MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In honor of Women’s History Month, WZMQ is highlighting women-owned businesses in our communities. Today’s report takes a look at Snowbound Books in Marquette.
The great writer, Ernest Hemingway said, “there is no friend as loyal as a book,” They can take us anywhere, and for the people of Marquette, the first steps of that journey often begin here at Snowbound Books. Clinging to the hillside on North Third Street, the former residence is now home to this beloved mainstay of downtown, celebrating over 40 years as Marquette’s bookstore. Snowbound’s success is due in large part to its visionary owner, Dana Welshans.
“This really is me. You know, you walk through the store and it’s like, this is me, you know, this is the art that doesn’t fit in my house, so I bring it in here. These are the books that, if I had all the time in the world, I would like to read one day. It’s me,” said Welshans.
This cozy bookseller manages to have something for every taste, from mysteries to children’s books and everything in between. Welshans and her staff know their customers and what they like to read.
“You know, you find one thing about the book that they really, really like, and then you try to find that in another book,” said Welshans.
Dana started as an employee in 1998 but when the owner retired in 2013 she jumped at the chance to own her own bookstore.
“I like my job, and I wanted to keep my job, and he wanted to retire, so I had to buy the store,” said Welshans.
Her well-curated collection is a point of pride for Welshans.
“I’m really proud when people come in and say that it’s well curated, I think that’s the heart and soul of a bookstore, you know, other than the people that work there and you know the personalities, you know you must have a good, curated selection,” explained Welshans.
