Bookshop

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The SOMOS Bookshop has been in existence for so long that no one can recall exactly when it began. Dori Vinella, a long-time executive director, remembers that Phyllis and Sy Hotch used to sell books outside the SOMOS office when it was in the old Smith’s building. Since then, the store has been stocked solely with used books donated by members and the public, as well as new books by local/regional authors.

Joyce Franklin was the curator of the books until she passed the baton to Danielle Freeman in 2008. At that time, the office was open 15 hours a week, and books were sold for three hours one Saturday a month. Gradually the SOMOS office hours expanded, and eventually books were sold whenever SOMOS was open.

Our collection of used books now numbers in the thousands, categorized into nearly 70 sections. The books of local and regional authors have greatly expanded, and there is an archive collection of books by Taos literary celebrities. Monthly specials entice customers to buy from overstocked categories. Throughout the years, proceeds from book sales have made critical contributions to rent and other SOMOS expenses.

New books by local/regional authors: The rich abundance of Taos-area authors is on display in the front window and near the front door. These are new books, sold at full retail plus tax.

Donations of books are gladly accepted but only during store hours. There is a three-box limit per week unless special arrangements are made with SOMOS staff. All books, CDs and DVDs that are clean and in reasonably good condition are welcome—except for textbooks, workbooks, romance novels, VHS videos, cassettes and magazines.

Free books are available on bookcases outside on the front and back portals.

Book searches can be undertaken if we don’t have (or can’t find) a book you want. You can request that the volunteer at the desk write the book title and your contact information in the Search Notebook. You will be contacted when/if the book appears. This can be a long shot, but there have been many successful finds.

Glass display-case contents are revolving selections from our archives. The case is located in front of the main desk.

Prices

(some items are individually priced)

Hard and softcover—$3 each
Mass-market books—50¢ each or four for $1
Children’s/young-adult hardcover—$1
Children’s/young-adult softcover—50¢
CDs—50¢
DVDs—$1

Hours

Tuesday – Saturday Noon to 4pm