Local History

Our building at 543 Yampa Ave. was built about 1940. In 1948, when this photo was taken, Betty’s Shop was preparing to move out. It became Hubbard Job Printing in 1949 and later the location of Style Beauty Shop. It was owned by A.R. Glassburn for many years and became Harvest Christian Bookstore in 1998. After that, it was leased by KS Kreations, then The Trading Post.

From October 2006 to March 2010, Downtown Books operated under the ownership of Carol Jacobson and Caroline Dotson at this location. In March of 2010, Vicky Dotson and a silent partner became the new owners of Downtown Books and Beads.

We have 700 square feet with floor to (almost) ceiling bookshelves, bead collection, handmade greeting cards from local artists, art posters, comfortable chairs, and much, much more. We have charming, hand-painted, old-fashioned signs as well as a very clear and bright contemporary sign across the top of the building and oft-changed window displays.

Downtown Books and Beads hosts poetry clubs, reading groups and book events as often as authors, illustrators or photographers are available. We are active in the Historic Craig Downtown Business Association and the Craig Chamber of Commerce.We donate excess books to the jail, library and hospital reading program. Downtown Books and Beads is a family operation and since the store continues to be owned by the family (Vicky is Caroline's mother-in-law) you will often see the same faces you always have helping out whenever needed.

Carol and Caroline's History

Carol Jacobson started Downtown Books in February 2006. She had moved back to Moffat County after 33 years in the Denver area and found a job as reporter for a local paper. After moving 60 boxes of books from storage to one house after another, she decided it was time to settle down and open a bookstore. Craig had been without a bookstore for several years, and it seemed like a good idea, especially since Carol could not stop buying books at auctions, garage sales and from the local thrift store. She had worked at West Side Books in NW Denver for six years, learning the used book business from Lois Harvey, a bookseller in the Denver area for 25 years. Carol opened the first store in the back room, behind Serendipity Coffee Shop with those 60 boxes of used books, her own collection and an account with a new book distributor.

Shortly after opening the bookstore, Carol accepted a one month position as editor of the Moffat County Morning News and needed someone to run the store for that month. Caroline Dotson appeared at the coffee shop with her young son while enjoying some time off between jobs. The two women hit it off instantly. Caroline wanted to learn the book business; Carol was impressed with Caroline’s knowledge, expertise and dedication. First a friendship, then a business partnership developed. After eight months, Carol and Caroline moved the store to its current location at 543 Yampa Ave. with a stronger street presence and more walk-by traffic.

In July of 2009 Carol tragically passed away while floating the Green River at the Gates of Ladore. Caroline soley took over the business. After finding out she was pregnant in November of 2009, Caroline decided it would be best for her family to sell the bookstore.