This House of Books: A Literary Hub
Nestled in the heart of downtown Billings, This House of Books is a unique independent bookstore and cooperative with a mission beyond selling books. Known for its thoughtful curation, the store highlights regional literature and is the official bookseller for the High Plains International Book Awards, drawing in readers from near and far. With a catalog that caters to Billings’ cultural pulse, This House of Books frequently aligns its shelves with local happenings, from Bat-stravaganza at the Montana Audubon Center to movie tie-ins with adaptations playing at the Babcock and Art House Cinema. It’s a place where customers find more than just books; they find carefully selected pieces of the community’s story stitched together in a cozy, welcoming space.
Alongside their book offerings, This House of Books also supports local artisans by sourcing non-book items like stickers, cards, jewelry, and tea from Montana-based vendors. This thoughtful inclusion makes it a perfect stop for gift-seekers looking for unique, locally inspired items. Whether you’re browsing for a novel, attending a book-themed event, or picking up handcrafted Montana goods, This House of Books embodies a true community hub.
A Cooperative Dream Realized
The journey to This House of Books’ creation is a story rooted in local passion. When the last major bookstore closed in Billings, a group of local authors and book lovers felt an urgent need to bring back a dedicated literary space. They wanted more than just a store; they envisioned a space that would cultivate a thriving literary scene. The cooperative model, proposed by former Billings mayor Chuck Tooley, has been a game-changer. This model allows readers to invest directly in the store, becoming member-owners with a vested interest in the bookstore’s growth and direction.
Through ups and downs, including the pandemic, This House of Books’ cooperative model has empowered community members to shape and sustain the store. The board of directors, elected from the member-owners, helps guide the bookstore’s mission and events, ensuring it stays relevant and connected to the community’s interests. The cooperative spirit, alongside the loyal patronage of book lovers and authors alike, has transformed This House of Books into a literary beacon in Billings.
Events and Engagement at the Heart of Downtown
A key turning point for the bookstore was its 2022 move to N. 29th Street, a location bustling with downtown shoppers and foot traffic. The new space not only brought increased visibility but also enabled the bookstore to enhance its layout, allowing for better displays and a wider variety of inventory. From hosting readings to thematic book displays, This House of Books is more than just a retail space; it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving gathering spot that reflects Billings’ literary and cultural fabric.
Each Sunday, This House of Books welcomes the brunch crowd from across the street at Sassy Biscuit, creating a lively atmosphere that invites lingering. Special events like the Find Waldo Local in July, Banned Books Bingo in September, and the Jingle & Mingle shopping event in November give visitors another reason to stop by, turning the bookstore into a fixture of the downtown community. With strong ties to local organizations like the Billings Public Library, Alberta Bair Theater, and Yellowstone Art Museum, the bookstore has solidified itself as a partner in celebrating Billings’ creative heart.
The Benefits of Membership
This House of Books offers a unique experience to avid readers and those who dream of bookstore ownership. The cooperative model allows anyone to purchase a one-time $100 share, becoming a member-owner and gaining voting rights on store decisions, as well as a 5% discount on all purchases. This membership system, similar to the REI co-op model, lets readers become more than customers; they’re co-owners of a cherished community space. This House of Books extends beyond transactions, creating a personal connection between the bookstore and its supporters.
Looking to the future, This House of Books is committed to growing its literary offerings and community events while expanding its partnerships with local organizations. With new events and collaborations on the horizon, the bookstore aims to bring more of Billings’ residents and visitors into the fold, creating new opportunities to connect through literature. Anchored in its cooperative spirit, This House of Books remains a welcoming space that celebrates the transformative power of books and community. Here, every book, every event, and every interaction reinforces the bookstore’s core values: bringing people together, one story at a time.
