“The best booksellers are like trustworthy pushers.”
~ Julia Glass
Cinnamon Dokken, Owner
I started the bookstore when I was a senior in college – so the shop and I sort of grew up together. I love being a part of this community. It’s especially meaningful to me that people who were first brought into the shop as babies – whom I’d hold while their parents shopped – now come in with babies of their own. One of my favorite things to do is to recommend books to people. Finding that good fit. Personally, I like to read all kinds of things: Children’s Books, Literature, Mysteries, History, Cookbooks, Science… Reading books is like dining out. You wouldn’t compare a diner to a four-star restaurant. You just want whatever it is to be a great example of whatever it’s trying to be. I also enjoy working with Rare books. It’s exciting to hold history and feel that human connection.
Katherine Bergstrom, Manager
I have been working here since 1994 and I can’t think of any place I would rather be. I love the customers and how they react when we find something perfect for them, and the fact that I can learn something new every day. My book tastes are varied–I enjoy History, Mystery, Fantasy, Psychology, and Epidemiology. Some of my favorite books include Watership Down by Richard Adams, The Magus by John Fowles, and The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
Isaac Hatfield
I am studying Philosophy and Mathematics at UNL and joined the team in October, 2020. I like to climb, bike, and of course…read! I love to read most things but my favorites are Eastern Philosophy books, Western Philosophy books, Classics and Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Some of my favorite books are: The Bhagavadgita, The Heart Sutra, Stranger in a Strange Land, Godel Escher Bach and The Hunger Artist. My favorite parts of the job are getting to help customers find books, learning from them about the subjects they read and matching the right book with the right person. Hope to see you soon!
Delaina Sanden
I am a sophomore at UNL, majoring in Communication Studies and French Language. I joined the team in August 2021 and am so excited to be working here, with this staff. I love talking with customers, learning about their interests, and helping them find the perfect book. I enjoy reading General Fiction, Non-Fiction, Art, Horror, Mystery, and Poetry. Some of my favorite books are: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and Women by Charles Bukowski.
Izzy Sheesley
I am currently a student at SCC studying graphic design. My mom is the owner of the bookstore, so I grew up here! I’m happy to say that I’ve watched the store and its community grow. I love how I can expand my taste in – and knowledge of – books and authors through the store and our customers. I enjoy helping others do the same, too! I like to read all kinds of things. At the moment, my favorites are short story anthologies, science fiction, graphic novels, art, and mystery/thriller.
Charlie, Customer Service Representative
I’ve worked in the bookstore my entire life, having been trained by the Master Bookstore Cat, Eddy. In my 5 years here, I’ve learned that the customers really come here to see me and that the stack of Shakespeare books on the high window shelf is a comfy place to sleep. The new kid, Cricket, doesn’t know anything. I’m going to have to work with her A LOT, I can tell. I think I should get a raise for taking on all the extra responsibility.
Cricket, Junior Customer Service Representative
Hi! I started working here in January of 2023. They hired me to give this place a more playful, relaxing ambiance. Even though I’m only 4 months old, I’m pretty much a natural. I’m going to have to do a lot of work with the other cat, Charlie. He’s a smidge uptight – but I really like him. He plays “Chase the Rainbow Toy” with me when I’m not being cuddled by customers. I love being cuddled by customers. This is a dream job.