Literary Leftovers Mission Statement
At Literary Leftovers, we take pleasure in upholding a space for all readers and staying true to our core values of quality, affordability, and community.
Quality: In order to offer the most enriching experience to our customers, we carry a diverse selection of new and used books in good condition.
Affordability: Everyone should be able to create their own library, and by virtue of donations and support from our community, we are able to keep our prices low, so that people of all ages and income brackets can afford books of their very own.
Community: Sharing our passion for literature with our community is the most important and most beloved role that we could serve, and we believe in fostering a place where everyone can explore reading, expand their knowledge, and help each other to learn.
Who we are, and how we came to be
Literary Leftovers has been alive in Battle Ground, WA. in some form for about twenty-five years; as best as we can trace it, it’s changed hands five times in that span. Every owner has been dedicated to keeping the store available to Battle Ground and its surrounding community, and we are proud to carry on that tradition.
In October of 2021, ownership transferred from LL’s former and beloved owner, Kelsey Simons, to Heather Erwin and Collier Lachlan Erwin. Heather was moved by the idea that, with the Simons family’s relocation imminent and no buyers on the horizon, the bookstore that had been here so long would shutter. She realized that she definitely didn’t want that to happen.
After only a few weeks of preparation, Heather assumed ownership of Literary Leftovers as its newest steward.
Importantly, Heather believes that the bookstore should be of Battle Ground and for Battle Ground, and she is dedicated to supporting and enriching its welcoming, educational atmosphere.
She’s supported in this mission by Media & Marketing Manager Eily McIlvain, and Children’s Program Manager, Corrie Albertson.
Okay, but what about the cat?
Perhaps our most attractive feature–we can’t deny it–is that gorgeous cat you’ve seen everywhere. She reminds everyone of their favorite cat they ever had. She’s got all the charm of a dog and all the sass of a cat. If you’ve never met her, you’re gonna love her.
Of course, we mean Miss Lucy, affectionately known as Lucy Claire.
Lucy came to Literary Leftovers almost two years ago, after living feral for a while, having her first and only litter of kittens, and being rescued and placed with joy into retirement at the bookstore, where she spends her days “managing”. (We think this a bit overstates her role, but it’s hard to argue with the boss–especially if she’s so ridiculously lovable.)
