Conversations with Revati Kilaparti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Revati Kilaparti.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Susie Wilmer and her husband Dick started the bookstore business over 30 years ago. They used to sell primarily used books as such The Book Rack until 2009 when they moved to Old Town Fort Collins.

I started my work as a bookseller in 2008. Helped the store move and re-brand as Old Firehouse Books in the new location. We sell primarily new books here, host many author events and try to stay current with what the community wants to read.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Bookselling and I think any small, independent business is a path full of struggle. The biggest is that online sellers can often sell books at a loss to gain customers. Luckily we are in a community that appreciates the space and service we provide for their book needs. We are always happy to offer personal recommendations, and special orders and try to bring in interesting authors to connect with readers.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love that I’m always learning about books and what people are interested in reading. We are a small enough business where most of us know the regular customers but big enough to have a great selection of books from many popular genres. I’m most proud of the fact that the store continues to change and always strives to do better.

In the last year, we re-branded with a new logo from a fantastic local artist (Melissa Mika), our book buyer has established a great Manga section and we now sell some store merch (including a t-shirt with our favorite 1-star review).

What matters most to you?
Connecting to people in my community matters most to me. I want to live in a place where people can know each other and help out if needed. Now more than ever, we live on a global scale through the internet but I don’t want to forget about connecting at a local level.

I’m naturally an introvert but at the bookstore, I can easily have conversations with others about whatever book they’re looking for. I’ve seen this happen with people just browsing or trying to kill some time before dinner, they see a book and start opening up to each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: oldfirehousebooks.com
• Instagram: @oldfirehousebooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldfirehousebooks/
• Twitter: @OFirehousebooks
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@oldfirehousebooks