Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Whitney Gallegos, owner of Poppy Books and Gifts in Spanish Fork, Utah.

What’s your store’s story?

We are a mother-daughter-owned shop that opened in December 2022. Our general interest shop is located in a renovated 1930’s historic home, just off of our town’s Main Street. We have two levels to our shop, with adult genres on the main floor, and a cute and quaint YA/MG/Children’s area downstairs. We are known for our cozy feel, and especially for our hidden fairy gardens, miniature book scenes and other hidden treasures to find.

Check out: USA TODAY’s Independent Bookstores Map

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

We are known for our green walls, cozy feel and hidden miniatures throughout the store. We have fairy gardens, book scenes, mini bookstores, and more hidden around to find. These employee-made, miniature scenes are truly what make us unique. We are also regularly hosting author events and book clubs, both of which have fostered a tight community of readers in Utah County.

What’s your favorite section in your store?

Our store is themed around the different genres that are shelved there. With that being said, my personal favorite is the mystery room, featuring a spooky haunted house miniature display, as well as a crime solving display above the shelves. 

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

We are always recommending “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry. This book is an epic Western, with the most incredible characters and is simultaneously the funniest and most heartbreaking book I’ve ever read.

I recently read “There Are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shafak, and it was such a beautiful interweaving of stories of past and present. I loved the characters and the common theme of water running throughout each story was such an interesting way to pull it all together.

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important? 

We always encourage people to shop local, to keep money in our community, to foster relationships with those around us, and to find spaces that can be a sanctuary. We are located in Utah so for us specifically, independent bookstores serve as a safe space for those who don’t always feel welcome in conservative spaces. We also are always carrying banned books in our area, because access to those titles is crucial!

More:Why you should read these 51 banned books now

What are some of your store’s events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?

We are the official bookseller for StoryCon 2025 in February! StoryCon is the ultimate experience for writers, educators, screenwriters, gamers, and creatives of all ages, combining the fun of a national book festival with the education and guidance of a serious writing conference.