Used Bookstore
The Hermitage
290 Fillmore Street, Denver, 80206
“Bookstores always remind me that there are good things in the world”
The used bookstore is a sacred place. It is where more than previously owned books are bought. It is a place where stories are shared, perspectives expand, and a connected community is cultivated one book at a time.
The Hermitage, an independent used bookstore since 1973, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and community. Nestled in Cherry Creek North, the building was sold to the residents and businesses which has provided a way for the small 2,000-square-foot bookstore to remain an icon of another era in some of the most expensive real estate in Denver. The neighborhood has changed all around the bookstore, but its’ original hardwood floors, hand-built bookshelves, and quiet charm remain.
After 49 years, founder and owner, Bob Topp was ready to retire. He did not want to liquidate the business. He believed in the power of story to find a successor. The sale is the stuff of local legends. Top shared the story of The Hermitage in The Denver Post in early 2022. Ian Colle read the article and texted his wife he believed they should consider buying a bookstore. The Hermitage began its 50th year with new owners, Ian and Renee Colle, and a new manager, Sam Butler, carrying on the legacy.
Browsing the shelves of The Hermitage is a different experience than searching online for a book. The physical space invites unexpected encounters. Beyond the books on the shelves, there is something intangible. Books reach people at a soul level. “Everyone who walks in here is looking for something”, said Colle. A book printed in another time can offer a new perspective on the past or new possibility for the future. A used bookstore is the antithesis of culture that bends toward trends and the latest technologies.
The books come from the libraries of loved ones, estate sales, and regulars who have cared for their own collections. There are over 20,000 titles on the shelves of The Hermitage. Colle describes the unique value as “A place for people to interact with 20,000 different minds and perspectives from different places and times.”
The oldest book currently at The Hermitage is from 1596; their highest valued book is a first edition Narrative of Sojourner Truth worth $20,000. But the priority of the shop is to keep books accessible and approachable, with 80% of titles between $15 - $50, including many $10 children’s books.
The Hermitage staff is small – one full-time store manager and four part-time staff. Each person has their own area of interest or expertise. They rarely need the database to find a recommendation. Beyond the authors and titles, they often know the previous book owner and pass on their history. Each transaction is far more than a financial exchange; it is a connection of stories and souls.
The Hermitage is aptly named. A hermitage is a place of rest for your soul. The used bookstore is a sacred place.
