Hermeticus Books Is Back in Business!

 Hermeticus Books Is Back in Business!

by J.A. Gardener

    If you have been wondering since the Almeda fire what happened to the delightful Hermeticus Bookstore that was located in the historic Hanscom Hall in downtown Talent, you need not worry, it has successfully relocated to Ashland, Oregon at the corner of 4th and B streets. The new shop continues to be a source of hope and inspiration delivering books at a bargain price that features Richard’s unique ability to match the book to the reader, a kind of library angel. 

    The Ashland location of Hermeticus Books is Richard’s sixth bookstore. He opened his first bookstore in 1976. Hermeticus Books lived on Talent Avenue for six years. After a couple of years of being at that location, Richard was able to create a profitable business for himself and good books for the community. However, like many other businesses, the bookstore was faced with impending economic pressure due to COVID-19. Richard responded by staying open and having half-price sales to clear inventory and attract people into the shop. Tragically the September 8, 2020 Almeda fire burned Hanscom Hall, built in 1906, to the ground, including Richard’s storefront, home, and inventory, a complete loss. 

    Fortunately, divine providence and timing seemed to be smiling upon him. Prior to the fire he had purchased a van and was actually asleep that night in the beautiful landscape of Wagner Creek. Richard awoke to the shock of the fire the following morning. He was safe, but the store and his home was gone. Proceeding with the sense of eternal optimism and confidence that Richard carries through his life, he soldiered on to build a new life.

    The Town of Talent provided financial support to help the new Hermeticus Bookstore manifest. Through GoFundMe, Richard received $10,000 in funds from the community of Talent to begin again. He also received 25% of his new inventory directly by donation from friends of the store. This help was absolutely essential as there was no funding coming from traditional organizations such as the Red Cross. Richard said he is deeply grateful to the people of Talent for their support and help. Richard, with his new bookstore partner Pauly Fox, is open for business Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. The store is very much alive and vibrant with that feeling of community and openness to ideas and possibilities. This vital learning hub features a beautiful new sign, and Richard continues his skillful work of matching books with readers. 

    This article of hope is intended to inspire others to find reward and richness from the ashes. Richard moves forward with a feeling of relief and letting go of what was not needed. He holds a sense of purification from the fire. Richard, with his ever optimistic and youthful attitude, views himself as still young and strong. The new store is now paying its own way. He has been open for about six months and accepts donations of books from the community. He attempts to keep prices down and pass the savings on to the community.