Faith Lo
There’s something magical about a bookstore. It’s more than just shelves of titles or a place to pick up your next read, it’s where imagination and community come together. Nestled in the heart of downtown Davis, California, The Avid Reader Bookstore has been doing exactly that since 1987.
For nearly four decades, this beloved indie shop has been a cornerstone of the Davis community. Family-owned, woman-operated, and deeply connected to the literary culture of the region, The Avid Reader is more than a store, it’s a place where everybody belongs. With a welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful staff recommendations, and an incredible selection of books, gifts, and curated experiences, it’s no wonder The Avid Reader has become a cherished destination for UC Davis students, alumni, local families, and visitors alike.
Where Everyone Belongs
The Avid Reader was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to create a place that fosters imagination, equity, and empathy through the love of reading and play. It’s a mission that has carried them through generations of readers, and their ability to adapt and grow while staying rooted in their values is what keeps the store thriving today.
Step inside, and you’ll find much more than books. You’ll discover crafting supplies, puzzles, teas, stickers, candles, and a highly curated selection of gifts for readers of every age and interest. The staff has a knack for pairing titles with thoughtful extras, a mystery novel with a puzzle, a romance with a fragrant candle, a memoir with a comforting cup of tea.
Photo Credit: Avid Reader Instagram
This commitment to personalization and experience has helped The Avid Reader Bookstore become a multiple-year winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Book and Gift Store, a testament to their role as a pillar of the Davis community. Their author events bring nationally recognized writers like Karen Joy Fowler, Mac Barnett, Mason Deaver, Julie Soto, and Deborah Harkness to town, giving local readers rare and meaningful access to the minds behind their favorite stories.
At the heart of it all is a team that brings passion and personality to every interaction. And for those who walk through the door unsure of what they’re looking for, it doesn’t take long before someone warmly guides them toward something just right, often wrapped in ribbon, paired with a smile, and maybe even a custom mug.
The Mug That Started It All
So how did Deneen Pottery become part of The Avid Reader’s story?
As with many great bookish discoveries, it started in another independent bookstore. Gallery Bookshop in Mendocino, a fellow indie institution, was where Holly, one of Avid Reader’s managers, first encountered a Deneen Pottery mug. The craftsmanship, the feel in the hand, the way the design told a story, Holly knew that The Avid Reader needed to offer something similar. She brought the idea back to Davis, and soon, Deneen mugs were on the shelves beside bestsellers and beloved classics.
Photo credit: Avid Reader Instagram
The partnership took root quickly. As a business that deeply values supporting other independent makers, The Avid Reader resonated with Deneen’s commitment to meaningful, handmade quality. They appreciated not only the beautiful detail and durability of the mugs, but also the stellar customer service that made working together such a joy.
The Perfect Pairing
Much like recommending a book, recommending the perfect mug is about understanding the reader and The Avid Reader staff are experts at the art of pairing. Their signature tall belly mug has become a fan favorite, not just for its elegant silhouette, but because it’s “an absolute game changer!” according to the team. As they put it, “You’ll never want to drink out of anything else ever again.”
The Denim Glaze is a signature staple; timeless, cozy, and quietly stunning, just like the store itself. But for those who love variety or collect mugs as memories, The Avid Reader also does limited runs in other colors, making each new release a collector’s item for book and mug lovers alike.
The staff has created inspired bundles that combine their mugs with books and other gifts. For example:
- The Denim mug is paired with one of their bestselling staff recommendations and a matching candle.
- The Red mug has been bundled with a brand-new romance novel and an essential sticker, ready to spark joy for anyone looking to fall in love, on the page or over a cup of tea.
Photo Credit: Avid Reader Instagram
Each pairing feels like a personal invitation to linger a little longer, to sink into a story, and to make a moment out of the everyday. It’s a reminder that books and mugs don’t just go together, they belong together.
Importance of Community
There’s something especially meaningful about the collaboration between Deneen Pottery and The Avid Reader. Both are independent, family-run businesses devoted to their community. Both believe in putting care into every product and every customer experience. And both understand the magic that happens when you slow down and connect, with a story, a sip, a shared passion.
The Avid Reader isn’t just a store, it’s a gathering place, a place to get lost and to find yourself, to be inspired and to feel at home. Every time someone picks up one of their Deneen mugs, whether in the store or at home curled up with a novel, they’re participating in that magic.
The Avid Reader proves that even in a fast-paced, digital world, brick-and-mortar bookstores still matter. They build community, preserve imagination, and give us tangible ways to engage with stories. And when they do it with a locally designed mug in hand? Even better!
So whether you’re in Davis for the weekend, or just a fan of bookstores that truly care, you’ll find something to love at The Avid Reader. And if you’re lucky, you’ll leave with the perfect book, a candle that smells like wonder, and a Tall Belly Deneen Pottery mug that turns every sip into a story.
Visit The Avid Reader Bookstore
📍 617 2nd Street, Davis, CA
📚 www.avidreaderbooks.com
Follow them on Instagram to see their latest staff picks, event announcements, and custom Deneen mugs!
Faith Lo
