For over four decades, Pioneer Book has been a cornerstone of Provo, providing residents with a haven for used books and fostering a unique community around reading. Since 1981, this beloved bookstore has been more than just a place to buy books; it’s a cultural institution where literary treasures are rediscovered and cherished. Located on Center Street, Pioneer Book boasts an impressive inventory of over 47,000 titles, catering to a wide range of interests and reading preferences.
What sets Pioneer Book apart is its unique inventory sourcing model. “Almost all of our inventory comes from customers bringing us things that they don’t want anymore, and we offer in-store credit for books that people bring to us,” explains Scott Glenn, the general manager of Pioneer Book. This system not only ensures a constantly evolving collection but also deeply roots the bookstore within the Provo community, reflecting the reading habits and literary tastes of Utah Valley residents. Scott Glenn, who himself frequented Pioneer Book as a BYU freshman in 1990, recalls a different era for the store, “It was a different vibe. It was smaller and crowded, and there were stacks of books everywhere,” highlighting the bookstore’s long-standing history and evolution within Provo.
Despite industry shifts towards e-books and changes in retail landscapes, Pioneer Book has maintained its popularity and relevance in Provo. Glenn emphasizes the consistent stream of book enthusiasts who visit the store, drawn by the tangible experience of browsing physical books and the serendipitous discoveries that await. “All of us that work here, I think, find it really rewarding to help connect people with new books to read. And we love having conversations with people about what they’re reading now and what they’ve read in the past. And people are always giving us suggestions about what to read,” Glenn adds, underscoring the personal connection and community interaction at the heart of Pioneer Book’s appeal.
For booksellers like Corinne McClelland, Pioneer Book is more than just a workplace; it’s a place of personal discovery and passion. Corinne’s journey with Pioneer Book began in high school as a customer. “That first time I, like, found one of my favorite books just on the stairs, and I was just like, ‘Ah, really?’ I loved it. And so when I came down here for college, I kept coming back,” she recounts, illustrating the magical allure of used bookstores and the unexpected finds that captivate readers. Corinne’s experience resonates with many customers who appreciate the unpredictable nature of browsing used books and the thrill of discovering hidden gems. “Just being next to books is very calming for me,” McClelland shares, highlighting the comforting and almost therapeutic atmosphere that Pioneer Book provides for book lovers. “I also like with used bookstores, um, you never know exactly what you’re going to find in here,” she concludes, perfectly capturing the essence of the used bookstore experience.
Pioneer Book actively engages with its Provo customer base through a variety of initiatives. These include rewards programs designed to appreciate loyal customers, creatively curated customer-pick shelves that highlight community favorites, and special birthday discounts to celebrate individual readers. The bookstore also hosts local events, and remarkably, even a couple of weddings, further solidifying its role as a community hub. A particularly popular initiative is the Pioneer Book reading challenge, attracting hundreds of participants annually who read books to earn a coveted $50 gift card to spend at Pioneer Book.
In conclusion, Pioneer Book in Provo stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of physical books and the vital role of independent bookstores in fostering community and a love of reading. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or a casual reader, Pioneer Book offers a welcoming and enriching experience, inviting you to explore its vast collection and become part of its long-standing Provo story.
