Bookstore in qathet closing after 20 years in business

For more than 20 years, Sharon and Peter Deane owned and operated Kingfisher Used Books on Marine Avenue. The bookstore was a go-to mainstay for many, either passing through the area or waiting for the ferry.

The Deane's say they received some shocking news from new owners of the building this past January, that the couple would have to close up shop by mid-February.

Last September, Persephone Brewing Company announced it had acquired Strikers Pub and Westview Bowling and Billiards, with plans to renovate and revitalize the venues. The bookstore was in the same building.

Books donated

The shop is now empty of books and the shelves are clean. Today, February 14, the owners had a final goodbye to the community in that space.

"Kiwanis has taken three moving trucks out," said Sharon. "Our best-seller has always been mysteries."

When the couple announced the news of the shop’s closing to their community, they said there were a lot of  tears.

From farm to bookstore

Sharon and Peter moved to the qathet region in the mid-1990s because of their interest in living on Fiddlehead Farm, located up Powell Lake. 

"It was basically a commune," said Sharon. "We had some friends talk us into checking it out. It was great; we stayed for about a year and a half.”

The land the farm was on was sold and logged in 2002 after being a “hippie” commune since the 1970s.

"We learned how to lose a goat," joked Peter, remembering their time at Fiddlehead. "We were trying to get away [from the city]."

Peter said the land was originally owned by an Italian family that made and sold goat cheese in town.

"There was a lady who had the bookstore before us and she asked us if we wanted to buy the business," said Sharon. "She decided she didn't want to do it [run the bookstore] anymore, and she called me up and asked, and I said ‘yes.’"

Closure is bittersweet

Sharon and Deane opened Kingfisher Used Books a few doors down from the current space, but soon moved into their 4486 Marine Avenue location.

"It is a bit of a bitter feeling," said Sharon. "It would have been nice if they'd [new owners] given us more time."

New chapter

Sharon said she might volunteer at the library if she has time away from her other hobbies, such as gardening and walking her dog. She said they are of that age of retirement, and maybe [closing shop] will be a catalyst to start a new chapter in their lives.

Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) recently awarded Peter an honorary fellowship for his work and dedication as a stage manager since the beginning of the festival. A public celebration for Sharon and Peter is being planned for mid-March at Cranberry Community Hall. A date is to be announced.

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