Small Business Spotlight Easton’s Books
A family-run bookstore continues its tradition of serving Mount Vernon readers
By: Julieta Larios
For those who have grown up in Mount Vernon, Easton’s Books has long been a constant, a place to linger, browse, and discover used books. Current owners Bill and Lindsay Cornelius work hard to ensure the bookstore remains a welcoming staple for local readers.
For those unfamiliar with its history, Easton’s Books has not always occupied its current storefront. The bookstore first opened on the west side of the Skagit River in 1976, founded by Charles Easton, the store’s namesake, and David Cornelius, Bill Cornelius’s father. Since then, it has called four different locations home.
The two original owners shared a deep love of literature and had accumulated extensive personal book collections, making the idea of opening a bookstore a natural fit.
“It was their passion. Books, especially certain genres, were very important to both David and Charles,” said Lindsay Cornelius.
Although he grew up around the bookstore, Bill Cornelius did not become actively involved until his 30s, when he began selling books online and helping modernize the business by managing its website.
“Growing up, I was not involved much at all other than tagging along to a lot of book sales, thrift stores, and hunting books down,” Bill Cornelius said.
Lindsay Cornelius joined the business later when the couple decided to take over Easton’s Books. She helps manage the store’s day-to-day operations and finances while continuing the family tradition of connecting the community through books.
“I love the idea of doing something to help the community; I am a community-oriented person,” said Lindsay Cornelius. “I love being in the middle of downtown and being involved.”
Today, much of Bill and Lindsay’s time is spent cataloging books, a time-consuming but important task given the size of the store’s collection. The process makes it easier for both customers and staff to locate specific titles among the hundreds of books on the shelves.
To keep that collection growing, Easton’s relies on scouts who source books through book sales, thrift stores, garage sales, and private collections on a weekly or monthly basis. The store also purchases books directly from customers over the counter every Saturday.
After taking over the business following David Cornelius’s retirement, Bill and Lindsay have worked to preserve Easton’s long-standing legacy while adapting it to meet the needs of a new generation of readers. While Lindsay works as a nurse and Bill works as a teacher, the couple balances their careers with running Easton’s, making time to continue the family business and serve the community.
“We have the best consumers you can ask for to come into a bookstore,” said Bill Cornelius.
Easton’s Books is more than just a bookstore; it is a family, with recurring customers and long-standing employees. If you visit Easton’s, you can expect friendly service and an amazing selection of books.
Visit Bill and Lindsay Cornelius at Easton’s Books!
701 S 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM
Go check them out!
