Rediscovered Books gives stories new life in new hands

There’s something magical about used bookstores. The smell of old books, the feel of a worn paperback in your hand, and the adventure of perusing the shelves to find something new – there is a charm that is unlike any other.

Boise’s beloved used bookstore Rediscovered Books has been bringing book enthusiasts of all kinds together for nearly two decades, giving life to old books in new hands. Opened on Overland Road in September 2006 by Bruce and Laura DeLaney, the bookshop quickly became the place “where books and people meet.” The couple moved to Boise for Bruce’s job at Microsoft and Laura was an elementary school music teacher, but they quickly saw a need in Boise’s landscape for an independent bookstore.

The store moved downtown and expanded to its current location on North 8th Street in Boise in 2014 and in 2018, they acquired Rainbow Books on State Street – now called Once and Future Books. The DeLaneys still own the store but have since moved to Ohio, and due to that, have expanded the ownership team to include Rebecca Crosswhite, Rebecca Leber-Gottberg, Kalli King and Hanna Fischer. The remaining four owners oversee all daily operations and are committed to building on the foundation that the DeLaneys started.

Leber-Gottberg said, “We all love books, love the store, and love finding the right read for the right person.”

She shared that their staff is what sets Rediscovered Books apart.

“You can buy a book anywhere – the airport, a big box store, online,” she said. “But what you do not get with that purchase is the experience of truly choosing a great book recommended in person by someone who really feels passionately about that book. Our staff curates our inventory by sharing what they read. We are an avid group of readers spanning all genres and age groups. We genuinely love coming to work and love what we do. And we get to read so many great books!”

Leber-Gottberg said that the Treasure Valley community has been incredibly supportive of the business, which has contributed greatly to their long-term success. During the pandemic, the team at Rediscovered Books pivoted to become a book delivery business, where they traveled all over the valley to bring books, puzzles and games to people’s front porches.

“Without that unwavering communal support at that time and the commitment of our booksellers, I am not sure that we would be here and as strong as we are today,” she explained. “We are here because the community supports us, and we try our hardest to support them right back.”

In addition to a wide selection of products, Rediscovered Books also loves engaging with the community through events. They recently had their first Stuffed Animal Sleepover event, and they also host monthly book clubs and quarterly Book and Booze after-hour events in conjunction with local vendors. Author events are also regularly offered for both local and national authors, and other in-store events include writer’s workshops, craft nights and puzzle nights.

Looking ahead, the team at Rediscovered Books is excited about continuing as a local business that promotes literacy and the love of storytelling.

“When we all support local, we build vibrant local communities and make valuable community connections that make us all stronger,” shared Leber-Gottberg. “How and where you spend your dollars matters, especially to small businesses like us. Book people are the best. We love working with them and supporting them.”