New Manager Takes Reins at Park Hill Community Bookstore
The nonprofit Park Hill Community Bookstore recently faced a daunting two-pronged task: finding people to fill the shoes of Manager Mike Stickney and Inventory Manager Sue Weinstein, both of whom retired from their duties, and addressing a severe financial crunch.
A special search committee, after interviewing 10 outstanding candidates, decided to hire Sandra Niemi as the new manager, a paid position. The board of directors is looking at various ways to find volunteers who can help fill the void left by Weinstein, who managed inventory on a volunteer basis.
A recent postcard mailing to members was a huge success, producing a number of day-to-day sales records, a significant increase in members and generous donations.
Niemi, who recently retired after eight years with the University of Denver Financial Aid Office, has volunteered at the bookstore for more than 30 years, a key factor in her hiring.
A native of Montreal, fluent in French, Niemi attended the University of Montreal and went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution at the University of Denver. Niemi’s husband, T.J., is retired from a 50-year career in advertising/public relations. Their daughter, Mary-Ross, also lives in Park Hill.
“I’ve always wanted to own a bookstore,” says Niemi. “Managing one, especially one that has a unique heritage, is the next best thing. My goal is to make sure that the store lasts at least another 40 years.”
The struggles of independent bookstores are well-documented, but Niemi has short- and long-term plans to broaden the bookstore’s customer base and visibility in the community: Expansion of the children’s and young adult sections; a general upgrading of the store’s appearance, and rearrangement of some sections to provide a more customer-friendly experience; workshops for local aspiring writers; relationships with other independent bookstores (Niemi and former Manager Bettina Basanow recently reached an agreement with The Bookies to buy their overstocked books at a discount); providing some wall space to local artists; a book search service that will help Park Hill readers find rare and out-of-print books for customers; and an annual silent auction event.
Niemi urged Park Hill residents to drop by the store and take advantage of special sales on hardcover mysteries and calendars.
The Park Hill Community Bookstore is located at 23rd and Dexter and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number is 303-355-8505.