About the Bookshelf

Country Bookshelf is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year thanks to immense continued support from our literary community.

Founded in 1957, Country Bookshelf is a thriving women-led bookstore. Located on Main Street in the historic downtown district, we are the bookstore everyone dreams of: two floors of hand-selected volumes, a knowledgeable and caring staff, and events to expand horizons. Country Bookshelf is a place to experience the power of literature and conversation, a place to feel welcomed and encouraged to explore ideas and identities. 

Love this bookstore! They have a beautiful selection, great staff recommendations and a bargain section upstairs. Everything a bookworm could ask for. ☺️ - Amanda, 2021

Mission  

Country Bookshelf is a space for cultural growth and community. Our goal is to support the cultural, social, and economic health of Bozeman and the greater Gallatin Valley. 

Vision

Through the promotion of literacy and providing access to books, we share diverse stories and voices that help create a more just and equitable world. 

Our booksellers are passionate, energetic, resourceful and adaptable.We train our booksellers toward all levels of accessibility to create a kind and welcoming space for everyone. 

Values 

Country Bookshelf values the dignity, diversity, and personhood of everyone who walks through our doors. We strive to create a space where everyone is treated justly and thoughtfully, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. 

It seems like I'm visiting this store at least once a month.  I rely heavily on the employee recommendations for my next reading adventure, and it's rare that one of those recommendations leaves me disappointed. This locally owned shop will outlast all the big box stores. - Joe 2018

 

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History

The Country Bookshelf was founded in 1957 by Polly Renne in a small shop just off Tracy Avenue (around the corner from our current location!), and after several years, Marguerite Kirk relocated the store to the White Chapel on West Main Street. Mary Jane DiSanti then purchased the store in 1974 and moved it back downtown in 1986 to its current location, renovating and expanding the space which would eventually become a landmark. In 2010, Mary Jane transferred ownership to Ariana Paliobagis, who has continued to make the bookstore one of the most knowledgeable, community-focused bookstores around. 

We have been honored with the Cornerstone Award for Leadership in the Bozeman downtown area, a finalist for Employer of the Year by the local Women’s Business Association, best bookstore in the area by multiple local and national polls and organizations every year running. Spot Country Bookshelf on CSpan, Good Morning America, and Outside Magazine.

 

Awards

  • Voted The BoZone's Best of Bozeman 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

  • Voted Bozeman's Choice by Bozeman Magazine, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

  • Voted Best Bookstore by the Bozeman Magpie

  • Voted Downtown Cornerstone Award for 2014

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Memberships

The Country Bookshelf is a proud member of multiple organizations including:

American Booksellers Association Logo 

Member of the American Bookseller's Association and their initiative to support independent bookstores, IndieBound

Downtown Bozeman Logo

Member of the Downtown Bozeman Associaton, in support of the city of Bozeman. 

Mountain and Plains Independent Booksellers Association Logo 

Member of Mountain and Plains Independent Book Association, a non-profit professional association of bookstores, booksellers, authors, and industry professionals. 

Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Logo

Member of Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of literacy, free speech and independent bookselling in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.