The King’s English Bookshop
Address: 1511 South 1500 East
Telephone: 801-484-9100
Website: kingsenglish.com
District: 15th and 15th
“The best part of being here is knowing we’re building something lasting,” shared Anne Holman, current owner of The King’s English Bookshop. “It is a space where people can browse, connect, and discover. Bookstores like ours help us all see the world a bit more clearly.”
Founded in 1977 by Betsy Burton and her friend Ann Berman, The King’s English Bookshop began as a modest venture in a charming, historic building. Betsy and Ann, both recently divorced, had initially envisioned the space as a quiet place to write "The Great American Novel," but decided to sell a few books on the side. They hung some bells over the door - that are still there today - and started selling books. Fairly quickly, the bookstore took over their plans for writing and they became deeply immersed in the world of bookselling. Little did they know, the shop would soon become a cornerstone of the Salt Lake City community. Over the years, the bookstore expanded organically, even taking over a former gas station on the corner to create the children’s room, a favorite among patrons.
Anne Holman joined The King’s English in 2000. She had moved back to Salt Lake after living in Chicago and was looking for something meaningful to do. A neighbor, who worked on the store’s newsletter, introduced her to Betsy. “I came in and talked to Betsy, and the rest was history,” Anne recalls. She started as a bookseller, managing the shop, eventually becoming Betsy’s partner in 2014.
In 2019, Betsy sold her shares, passing the torch to Anne and longtime friend Calvin Crosby, who grew up visiting the store. Calvin’s own connection to the bookstore runs deep; as a young Cherokee boy growing up in Utah County, he found a welcoming place at The King’s English, a place where people were kind and open. Years later, he knew he had to take on the role of co-owner when Betsy considered selling.
Today, Anne and Calvin uphold The King’s English’s unique identity while finding ways to give back. Calvin, who understood firsthand the importance of access to books, played a vital role in launching Brain Food Books, a non-profit initiative. This program distributes books to children and adults who might not have regular access, collaborating with schools, shelters, and clinics across the region. “We know that just having books in the home can make a world of difference for kids,” says Anne. Since its inception, Brain Food Books has given away over 31,000 books, supported by generous grants and the dedicated community surrounding the bookstore.
Beyond just books, the shop offers a beautifully curated array of home goods, puzzles, games, and handmade items. From literary dish towels to Scottish kimonos, these items give the store a distinctive personality that reflects its eclectic and loyal customer base. Anne explains, “These products allow us to carry classics like Oliver Twist and maintain sections like philosophy and poetry, even if they don’t fly off the shelves. It’s about balance and making sure we can offer something for everyone.”
The King’s English also proudly supports Utah’s vibrant literary community lining their shelves with works by local authors. Many Salt Lake authors, including Shannon Hale and Terry Tempest Williams, have held book launches here, and the shop serves as a gathering point for fans of Utah’s thriving children’s literature scene. “Utah has so many talented writers, and we love being able to give them a platform in our store. They, in turn, have been incredibly supportive of us.”
Anne and Calvin are mindful of the challenges facing independent bookstores in a digital age dominated by Amazon. Yet, they are steadfast, providing a level of personal service that sets them apart. “You can’t get that kind of relationship online,” Anne notes. “We know our customers; we remember their kids’ soccer games; we’re here for them. That’s something Amazon can never replicate.” The shop has even partnered with Libro.fm, a platform that allows customers to support independent bookstores while listening to audiobooks, offering a meaningful alternative to Amazon’s Audible.
One of Anne’s proudest achievements is how the bookstore has adapted over the years without losing its essence. In recent years, they rearranged the store to bring all genre fiction into one bright, welcoming room, creating dedicated spaces for mystery, horror, and romance. The children’s room remains a magical corner, filled with carefully selected books that aim to foster a lifelong love of reading in the next generation. “Our job is to make sure kids have choices,” Anne emphasizes. “It might be a graphic novel, a board book, or a fantasy series—whatever inspires them to keep reading.”
Reflecting on the bookstore’s journey, Anne is hopeful for the future. “The world needs bookstores like ours. We’re still here, forty-seven years later, and I believe we’ll be here for many more.” The King’s English Bookshop is a testament to the power of stories and the community that comes together to keep them alive. “Being a part of this bookstore is a dream I didn’t know I had. Every day, I’m grateful we’re here, sharing stories and being a part of people’s lives.”
