YESS the Book Hutch

143 E. 9th Street
Owner: Terry Hutchison
Established: November 1993

YESS the Book Hutch

How did you start your business? And why?

We opened our door in November of 1993! My mother ran the business much of the time for 10 years while I engaged in two additional careers. Originally, I was an educator and couldn’t find a good variety of literature children/students, parents, and teachers in our town; thus, my business was started to provide those entertainment and/or educational needs...hence YESS (Your Educational Support Service). After 6 or 7 years of focusing on a limited clientele, I expanded the store's inventory to a wider variety of genre – adding thousands of classics and adult fiction and non-fiction selections.

YESS the Book Hutch

Where did your business name come from?

When the literature branched out from the narrower concept of educational support, “THE BOOK HUTCH” was added; thus, YESS the BOOK HUTCH.

YESS the Book Hutch

How did you wind up in Durango? What brought you here?

I had taught elementary grades in Summit County (Breckenridge/Frisco/Silverthorne) and Aspen before teaching and continuing with post-graduate studies at UC-Boulder. The Durango School District offered me a position which included Directors of Elementary Curriculum, Staff Development, ESL, and Title I...phew! After 7 years, I went back to teaching reading and graduate courses for teachers.

YESS the Book Hutch

What sets you apart from other businesses?

I am very fortunate to have taught! One of the classes at CU-Boulder in the School of Education was Children's Literature which, combined with working with readers of all ages gave me a broad knowledge of matching the age/interest/reading level of the reader with appropriate/enjoyable literature. I feel I am still in the "business" of teaching and promoting a love of literature.

YESS the Book Hutch

How do you support the community?

I have had the privilege of providing Literature Backpacks (supported by local organizations). Over 1000 local disadvantaged elementary students have received backpacks filled with books, pencils, crayons, activities, and journals to enrich their learning/reading experiences. It has been an honor to be a member of DAAR's (Durango Area Association of Realtors) Community Support Committee which raises funds for non-profit organizations; and, the Fort Lewis College Foundation board which supports students and staff.

YESS the Book Hutch

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

That's a funny question because I taught 1st grade in Summit County for 9 years and I ALWAYS asked that question of my students. They would "write" their answers and expound about what they would do as "that" grown up person. When they 'graduated' from elementary school (6th grade), we would hold a Graduation celebration in the auditorium; and, I would read their papers I'd saved for 5 years...never mentioning the author of each one. Each student would come to the stage (after they guessed their story) and would receive it framed. I always wondered how many predicted their futures correctly. When I was little, I wanted to be a "grown up"!

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