Reading Leaves Remodel
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Reading Leaves Book Store on Broadway has completed its look with an update of new paint inside and outside and a garage “window,” according to owner Rachael Elliot-Brug. Brug and her husband Warren and family made the big move from the other end of Broadway to the former Bert’s Hardware in June.
Rachael decided to start a bookstore in Townsend because her husband had family here and because she had been a substitute teacher in Helena and Townsend. Her education is in Elementary Education. She studied to be a reading specialist where she put those talents to work as a substitute teacher at PAL (Program for Alternative Learning) school in Helena and at Capitol High School. Meanwhile, she researched independent bookstores and decided to open a business. The name Reading Leaves evolved from Rachael’s interest both in reading and in tea.
In addition to painting the outside of the building and adding a popup piano, Rachael planted new trees between the store and the old Professional Building which is being remodeled. “I think our new businesses such as Lolo Pogi and J Rock Jewelry will perk up the east end of Broadway and bring more economic activity to this side of the street,” she said. Besides an array of different books, Reading Leaves offers all kinds of gifts such as Montana mixed teas and chocolate. The store also specializes in games for all ages. Rachael wanted to institute a “third place,” a gathering space for book clubs, craft classes, and birthday parties. “We hope to open a tea and coffee café at some point,” she explained.
Rachael lives in Winston with her husband, sons Levi and Peter. They have a daughter, Sabrina, who is studying at the University of Montana in Missoula.
The Reading Leaves building also houses the Mt 43 News office. Reading Leaves hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
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