WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS Blue Heron Books Celebrates 50 Years

NOW THEN

WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS Blue Heron Books Celebrates 50 Years!

STEWART GOODINGS

ANY 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY is worth celebrating,

but for Blue Heron Books in Comox, it’s more like a miracle. Started in 1972, this independent bookstore passes the half century mark this Christmas. Unlike the bookstore chains, who have national financial backing and huge publicity budgets, independent stores such as Blue Heron have to rely on walk-in traffic from people who love the feel of a book in their hands. Like other independent book sellers—the Laughing Oyster in Courtenay, Abraxas Books on Denman Island, Coho Books in Campbell River, and The Mulberry Bush in Qualicum Beach—the Blue Heron has had its ups and downs, but for owners Dirk Meckert and Barbara Kelly, they are relishing the success of their venture. “It’s also a testimony to the book lovers of Comox, who have supported the store all these years!” says Dirk. “We could not do it without them.” The history of the store goes back to 1972. It was founded by Margaret Lord, who chose the Blue Heron name in homage to those elegant birds often present in the waters near the Comox Harbour. Initially on the corner of Comox and Church streets, it’s been a fixture in its present location for many years. It had several owners after Lord, one of whom—Grace Lindsay—is still a loyal customer. Dirk and Barbara bought the store in August of 2019, and, within six months, had to cope with the Covid pandemic and its damaging impact on sales and customer visits. “We haven’t had a ‘normal’ year since buying the store!” says Dirk. He calls himself a “relentless reader” who’s been collecting books since he was a child in Germany. After coming to Canada in 1991 and earning a Ph.D from McGill University, he and Barbara moved out to BC—first to Victoria, then Courtenay, and they’ve been in Comox since 2003. Dirk knows his bookstore has to cater to a wide variety of tastes in books, but he takes a special pride in having introduced and become known for carrying unusual titles; for example, the literary science fiction offerings of the Polish writer Stanislaus Lem, or the Russian brothers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. He’s made an effort to carry the books of local self-published authors and to sponsor book signings.

I asked him about favourite authors, both his own and his customers'. “Well, Louise Penny’s books sell very well here, and my own favourites are Barbara Gowdy, the Toronto writer, and Bill Arnott, the travel books writer from Duncan,” he says. His partner, Barbara Kelly, enjoys the novels of the Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. Meckert sees the need for more retail stores in downtown Comox, and would love to see a new timber -frame boutique hotel on the site of the old Lorne Hotel, right opposite his store. “We need something attractive and inviting to draw more people onto Comox Avenue.” “I’m an optimist. I’ve renewed the lease for five more years, and plan on selling more books to my customers. The miracle of Blue Heron Books goes on. See you at the 100th birthday celebrations in 2072!”

Stewart's first novel, My Friend, My Enemy was recently published by Friesen Press. He chairs the Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival.

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