For over 85 years, the Bell family has been the heart and soul of Bell's Books, passing down not only a love for books but also a strong connection to the community and the joy of independent bookselling. Each month, we spotlight a different staff (family) member to share their unique story within the family and the store. Stop by and meet them in person—don’t hesitate to ask about their expertise when you see them in the store!
She worked in the store as a teenager, then returned in 1983 after a ten year sojourn in Canada. Now, as the owner, she purchases old and new books, and large private collections.
She has tied her interests in the book arts, literature, social justice, and history into work on several boards and organizations.
Tärna’s daughter. She started off doing her high school homework in our back room, progressing to summer and holiday help, received a degree in linguistics, and she has now returned to university for graduate studies. She catalogued a great deal of our rare book collections and shared her knowledge of contemporary literature and edgy true crime with our customers (and she knit that sweater!).
Faith's husband, a recently retired philosophy professor, has a new role as bookkeeper (in all senses of the word) and man-about-the -shop. He repairs shelves and saves us all from being complete Luddites.