Lovebound Library
Address: 145 East 900 South
Telephone: 801-709-9039
Website: instagram.com/loveboundlibrary
District: Central City
“I thought it was every girl’s dream to open a bookstore,” Courtney Stookey, owner of Lovebound Library, recalls with a smile. Moving from Washington State to Utah at the age of thirteen, she always harbored a passion for books. Yet, it was not until the pandemic that she discovered romance novels, realizing they offered a mix of escape, emotional depth, and even comfort.
“Romance isn’t just lighthearted fluff - it can be fun, but it also tackles themes like grief and healing.” Inspired by the genre, Courtney found an online community of romance bookstores, but she wanted something closer to home - a local space that embodied the warmth and magic of these stories.
Courtney’s motivation crystallized during a deeply personal experience with loss. “I bought Happy Place by Emily Henry, knowing nothing about it,” she recalls. As the book explored themes of love and heartache, it resonated with her at a time when she was losing her mother-in-law. This experience not only helped Courtney through her sorrow but also opened her eyes to the genre’s power. “I wasn’t unhappy with my job, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled,” she shares. Losing someone close gave her a fresh perspective. She wanted to pursue her dream, to create a place where others could also find comfort, insight, and escape in romance stories. “Every decision I made in opening Lovebound Library was very intentional. It’s all about connecting with our customers.”
When asked about the name, Courtney shares with a laugh, “I wanted an alliteration, and I wanted ‘love’ in it. We threw things against the wall, and when we came up with ‘Lovebound Library,’ it stuck.”
Opening in the winter of 2024, Lovebound Library is accented in Courtney’s favorite colors, green and pink, creating a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. The store, initially painted in dark green, was given a fresh update with Courtney’s personal touches. She selected each piece of furniture, painted shelves with her husband, and collaborated with a local artist on a mural that adorns the back wall. “I wanted it to be fun, cute, and beautifully curated,” she says, emphasizing that the decor, from the cozy couch to the vibrant color palette, is meant to make visitors feel at ease.
Courtney’s mission for Lovebound Library extends beyond just selling books. “I wanted it to be a safe space where anyone - whether they read 300 books a year or have never picked up a romance novel - can feel welcome,” she explains. Passionate about amplifying local voices, she sources ninety-five percent of her non-book merchandise from women-owned and queer-owned businesses. “I wanted to lift up these artists,” she says, highlighting her goal of supporting her community as well as her readers.
Lovebound Library caters primarily to women between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, with shelves organized by sub-genres, including fantasy, dark romance, young adult, historical, LGBTQ+, and contemporary. Courtney encourages new readers to “dip their toe” into romance, understanding that it offers an escape as well as connection. “At the end of the day, yes, sales are important,” she admits, “but what truly makes this meaningful is seeing my customers enjoy their experience. I’ve laughed and cried with them here. This bookstore gives women, and everyone who visits, permission to relax and unwind.”
Looking around the inviting, colorful shop she has built, Courtney reflects on her journey. “People don’t realize everything that goes into making a place feel comforting and warm. But every single detail here is chosen with intention, to help visitors feel connected and at ease.”
