Last-minute sale keeps beloved store alive

Pat Light was half-joking when he yelled, “If someone else doesn’t buy the bookshop I’ll buy it,” to his neighbors last year.

But now, he’s the owner of Ouray Books, after a last-minute series of events made it possible for him to buy the business from retiring owners Brian and Amy Exstrum.

The bookshop had been for sale since January 2023, and while it was under contract for sale to a potential buyer last summer, that deal fell through. Before it all came together for Light to be the next owner, it looked like the shop would close, without a new home or proprietor.

But then, the stars aligned and made the continuation of the bookshop possible this spring.

“We threw a little bit of a Hail Mary,” Light said. “That ball was in the air for a long time and it was a long throw.”

The shop reopened, under Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee, at 229 Sixth Ave. earlier this month. While it’s in a different space, the selection is familiar and Light has kept the look and feel of the shop consistent. The same employees – including former bookshop owner Robert Stouffer – are there to help customers find their next favorite read, cards, gifts and journals among other things. The children’s corner still has its cozy tipi and stuffed animals.

But there are some new features, too. Light’s Newfoundland, Loki, calmly rests on one of the colorful rugs in the shop. He opens his eyes to keep track of book browsers, but otherwise snoozes.

Light, 34, comes to business ownership after jobs in working retail for outdoor gear, at a tech startup, and in Petzl’s marketing department as a writer, using his English degree from Duke University. He also started his own DJ business two years ago and performs as DJ Straylight.

Like so many others, Light came to Ouray for outdoor recreation. He connected with legendary climber Jim Donini at Indian Creek in Utah, roughly six years ago. Donini convinced him to come work at Ouray Mountain Sports that summer, for $12 an hour, and told then-owner Bill Leo to hire him.

Now, Light has lived in Ouray longer than he has in many other places. A military brat, he was used to moving often, and prior to moving here, he was in his “van life phase,” living with Loki and being a self-described dirtbag (which, for readers who aren’t familiar with the term, is actually a compliment to those who care so much about outdoor recreation that they live in unusual circumstances to prioritize the lifestyle).

Now, he’s joined the business owner club in Ouray, after help from friends and bookshop supporters who wanted to keep the shop alive. The eleventh hour scramble is one he refers to as “a happy memory now, but it was hell at the time.”

Financing came together at the last minute, from both a small-business loan and private financing from a bookshop supporter who came forward with help at the last author event the previous owners hosted at the Wright Opera House in February. This was only a week before the bookshop had to vacate its former space at the Beaumont Hotel, due to losing its longterm lease after the hotel was purchased by new owners.

At the event, former bookshop owner Amy Exstrum asked the crowd if anyone would be willing to come help move bookshelves. Not only did volunteers agree to come help with the heavy lifting, a bookshop supporter who lives in Ouray also came forward and offered to help bridge the gap in funding with a loan to make the sale possible.

All this helped Light have the foundation to reopen the bookshop with inventory for the busy summer season. Customers can expect to find everything from new fiction to history, outdoors books and children’s literature.

“Amy and Brian curated a fantastic selection,” Light said, noting the previous owners helped order and stock the store.

In time, customers can expect to see Light make the bookshop his own. He’s hoping to host more author events in the future, and he had a grand opening dance party. And he’s looking forward to creating a space that’s inclusive and meaningful for the community. Customers who engage with him will find he’s a philosopher and loves discussing possibilities.

One customer asked him if he opened Ouray Books when the Ouray Bookshop closed. He said he bought it and moved it here, and referenced the Ship of Theseus and My Grandfather’s Axe, two thought experiments about identity.

In other words — is it still the same bookshop if it moved and all the books are new, even though they’re pretty much the same selection the old place had?

In most ways, yes, it’s the same bookshop, with a few tweaks.

Ouray Books also has a new website, with the ability to order books both for shipping and pickup in the store, for both locals and those who would like to support their favorite independent local bookshop from afar.

Visit ouraybooks.com or call 970-325-2024 for more information. The store is currently open for summer hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.