While it looks like the good folks at KMGH weren’t able to change the way the state has taken much of our parking (apparently they are evoking some obscure state law), they were still able to highlight an important issue affecting us and other local merchants around the Capitol.

And of course, Holly and Capitol Hill Books were able to appear on television.

We cannot embed the video but you can check it out here.

The Lonely Planet sticker in our front window.

The store is of course Capitol Hill Books. And we are proud to be included among many of Denver’s top independent businesses in the latest edition of Lonely Planet: Colorado.

We’re especially happy that Lonely Planet has given attention to our “staff of book lovers..quick with helpful suggestions.”

With our location across from the Colorado State Capitol, our bookstore has long attracted tourists from across the country and around the globe. We’re very grateful to Lonely Planet and our customers for continuing to support our independent business. Whether you are from Denver or Dublin or Dubai, we have a book here at our store waiting for one of our staff to recommend to you.

Hat tip to our old friend Stephen Bruner for letting us know about this magical video.

One of our cool Belgian graphic novels.

Capitol Hill Books was also recently featured in the YourHub section of the Denver Post. Capitol Hill Books owner Holly was interviewed and the story ran three photos of the store including one of our employee Ben. We have already received numerous calls and mentions about the article from our customers. Thanks YourHub for the wonderful piece! Check out the story by clicking here.

Your "Glad Recipient" will think you're a "Thoughtful Gift Giver" with one of these versatile gift certificates.

There are dozens of people in our lives that appreciate a warm holiday gift even if we don’t know exactly what it should be or at precisely what temperature. And it’s especially hard to figure out when you wait until the last minute to get your presents. That’s why Capitol Hill Books offers gift certificates. Our gift certificates are available in any denomination you’d like and are good for anything in the store. Plus, they are written out in hand calligraphy for that extra decorative touch. We’re also more than happy to mail your gift certificate to anybody anywhere in the U.S. You can even pay for your gift certificate over the phone. Just call us at 303.837.0700

And since we have books on almost every subject, you can be sure that a Capitol Hill Books gift certificate would be appreciated by everyone from your uncle Larry to your aunt Louise.

Buy local.

Several community economic studies show that for every $100 spent at a small, local business, $60-$70 stays within the community as those dollars go towards local payroll, local business support services, local charities and local taxes.

That same $100 at a large chain store? Only about $15-43 stays within the local community. Buying online at a big out-of-state web company? Virtually none of that money stays in Denver.

Just as there is an effort take money out of the big banks and depositing it in local banks and credit unions, there is an effort to support local businesses over the the corporate retail and online behemoths like Wal-Mart and Amazon. It’s those small businesses that are in many ways the fabric of our community. They provide our neighborhoods with character and contribute their money locally. And even if you’re purchasing items for out-of-town friends and family, many businesses have shipping services.

We here at Capitol Hill Books have provided hundreds of dollars over the years to local non-profit organizations from the money generated by our red carts, as well as contributing books and other items to various charities and events.

And it’s not just our store that survives because from our loyal, local customers. There are numerous small businesses all over the Denver area that rely on community support. So be sure to check out the 3/50 Project and Mile High Business Alliance web sites for more information about supporting the local businesses you cherish.

Mmm...Bacon!

Congratulations to Simon Ayesse, a friend of the store who suggested we use Sir Francis Bacon’s quote “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested,” to go along with our new book Godzilla monster. We think the quote goes great on top of our shelf of “Staff recommendations.” After all, those are our finest cuts of book.

Frozen Bacon

We decided to name the monster Francis after the famous English scientist and philosopher who gave us that lovely quote. Fun fact: Sir Bacon died from pneumonia contracted in the cold while studying the effects of freezing on the preservation of meat.

We also wanted to thank Bryan McRea for giving us the Godzilla figure. We think he makes an opposing presence in our store.

Thanks for all of your suggestions on Twitter and through e-mail. And feel free to come by and say hello to our godzillas in person if you can.

Remember several months ago when Google visited our store? They were working on a new project to create 360 degree views of local businesses. Apparently, we weren’t paying attention and Google put up its view of Capitol Hill Books, several months ago.

You can access it by searching Capitol Hill Books on Google. This very web site is the first result of course, but if you click on the little red tab underneath our web site link you’ll be taken to our Google page where you can access the 360 view. It’s also available to people who are navigating Denver’s streets via Google Maps and Google’s Street View. Or it’s also right here. Pretty neat, huh?

It’s basically a first-person view through out store. And it’s interactive, allowing you to travel through all three of our main rooms and see what was on our shelves on May 19, 2010. You’ll even see a couple of hard-working Capitol Hill Books employees helping some of our wonderful customers.

It’s almost as cool as the little video we made of Capitol Hill Books. Though the Google version has a distinct lack of Elvis Costello.

Thanks Google for giving Capitol Hill Books the 360 degree treatment. We think our store looks great! So if you want the inside view of the store you can check it out on Google or step into the store yourself, of course.

Beautiful vintage Indian art magazine with art prints inside.

We always enjoy this task because we often find such unique and interesting items. For example, we received dozens of books about South Asian art. Many of these books are published in India and other Asian countries and are rare in the United States. Included within this collection is a set of 1950s-era Indian art magazines that contain beautiful art prints inside that can be taken out and framed.

Other trades have really beefed up our classical history, philosophy, drama and art sections. So if you haven’t been in the store in awhile and you’re interested in those subjects, definitely come in and check out what we have. A unique treasure may await you.

This puddle was knee deep!

Streets don’t drain like they used to.

Colfax: Travel on car, truck, bike or kayak.