Downtown St. Joseph bookstore celebrates 3rd anniversary Saturday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A locally owned and operated downtown St. Joseph bookstore will celebrate its third anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The Story Collective marks three years in business Saturday, Oct. 10, at 114 S. Seventh St. downtown.

Owner Ashley Dawson said the store’s success comes from a supportive community of readers in St. Joseph and the wider region.

“We know that literacy statistics are pretty alarming nationally, but our experience over the last few years is that many readers are reading more than ever, and a lot of people are picking up reading again after a long hiatus,” Dawson said. “Reading is one of those uniting activities. If you find a group of people that read similar books as you do, it feels like winning the friend lottery.”

To mark the anniversary, The Story Collective will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The store plans giveaways, 10% off all books, and a mini-library Book Nook workshop from 1 to 4 p.m.

Seats are limited. Those interested in the workshop are encouraged to reserve a spot by ordering the “Timeless Books DIY Book Nook” at stjoestoryco.com or by visiting the store.

Dawson said The Story Collective is among more than 15 shops and restaurants that have opened downtown in the past three to four years. She said downtown growth has been visible at events such as the Wine & Beer Walk to Rediscover Downtown and the Dance Arts Coffee Crawl, which have drawn additional participation in recent years, according to the store.