New owner at Paulina Springs

Brad Smith (right) works with his son Austin. photo by Conrad Weiler

Sisters' popular Paulina Springs Book Company has a new owner, Brad Smith.

"We have a pre-selected offering of books," said Smith. "Avid readers find a great selection of books on various topics and brief reviews by our sales staff."

No immediate changes are planned, according to the new owner.

"I'd like to acquaint myself with the community and the store over the summer and decide what's best after that exposure," he said. "It's been a delight to meet local people and visitors so far this summer."

One area that might be expanded is the summer literary series of author talks.

"I'd like to try and extend that into a fall series," said Smith. "It's really exciting seeing the interest generated by visiting authors discussing their books at the summer series."

Smith has 27 years of managerial experience with a large Bellingham, Washington, grocery store. Relatives in Central Oregon attracted Smith and his family to the area.

"I was looking for a good business and Paulina Springs Book Company stood out," he said.

He is married to Randi Schuyler and they live just outside Bend. Their 14-year- old son, Austin, helps his dad in the bookstore.

Asked about today's crowded competition in the bookstore market, Smith says, "There's a place for independents and always will be. We can offer the shopper something different. The large chains look to the independents for fresh ideas.

"The last 15 years have shown a consolidation in the book sales industry among publishers and distributors," Smith said. "It makes it more difficult for new authors to get published as the indus- try tends to back proven winners."

Smith is not all work and no play. Adult baseball is one of his hobbies.

"I hope to get back into this in the future," he said.

Also, the family enjoys camping, hiking and snowshoeing.

Paulina Springs is located at 252 W. Hood Ave. in Sisters and is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 549-0866.