This page shows the first customers to Betty’s Books when the shop opened on March 30, 1979. The store is celebrating its 45th birthday with a day-long celebration on March 30, 2024.

BAKER CITY — For 45 years, anyone needing something to read has headed downtown to Betty’s Books.

The shop opened on March 30, 1979, and 45 years later owner Jeana Phillips is planning a full-day celebration to mark the milestone.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the store, 1813 Main St., will have door prizes and trivia.

“Fun little things like ‘what was the first book sold at Betty’s Books?’” Phillips said.

The party continues that evening at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St., with music by Elwood. Admission is free, and food and beverages will be available to purchase.

Phillips will also have a “pop-up” bookshop at Churchill.

A portion of the day’s book sales will be donated to a local nonprofit.

History

The bookstore grew from the annual book sale for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Betty Kuhl’s book club, the Literary Lunch Bunch, that formed in 1975.

Kuhl opened Betty’s Books in 1979, and the store moved to its current location, 1813 Main St., two years later.

In 1988, Kuhl’s daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Tom Kulog, moved to Baker City and began the process of taking over the store. They bought it in 1994.

The Kulogs sold the business to Jeana Phillips in July 2020.

In addition to selling books for 45 years, Phillips said the store has always given back to the community, and that’s why she will donate a portion of the March 30 sales to a nonprofit.

“We can’t thank you enough as your support has in turn led to our ability to support our community,” she posted on the store’s social media pages. “We love books, and we love our community!”