‘The newest chapter’: Black Birch Books temporarily closed, but still open

WASILLA — Black Birch Books is closed for the next year due to the financial gap left by COVID-19, but the fun is just getting started according to the owner Taylor Jordan.

“We needed a bigger place anyway,” Jordan said.

The store itself has been closed for 25 days and there’s currently a “for rent” sign out front. Jordan said that despite the fact the store is closed, her operation and passion to get more books in more locals’ hands is still very much alive and well.

“There’s never ending things to do,” Jordan said.

Jordan is currently selling book bundles for $40 and delivering them. These aren’t ordinary bundles either. Each order is crafted with hand picked selections based on the readers’ interests.

Jordan said she’s worked with numerous local parents currently homeschooling their children due to the district wide closure to students in the schools. She said that she asks parents about their children’s favorite genres, authors and other intrigues so she can compile a “heaping bag” of books to deliver to their doorstep.

Jordan said she makes it a point to find books that prompt readers to think more about subjects and want to dive deeper into new territories. She said that she even throws in little goodies like mermaid potions and trinkets.

She said numerous parents share videos of their kids reactions while others even sent her handwritten thank you cards.

“I like the icing on the cake effect,” Jordan said.

Jordan said that despite being able to make the most of this situation, it’s tough not having the usual, daily interactions with customers walking through the door.

“I’m gonna’ miss that surprise of my bookstore friends walking in,” Jordan said.

Jordan’s store accumulated a reputation for it’s warm and inviting atmosphere, with many people finding the place not just a friendly place to browse books, but a safe haven.

“It sucks I’m not gonna’ have that safe place for everybody,” Jordan said. “Everybody’s welcome. I don’t care what’s weird about you. I like what’s weird about you.”

Jordan is still actively engaged with the community. She recently helped MyHouse with a community trash pick up. She said that she plans to hire more MyHouse teens for help moving her inventory.

Like many people sponsoring local grads, Jordan decided to help the 2020 class, but she knew she wanted to reach people who needed the help the most.

She took on two Valley Pathway girls, supporting them with books, care packages and an endless stream of text messages to show there’s people thinking about them and root for the bright future ahead of them.

“I like the kids who don’t really have anybody… Those are my kids,” Jordan said.

Jordan plans to reopen her doors to the public when the time is right and she can start again with a bigger, better building to connect with the community face to face again.

“It’s not a matter of ‘if’ we open. It’s a matter of ‘when’ we open,” Jordan said.

In the meantime, people can still order books for delivery or pick up. People can still expect the store’s signature variety of events and activities with regular updates on social media.

“I’m excited to start the newest chapter,” Jordan said.

People interested in ordering a book bundle can contact Black Birch Books through their Facebook page. They can also message Jordan about upcoming events and activities like the current contest to create the most creative book shelf space filler.

For more information, email Jordan at blackbirchbooks@gmail.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com