, they expanded the business into a full-service bookstore. In the spring of 2021, they were ready to retire and looking to sell the business. Their love for the store was a major reason Melinda and her wife made the decision to purchase it – it had the charm of a space nurtured by love and community engagement; a uniqueness not found in a typical chain store. “We had moved to the Harbor in the fall of 2020; my wife had been serving as a home birth midwife here since 2017 and had been commuting from our home in Olympia while I commuted to my job in Seattle,” said Melinda. “I felt called to take on the bookstore as a way to find a place for myself in my new community. My goal for Harbor Books is to continue to grow what Ruth and Greg began: a full-service new and used bookstore, highlighting and supporting local authors while serving as a hub for book lovers in the community.”
Melinda had no prior bookselling experience before purchasing Harbor Books. “My previous jobs had been 15 years as the director of children’s religious education for my church and eight years as an elementary Montessori school teacher,” she expressed. “The only business experience I had was helping my wife begin her own business as a home-birth midwife. I brought my love of books and my curiosity. I listened to my customers’ needs and wants and worked to create an environment that would nurture growth, creativity, and learning.”
After receiving basic training in bookstore management from Ruth and Greg, Melinda moved the store to a new location in rented space next to the Praxis Salon at 2200 Simpson Avenue. This past spring they took a business class through the organization Education for Equity, or E4E. In the class, they learned the nuts and bolts about running a business and were also encouraged to examine their personal values in relation to their business, and the value Harbor Books provides to the community. Harbor Books exists to serve the community and strives to be accessible to everyone. “Our events are free and open to all and do not require purchase to participate,” said Melinda. “We have a commitment to local authors. We donate surplus books to local charities and organizations, and place books in local Little Free Libraries. We promote community events and donate to local groups and organizations. Our business is committed to offering books that reflect the diversity of our community and the wider world.”
“Last fall,” expressed Melinda, “after three and a half running the business, my wife and I made the decision to move the store to its new location in downtown Hoquiam. Part of the reason was that the building we rented was up for sale again–the third time in three years. We worried that the rent could increase too much under a new landlord, or perhaps our lease would not be renewed. Relocation to the downtown area with a larger space and the potential for increased foot traffic convinced us to take a risk and put in the work needed in order to move the store. We negotiated a lease at 720 Simpson and spent the next two and a half months fixing up the new space, packing, and moving. So many people helped to make the move happen, and we couldn’t have done it without them. Our immediate neighbors–Rex’s Barbershop, Harbor Ceramics, and Brunch 101–have been especially supportive and welcoming.” Harbor Books celebrated in their new space the day after Thanksgiving with an open house featuring local musicians and hot cider, and the turnout was amazing.
Harbor Books is officially settled into their new space in Hoquiam which is more spacious than their previous storefront allowing them to host more events for the community. They currently host two book clubs in addition to a monthly writer’s group and author events. The Young Writers Workshop for local children and teens met in their space this winter and is making plans to do so again. This spring Harbor Books coordinated with the 7th Street Theater to promote the upcoming showing of the Neverending Story with two contests: a coloring contest for children, and a short story writing contest for teens and adults. Each April they celebrate Independent Bookstore Day and also participate in the Historic Hoquiam event. Additionally, in June 2025, they will be participating in the Grays Harbor Open Studio Tour, highlighting the work of local authors and artists. “As we grow,” said Melinda, “we will continue to offer new events and seek out ways to partner with other groups and businesses to best serve our community.”
You can visit Harbor Books in person at 720 Simpson Ave in Hoquiam on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11am – 5pm. Find out more about their upcoming events on their website, Instagram @booksontheharbor, and on Facebook. Shop online for eBooks or home delivery of physical books at www.bookshop.org/harborbooks and for audiobooks at www.libro.fm/harborbooks.
GGHI thanks Harbor Books for their investment in our organization and the Grays Harbor! Small businesses are the heart of our community, and we encourage you to shop small and help support their dreams.