A few things have changed but the focus is still on books, coffee

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Kris and Maranda Robbins recently bought the Book Parlor in downtown Burns from Janice Morefield. After closing for two weeks to change things around a bit, the business re-opened on Feb. 9 providing customers with an enlarged sitting area to  read, chat and drink coffee.

Locals can check out the changes during a three-day open house March 11-13. There will be drawings and sales each day.
Maranda will run the counter at the bookstore and confesses that she’s been a devoted customer of the Book Parlor since she and her husband moved to Burns nine years ago to open Robbins Equipment. “I’d come here all the time,” she said. She’s a big fan of authors James Patterson, Stephenie Meyer and local young adult and children’s author S.A. Bodeen.

Kris is originally from Baker City, while Maranda hails from Boise, but both agreed that Burns is a great place to live and raise a family. “We love it here,” Maranda said. The couple has three children Alivia, 8, Trenton, 5, and Addison, 2.

The Book Parlor is a family-friendly business that allows Maranda to bring her kids to work when need be.  She revamped the store adding more seating up front, removing a wall and moving the coffee counter to the back, where she can keep an eye on her kids in the back room. However, she wanted to keep the rustic decor and the homey, comfortable feel that Morefield cultivated.

The Book Parlor will continue to sell Alann Brothers coffee and specialty drinks. In addition to books, the store features three exclusive lines of merchandise: Flirty Aprons, Danielson Designs picture frames and Country Presents home decor items. Maranda makes book orders each week for customers who want books that the store doesn’t have in stock.

For those who miss Morefield, Maranda said the previous owner will fill in for her on Wednesdays.

One new feature that the bookstore now offers is wireless Internet for visitors and locals who want to bring in their laptops.
The Book Parlor, 433 N. Broadway, is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.