RARE BOOKS

If you’ve ever wandered into Ken Sanders Rare Books in Salt Lake City, you know it’s no ordinary bookstore. The original store opened in 1990. It was a place filled with the scent of old paper and the quiet hum of history, feeling more like stepping into a story itself. For Ken Sanders, who spent more than three decades building his bookstore into a local institution, it’s a dream come to life — a sanctuary for rare books, unconventional stories, and a community of like-minded souls. But the road here wasn’t smooth, and Sanders’ path has been anything but traditional.

“It all started with a crazy love for books and the stories they hold,” Sanders says with a grin. "I think of myself more as a guardian than a seller. These books have histories worth preserving, and I want people to see them." For Sanders, it’s not just about the books; it’s about creating a space where people can connect with ideas, history, and, perhaps most importantly, each other.

The Humble Beginnings of a Lifelong Calling

Growing up, Sanders’ love for books was as natural as breathing. It wasn’t long before he became a collector, first out of curiosity and then out of a fascination with the stories and histories woven into each page. Eventually, he found himself running a small bookstore, not for profit but for passion. Sanders was drawn to rare books and documents, not for their monetary value but for the sense of discovery they offered.

His early bookstore was simple and a little rough around the edges, just like him — a place that thrived not on polish but on authenticity. From first editions of literary classics to obscure pamphlets documenting local history, his collection became a kind of hidden gem in Salt Lake City, a haven for historians, students, and fellow collectors. Sanders’ approach was clear: he wanted these books to be accessible, cherished, and understood. "Books are meant to be handled, shared, loved, not locked away or forgotten,” he emphasizes.

Creating a Community in the Heart of Salt Lake City

Ken Sanders Rare Books quickly became more than a bookstore. It was a gathering spot, a place where you could lose yourself for hours in conversation as easily as you could in a book. Sanders’ events brought people together, from author readings to community discussions that spilled from the aisles into the street. People would come to the store, not just to buy but to learn, to listen, to share in an experience that was equal parts bookstore and community center.

Salt Lake’s book-loving community responded, and Sanders’ vision grew from a small shop to a local institution. He’s always been dedicated to keeping prices fair and making sure that rare books were not just for elite collectors, but for everyone who walked through his doors. "I didn’t start this to make a fortune; I did it because I wanted people to understand the value in these stories," Sanders reflects.

Battling Through the Pandemic and Facing Hard Choices

When COVID-19 struck, Sanders’ bookstore was hit hard. With foot traffic vanishing overnight and events canceled, the once-bustling space fell silent. For Sanders, the store’s quiet felt like a loss of the community he had spent years nurturing. Reflecting on the pandemic, Sanders admits, "COVID was an existential crisis for us. It felt like everything I’d built was slipping through my fingers."

During this time, Sanders had to think on his feet. He adapted by shifting some sales online and hosting virtual events to keep the community connected. But it was a struggle, and for a while, it seemed like the bookstore might not survive. Sanders had been contemplating a move for years due to the old location’s upkeep costs, but the pandemic forced his hand. It was time for a change, bittersweet as it was.

The Big Move and a New Beginning

Leaving the old location was a painful decision for Sanders, but the move to a new space marked a fresh chapter. The new store, larger and better suited to hold his vast collection, has been located in the Leonardo Museum since December 2023. This has given Ken Sanders Rare Books a chance to breathe and grow again. The new location has space for more events, wider aisles, and more comfortable seating — a place designed to invite people to linger and explore. The walls are now lined with his beloved rare books, and it feels like a new beginning for both Sanders and the community he’s fostered.

“This new space — it’s an evolution,” Sanders reflects. "It’s still the same heart, the same love for these books and the people who appreciate them. I just feel incredibly lucky to be able to keep doing this."

The community has rallied around the new location, bringing with them the same love and loyalty that have always defined Ken Sanders Rare Books. Patrons old and new continue to fill the aisles, delighted by the familiar faces and fresh possibilities that the new store offers.

Holding Fast to a Vision

As Sanders looks to the future, he’s as committed as ever to preserving the magic and history bound up in his books. He envisions Ken Sanders Rare Books as a place where the old stories and the new voices of Salt Lake City can come together — a space that champions ideas, individuality, and connection in a fast-paced, digital world.

For Sanders, his journey isn’t just about selling books; it’s about making a lasting impact. “Follow your passion, especially when the world seems to be telling you not to,” he advises. "It’s never been easy, but it’s always been worth it."

In a city full of fast-changing storefronts, Ken Sanders Rare Books remains a steadfast presence, a reminder that sometimes, the things worth preserving are the ones that can’t be easily replicated. His story, like the pages of the books he holds dear, continues to inspire and endure.