It’s astonishing enough that BookPeople has managed to remain in business and independent for nearly 40 years; most promising little bookstores are bought out by national chains long before they reach such critical mass. Even more surprising is the fact that BookPeople can back up its claim to be “a refuge for the contemplative,” a three-story monument to intellectual growth. Their university location undoubtedly helps attract inquiring minds, and the rest of their international attention seems to come from word of mouth. In a state lauded for big attractions, BookPeople can proudly boast its size and give its West Coast cousin, Powell’s, a spot of competition. The sprawling, shelf-lined interior of the store can be as overwhelming and cryptic as a university library, and in the face of such variety, the only way to find what you’re looking for is usually to ask a staff member. You’re practically guaranteed to find your title, no matter how obscure – in a place this size, it’s highly unlikely anything will be out of stock. The floor is scattered with armchairs, often placed within comfortable speaking distance of a neighbor, who will almost certainly be willing to present his or her opinions on the topic of your choice. Once you’ve pulled yourself away from the impromptu discourse and the engrossing volumes that line BookPeople’s shelves, start telling your friends and creating reasons to come back. With an atmosphere this appealing and a selection this broad, your collection of complimentary bookmarks will soon rival the stack they keep behind the cash register.