Vespiary Books LLC

Lots of new folx here, (thanks for following and checking out the new space here in the Warehouse Mall) so I'm going to re-introduce myself.
I'm Audra Loyal, owner of Vespiary Books, and by that, I mean, I'm the whole shebang - Book conservator, bookbinder, bookseller, book lover! I've been in the profession in various forms for over 20 years now.
I got my start at UC Davis when I was persuing a degree in Zoology (i love critters) - I worked in the Preservation Dept. of Shields Library for 4 years and ended up liking it better than my degree!
I continued with my education at UC Santa Cruz, and studied Science Illustration (you can see some of my art in the shop!).
After some wayward years in Oregon (I lived the dream of the 90s in Portland), I moved to Japan to teach English, and really fell in love with Japanese ceramics, and that's what ultimately led me to Missoula - I was the first resident at The Clay Studio of Missoula way back in 2005.
I was only going to be here 4 months but I ended up back in the book conservation world at UM's Mansfield Library. I worked there for nearly 10 years in the Preservation Dept. and after getting a MLIS from U of Washington, also added reference librarian to my skillset.
It was during this era that The Vespiary was born - back in 2008. It started as a side hustle, but now has turned into something dreamy.
One of the reasons I love being in the book trade is because it feels like standing in the river of all humanity's knowledge and creativity. I'm a very curious person, and my guess is that you are too, so if you haven't yet, come on down and I'm sure I can help you find something that will surprise or delight you. Or just come down to watch how books are born! I'm always working on either a repair or a new binding and I love to show people how it's done.
I'm open Tuesdays - Fridays 10-6, & Saturdays 10-5. Can't wait to see you.

Wow, what a day! Thank you to everyone who came in today. My heart is overflowing! I'm looking forward to welcoming more of you to the shop. From here on out, I'll be here Tuesday-Saturday. Love to you all!

Also at tomorrow's Open House, everyone who walks thru the door can pick a free mystery book. Each has a mysterious description of the contents, so let yourself be surprised! See you sometime between 10-5!

New name. New (more!) hours. We are now Vespiary Books and open Tuesday - Friday 10-6, & Saturday 10-5.

Also, save the date for our Open House in the new space - July 11th!