OLE MAN BERKINS
326 S. Main Street downstairs, 719-838-0100
Book lovers seek out Ole Man Berkins, Breckenridge’s only book store, and not just for the books. The store reflects owner Justin Schlosberg’s quirky, off beat aesthetic. “I aim for good literature,” he says, “I focus on classics, non-fiction. I steer away from romance. It’s a constant search and I love doing it.”
Because Justin is also an artist, musician and singer/songwriter, the store houses a piano for the occasional open-mic night, along with Justin’s art and unusual greeting cards. One card starts “So You’re Getting a Divorce?”
Justin originally started selling books out of Mountain Java, Breckenridge’s first coffee shop. He moved to a small store and grew organically over the years as neighboring retail spaces went vacant. Ole Man Berkins now takes up an entire wing of the building and is chock full of books, 60 to 70,000 of them. The store offers a cheaper price point, with many used or discounted books, and a great kids’ section. “My staff and I know our books. The store is not corporate. We are part of a dying breed.”