Ju's Traveling Pages Finds a Home

WAITSBURG-Multifaceted entrepreneur Jessika Bannerman is having a busy week. Her book and gift shop, Ju's Traveling Pages, launched this past weekend and locals are stopping in to peruse the curated selections Ju's has to offer.

The brick-and-mortar shop is a permanent installation of what was initially slated to be a traveling show. The concept of travel is inherent to the adventurous quality of reading, especially for young readers, so the name isn't too far of a stretch. Bannerman is still open to the idea of a pop-up version of her shop for book fairs.

"My little sister couldn't say Jessika when she was younger, so she called me Ju and it stuck," says Bannerman, explaining the shop's unusual title. "Now everybody calls me Ju."

Analog book lovers will find mostly new, but some used and vintage selections, of young adult fiction, Westerns, romance, and nonfiction as well as children's chapter books. There's a page-turner for every sensibility and every reading level.

With just 360 square feet to display, selections are made very carefully. Bannerman's goal is to feature as many local authors as possible. Works by Walla Walla authors Patrick Carman and Jackson E. Graham are showcased for their well-received children's books.

Meanwhile, Washington wine enthusiasts will find familiar names like Boo Walker of Benton City, author of the best-selling novel Red Mountain and its sequel Red Mountain Rising.

Bannerman is fostering community involvement by hosting book club meetings. This month's book is One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus (Delacorte Press). Ju's offers ten percent off the purchase of book club books.

Ju's is also looking for more methods of community outreach. There is interest in starting a youth discussion group and possible poetry readings. Bannerman has worked as a teacher and is an active resource for academic tutoring as well as piano lessons.

As living proof that reading and writing go hand in hand, Bannerman is also a blogger, sharing book reviews and recipes on her site justravelpages.com.

In addition to books, customers can find a host of handmade creations by artisans both local and far-flung.

"We're super excited about some hand-poured, book-themed candles that are on their way from Tennessee," shared Pam Chapman, Bannerman's mother and silent partner.

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Current Vendors

Dusty Britches Jewelry by Waitsburg artisan Noelle Olson: She uses gem stones such as amethyst, moonstone, rubies and lots of pearls. She also makes and sells handcrafted cards in the shop.

Country Charm Creations by a Pendleton couple: They make magnetic hematite jewelry that “has a country appeal we thought would appeal to the younger crowd,” says Chapman.

Something for EveryBODY by Greg and Carolyn Holm from College Place - bath bombs, lotions, soaps and beard oils all vegan with no preservatives.

Check back often as the vendor selection may rotate. “We are still looking for more local artisans and craftspersons,” says Chapman.