BY NATE KING
Salina Post
Red Fern Booksellers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.
The parking spaces on South Santa Fe Avenue filled up quickly as members of the community gathered from 10-10:30 a.m. to celebrate the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and introducing the community to Salina's new bookstore.
Harley Hamilton, owner, welcomed community members and fellow downtown business owners who attended the event.
"Welcome to Red Fern Booksellers! Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community in which to nurture a love of reading, engage in thoughtful conversations, and foster empathy," Hamilton said.
Hamilton's decision to open a bookstore in Salina was fueled both by his love of reading, and the recent revitalization of downtown Salina.
"I've been a pharmacist for a long time but have always loved to read. Whether it's 30 minutes or an hour reading every day," Hamilton said. "I also love bookstores and I was getting tired of driving to Wichita or Lawrence. We needed one [a bookstore], the downtown area in Salina has recently been renovated, and then this building became available. We love this building."
The store is located in the Teague Nelson Building, 106 South Santa Fe Avenue, which is also listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places.
"I really can't put into words how much it warms my heart to see the community supporting us," Hamilton said.
In addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of thousands of titles, Red Fern Booksellers offers a variety of responsibly sourced artisanal goods including gift wrap, stationery, greeting cards, candles, puzzles, games, and art.
Upcoming Red Fern Events
Grand Reopening
DATE:06/24/2023
106 South Santa Fe Ave
Salina, KS 67401-2810
Have a cup of coffee from Ad Astra and browse Red Fern's selection of books from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a reading for the kiddos.
From 3-6 p.m. enjoy some appetizers from Yayas and stay for "Big Book Club" from 4-6 p.m. with music entertainment from 6-7 p.m.
What is Big Open Book Club?
When most people think of a typical book club they imagine a group of people who are all reading the same book. Big Open Book Club is not your typical book club.
"Big Open Book Club- there is no specific book to read," Hamilton said. "You just come hang out with other people who love books and talk about your favorite book, or what you are currently reading, and meet and mingle with other people who love to read."
Local Red Fern Booksellers reviews
“An independent bookstore is a vital resource for a community. It fosters the sharing of ideas, thoughtful dialogues, and a space for reflection. I am thrilled for the addition of Red Fern Booksellers to Downtown Salina!” -Katy
“I’m thrilled about the new activities the bookstore is bringing. Walking into the bookstore always makes me happy. Knowing I can go spend an hour just browsing for the newest read or always having a place to buy the perfect gift makes Salina more appealing to me. YAY!!” -Christi
“Having a local bookstore is a wonderful attribute to downtown Salina. I am so excited to take my kids to see what treasures we can find.” -Renee
"I'm so excited to have an independent bookstore in Downtown Salina. It is so nice to be able to browse a diverse selection of books and get recommendations from someone who is passionate about reading. It's the perfect addition to our beautiful downtown!" -Julie
Reviews pulled from Red Fern Bookseller's website