Tally Kerr grew up in New Mexico and moved to Colorado Springs to attend UCCS in 2002. She earned her degree in forensic science and worked for a few years in the evidence unit at the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Later, she worked in circulation at East Library and most recently at Buckley’s Homestead Supply. Then, one day, she stumbled upon a mention of a mobile bookshop in another state. A friend told her “You have to do that” and Kerr thought “I can do that!”
She renovated a used trailer, installed bookshelves and had it painted black with white Roadrunner Bookshop logos on the sides. Some of the bookends are crafted from horseshoes that Kerr’s father-in-law welded together and the Southwest decor is a nod to her New Mexico roots.
Books, Books + A Few More Books
At the moment, this little bookshop on wheels hauls around about 1,200 books, the majority of which are “previously enjoyed”—some thrifted, some donated, some from moving and estate sales.
“The words are the same. The story doesn’t change when it goes from hand to hand,” Kerr says. “I never really know where some of these books would have ended up. … I just want to give them a longer life. I want to give them another chance.”
While Kerr tries to make sure there is no water or smoke damage to the books she sells, she doesn’t mind if some of the pages are dog-eared. And she loves finding books with inscriptions in the front.
“That’s a story within a story,” she says, pulling a book from a shelf and opening it to the dedication page, which contains a thoughtful, handwritten note praising a woman who had decided to become a nurse.
Asked whether she has additional books on the ready, Kerr laughs. “Stacks of books. Totes of books. Bookcases of books.” All awaiting new homes.
“They don’t pay rent, but they’re quiet,” Kerr says.
Small Space; Big Variety
Don’t let the size of this bookshop fool you. It may be compact, but it offers a surprisingly well-curated collection of books and other items. In addition to the pre-owned variety, Roadrunner sells new books, audiobooks, children’s books, cookbooks, and little extras that make a bibliophile smile. Check out the clever totes, book darts and bookmarks, stickers, puzzles, reading lights, Fabulously Flat Paper Pens (look them up!) and local honey from the beehives on Kerr and her husband’s property in Falcon.
Previously enjoyed adult and young adult books are $5 for paperbacks and $10 for hardcovers. Children’s books range from $3 to $4. Looking for a gift? Try the “Undercover Books”—newspaper-wrapped packages that include a surprise book (with a hint about the content), tea, chocolate, honey stick, pen, sticker and bookmark.
The inventory changes weekly and on nice-weather days, Kerr sometimes rolls an additional library cart outside.
Where To Find Roadrunner
Keep an eye out for a shiny black trailer with a roadrunner on the side. It could be anywhere from Fountain to Monument on a given day. Recently, it has made stops at AffoGatto Coffee, Wild Birds Unlimited, Falcon Park and Ride, Red Leg Brewing, Lewis & Holmes, Yoga Studio Satya, Pork Butt BBQ, ROHR Coffee, the Meadowgrass Music Festival and other great spots.
Following Roadrunner Bookshop on social media is the best way to find where it will be next.
“If they enjoy reading or love someone who enjoys reading, they should come and see what treasure they might find because it’s always changing,” Kerr says.
Facebook + Instagram: @RoadrunnerBookshop