A Bookstore in Boulder Pivots to Bike Delivery of 'Mystery Bags'

They’re filled with handpicked books and a bag of tea or coffee beans.
by Micah Ling April 15, 2020

In late March, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced Boulder, Colorado, to close all non-essential businesses, the city’s bustling pedestrian hub for food and shopping, Pearl Street, went quiet. Without its usual flow of foot traffic, Trident Booksellers and Cafe had to choose whether to close or to totally change its approach. Its owners realized that instead of having the public come to them, they could bring the books, coffee, and tea to the masses.

By early-April, they had sold over 300 bags. “About half are Boulder locals and the other half are from around the world,” Hyde goes on. At $50, each bag is packed with four to six used books that are chosen by the staff with input from the customer. Some people requested science fiction, others wanted political biographies, and a few have left it entirely up to Trident. In addition, customers can choose a bag of coffee beans or tea.

For orders within the city of Boulder, a Trident team member will put on gloves and a mask and hand-deliver the bag via bicycle. For anyone sheltering in place outside of biking distance, they’ll mail the mystery bag via USPS, for an additional $5 flat rate. “It’s so much fun to pick great books for people,” Hyde says. “Lots of obscure things.”

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/boulder-book-delivery-coronavirus?utm_source=Atlas+Obscura+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4517613560-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f36db9c480-4517613560-64455033&mc_cid=4517613560&mc_eid=d23b9f8da6

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