New book store luminates Gardnerville

A luminary is a person who inspires others and at Luminary book store, that’s just what owner Bethany Frediani intends to do.

“I want to help bring people together,” said Frediani, “It can be hard to find your people, sometimes, and I want to help facilitate that by having a place for common interests to mingle.”

Formally Shelby’s Book Shoppe, Luminary Books is an independent used and new bookstore located in Gardnerville.

The shop was created in 2005 by founder Linda Finch under the name Eddy St. Book exchange. Frediani was a regular at the shop, purchasing it in 2020.

“I was in the wedding flower industry, but was just kind of tired of that and we used to joke that I should take over the shop so the owner could retire, but one day I went home and couldn’t stop thinking about it and here we are,” she said.

The store is filled with gently loved and new books of all genres and ages, including new and popular titles and authors; like “Where the Crawdads Sing,” by Deli Owens, “Carrie Soto is back,” by Taylor Jenkins and “It Starts with Us,” by Colleen Hoover, which is currently on pre-order.

Some of Frediaini’s favorites include fantasy series; “Annihilation” by Jeff Vandermeer and Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass” series.

A customer in the shop was looking for a “good scare” title to read.

“It’s spooky season,” said Chase Weatherbee. He picked up “My Sister the Serial Killer,” by Oyinkan Braithwaite, “Empire of the Wild,” by Cheri Dimaline and “The Damnation Game,” by Clive Barker.

“Some I’ve heard of and have been wanting to check out and some just seemed interesting for the season,” said Weatherbee.

Steven King, Bram Stoker’ Dracula, Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, Ann Rice’s vampire series were other “spooky season” titles and authors available at the shop.

As a 75 percent used bookstore, books are being added to the shelves daily, said Frediani.

“I’m always increasing my inventory and taking suggestions of what people want to find here,” she said. “You never know what you’ll find at a used bookstore and it’s like a treasure hunt every time.”

Frediani said she’s constantly shopping for books from places like the Friends of Douglas County Library’s recent book sale, thrift stores and yard sales. She even accepts trade-ins for store credit.

“We accepts gently used books which can be redeemed for use in the store,” she said.

A criteria form is located on www.luminarybookshop.com

Frediani said she wants the shop to be more than just a bookstore, but a community gathering space. Having a background in theatre and loving to read, she wants to combine the two and pivot the bookstore into a place where the arts and books can come together to illuminate the community.

“I think books and the arts are really important,” she said. “They’re not only entertainment, but inspiration as well. They make us feel good and they make us cry and sometimes they are for entertainment, other times it’s to learn and grow. I think that’s what makes them so magical, because during stressful times, sometimes, we need to escape and use that inspiration.”

She encourages book clubs, open readings and author signings, musicians, pop-up markets and workshops; anyone who might want a space for a small performance or event.

“The bookshelves are on wheels so they can be moved around to accommodate space,” said Frediani. “I want to encourage people to come together and have the space they need whether for an event or just to hang out.”

Her first event at the shop is “Magic at the Book Store” 5 p.m-7 p.m. Oct. 15. Tarot readings and led meditations by Stacy Michelle, “The Sea Wytch.” Michelle is a Tarot Fortune Teller in Carson City.

Luminary Books is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Located at 1503 U.S. Highway 305 Suite I in Gardnerville. For more information call 775-782-584, email hello@luminarybookshop.com, visit www.luminarybookshop.com or search Luminary Books on Facebook and Instagram.