Who we are
The Left Hand Book Collective is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, nonsectarian bookstore, founded in Boulder in 1979. We sell progressive and multicultural periodicals, t-shirts, buttons, and bumper stickers (among other things). In keeping with our mission to provide access to alternative viewpoints and difficult-to-obtain sources of information, Left Hand also houses alternative books, periodicals, and Alternative Radio CDs. Videos may be rented free of charge with a deposit.
Left Hand Books is collectively run, decisions being made at monthly meetings. All volunteers are invited. We are always seeking new volunteers. If you would like to know more, come by the store or call. Our scheduled store hours are subject to volunteer availability.
We welcome opportunities to network with like-minded organizations, to co-sponsor events, and to table at community gatherings.
A People's History of Left Hand Books
by Francelia Seven
The idea for the bookstore prevailed over some other ideas, due in large part to co-founder Jim Zarichny's experience with a now defunct progressive bookstore in Tallahassee, FL. “There was generally a sense of needing a place with alternative media where people could come together and share ideas. NAM was the original group who had the idea for the bookstore, but it was much broader,” explains early collective member Kathy Partridge. “The bookstore provided alternative literature that wasn't available.”
A handful of people put up the money, a collective was setup, and Left Hand Books opened its doors. “At first we sold a lot of safe energy and solar energy books,” recalls Partridge. “We were also known for our international records. Then when the Central America solidarity movement was getting going, we phased into more books about Central America and sold lots of fair exchange crafts and a lot of Nicaraguan coffee. We even had a separate project for awhile wholesaling the coffee to grocery stores. Now we have more books on Green issues and what a better society would look like.”
Left Hand has certainly had its ebbs and flows. One of the highlights over the years was the 10th Anniversary celebration. Volunteers prepared Iranian dishes and a huge cake. Howard Zinn, author of Left Hand's bestselling book of all time (A People's History of the United States) spoke and signedcopies of his books. “I remember Howard Zinn said that when he comes to Boulder he feels like a rock star because people are so excited to meet him,” Partridge recalls. “I'd say that was one of our high points.”
Other projects include the discussion group and community outreach. Yet, despite the increased activity, the financial worries of a shoestring budget are still very much present. “I would like the financial worry to go away,” Partridge says. “Really that would only take two or three more sales a day. If just two or three more people came in and bought a book we would be in the black.”