A business that offers more than books

Published 10:46 am Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Few phrases have shown up as often in the Mercer Island Reporter over the years as the words, “Island Books.” Check the Reporter Calendar at any time of the year and there will be several notices for readings, new author events and even sing-alongs for children set for the book shop. Despite being a business, the shop is also the place for celebrating books and reading.

Owners Roger and Nancy Page are generous with their time and their shop, offering space amidst the shelves, oftentimes for free.

There are often sales at the shop where part of the proceeds go to Mercer Island schools or other causes.

The Pages’ generosity extends to helping support community services as well. Island Books has been a steady donor to many community causes and needs. And the Island has taken notice.

In 2013, they were named a Champion of YFS, the City of Mercer Island’s Youth and Family Services department. In 2010, the couple were the recipients of the Mercer Island Rotary Club’s Citizen Achievement Award, which honors non-members for their extraordinary service and commitment to community.

In 2004, Island Books was chosen by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce as the Business of the Year. Now, they are Citizens of the Year, and received their award at Monday’s City Council meeting.

“Island Books was already a beloved fixture in the community in 1984 when Roger Page came to work there as a part-time Christmas gift wrapper,” Bassett said, noting that Page bought the store in 1991. “Roger took an already special institution and made it even more beloved and more of an integral part of the Mercer Island community.”

Bassett said he asked Roger Page about events and fundraisers.

“Roger said he thinks of them as parties, and who doesn’t like a party?” Bassett said. “They range from exceedingly modest—a handful of people for a poetry reading, to exceedingly large—2,000 midnight attendees for a Harry Potter release, with bookstore staff dressed as Dumbledore and Voldemort.”

“[It] couldn’t have happened to a nicer pair… They’ve meant an awful lot to the community for an awfully long time, but they mean even more to us,” the Island Books staff wrote on their website.

Several councilmembers said the bookstore is the heart of Mercer Island.

“It’s a gathering place; it’s the heart of the community,” said Councilmember Jane Brahm. “It reminds me of Cheers, the place where everybody knows your name.”

“The more we gave, the more the community would always give back to us,” Roger Page said, and which he claims is the ‘secret sauce’ of Island Books.

The Citizens of the Year will also be celebrated during the city’s Grand Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11.