Going into a bookstore can feel like stepping into a magical wonderland, with the scent of fresh pages dancing through the air and colorful covers lining every shelf. Camino Books: For The Road Ahead, formerly known as Diesel, A Bookstore, certainly embodies this vision. The bookstore hosted the grand opening ceremony of their new location in Del Mar on April 10, cutting a bright green ribbon before welcoming customers through their doors. Recently, the Falconer interviewed co-owner John Evans to discuss what sets Camino Books apart, what customers can expect at the new location and how the transition unfolded.
What compelled you to become bookstore owners?
We both were experienced booksellers in Berkeley and Oakland and wanted to make a bookstore that was a little different from the ones already existing there.
How long have you owned the store, and what challenges and successes have you previously faced?
It is a very challenging business in so many ways but also very satisfying. We opened in 1989, and four months later there was the Loma Prieta earthquake. We had challenges of earthquakes, fires, dishonest and greedy landlords, chain bookstores, online retailers, recessions and low discounts from publishers. We’ve had so many successes as well — [we] opened five bookstores, moved three of them twice and weathered all those challenges I listed. We employed hundreds of people over the years, provided books to hundreds of thousands of people, sold the books of thousands of authors, and have held wonderful events for authors, musicians and artists. We created spaces where people can take refuge, find inspiration and hope, entertain themselves and have conversations with fellow readers about life, books, culture and politics.
How is this bookstore special to you and what makes it unique?
It’s special to me because we’ve all built it— booksellers, authors, publishers and readers. We have achieved much of what we intended — bookstores that are open to all that encourage curiosity, and a passion for reading. [They] stimulate personal and public dialogue, soothe, inspire, challenge, educate and entertain readers. [Our bookstores] bring so much of the world’s knowledge, creativity and experiences to our communities.
What do you hope to contribute to the community of Del Mar Village?
All of the above. The bookstore is only as good as the use it is put to. The communities of Del Mar Village and North County are welcome to enjoy the store and all its offerings, to participate in our store and our events and engage in civil conversation about the issues of the day. We hope to provide people of all ages with the books they want and need and love helping people to find just the right book for them.
Have you felt integrated into the community?
We certainly have at Del Mar Highlands Town Center where we were for five and a half years. We have been extraordinarily welcomed to Del Mar Village in the last couple of weeks. Many of us recognize how much of a community center a bookstore can be and are hoping to be that for Del Mar Village.
What kind of experience do you want customers to have when they come into your store?
Excitement, joy, anticipation, enthusiasm, curiosity, camaraderie, fellowship, fun, community and solidarity.
What changes can customers expect to see in your new location and what elements will stay consistent?
The inventory is largely the same that we had at our previous location. The biggest change is the atmosphere, which many people have commented on. The store is more intimate, smaller and colorful but what makes [it special] is the books it carries, the people who work there, and the people who shop there. We will make good use of some of the public spaces at Del Mar Plaza, along with our neighbors— for author events, storytimes, book groups and discussions.
How long were you in your old location and why did you choose to move?
Five and a half years. We opened just before [Covid-19] and toughed it out with the support of the community. Our lease was up and we were approached by Del Mar Plaza to move our store there. We are excited by this new location and the welcome we are receiving.
What made you choose this specific location?
It is a beautiful location, as you know. It is more of a main street location which is what suits us best. We very much like collaborative efforts with other businesses and organizations and that is easier to achieve in a village location. We are very excited!
How has the moving experience been for you? What were some challenges you faced?
We have quite a bit of experience doing this and so the move went very well. We have wonderful people to work with in building out the space and everyone at Del Mar Plaza were so friendly and helpful.
What positive changes have arisen from your move to a new location? What’s different about the new location?
For us it is like a new start. We were Diesel, A Bookstore and now are Camino Books: For the Road Ahead. In many ways it feels like a thrilling new start and it is buoyed up by the excellent reception we’re receiving. We’re very grateful.
Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know?
We are exceptionally good at recommendations and help you find the right read for you and for gift giving. We believe in supporting local businesses and you can also order streaming audio and ebooks from us. But the main thing is, reading is fun, interesting and can be life changing — come on in.
