Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Blatter.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Legendarium is a science-fiction/fantasy, independent bookstore and role-play gaming cafe in Salt Lake. We are an inclusive space for all identities and imaginations!
My siblings and I grew up reading and writing science-fiction and fantasy together. Our mom would read us Lord of the Rings by the fire on dark, winter nights, and I developed a deep love for forward-thinking authors like Ursula K. Leguin and Octavia Butler. In the past decade or so, sci-fi/fantasy and horror have become the genres of literature most willing to challenge social norms, to reimagine worlds and relationships in fresh, important ways. The publishers of these genres have been the most willing to publish under-represented authors and to highlight BIPOC, AAPI, queer and disabled stories. Reading books helps us process emotions, better understand ourselves as well learn empathy for lives that are different from ours. Representation is so important in books. My sister and I are both queer, and know that incredible feeling of reading a story that finally makes you feel seen, and less alone.
My sister and I wanted to open a bookstore that would be more than walls with shelves, but a safe, inclusive community space. One where people could come together and talk about powerful books, share experiences, sit in a cozy chair with a hot cuppa, and just nerd out together. Salt Lake and the mountain west generally have an incredible community of SFF writers, readers and gamers. We feel that the literature pairs naturally with the storytelling of role-play games like Dungeons & Dragons. In addition to DnD, there are so many amazing games we have already explored at our weekly Friday game nights, including Mausritter and Thirsty Sword Lesbians! The character-building, storytelling and laughter have been absolutely wonderful. Everyone has been kind and welcoming, honoring the safety and inclusivity of what we are striving to build at the Legendarium.
While we are booksellers of epic literature, we love to partner locally in every way we can. We serve locally sourced coffee from Blue Copper, Ritual drinking chocolate and baked goods from The Baking Hive and Lone Pine Bakery. We also highlight local artists, such as The Spacious Tarot. We love to collaborate with our fabulous local authors, and are proud to have local author events frequently. We are above all a safe space for all identities. Come world-build with us and join this gorgeous community!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding the right space was a huge obstacle. The cozy space we have built out was months in the making, and we are very grateful that we finally achieved that Tolkien-tavern feels we had envisioned. The bookselling community is absolutely wonderful, and we are proud to be part of the indie bookstore community in Salt Lake.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Legendarium is a queer women-owned bookstore specializing in science-fiction, fantasy and horror. We are also a role-play gaming cafe, highlighting world-building and storytelling through games like DnD. First and foremost, we are striving to build a safe, inclusive space for connection and community. A few of the events we hold include author events, writing workshops, write-ins, Friday night gaming, and more! Casually, we are a cozy place to study, work or just read a book with a hot cuppa. We also want to highlight that we are a safe place for youth, where they can come and do homework, socialize or just relax.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love partnering with local businesses! We currently work with Blue Copper Coffee, A Priori, Ritual Chocolate, Lone Pine Bakery and The Baking Hive. Additionally, we hold frequent local author events. We are open to a variety of collaborations, including tarot readings, cosplay events and more. Reach out if you’re interested!
Support your local independent bookstores, it makes all the difference in the world. We do our best to give to the community — the people who come in are why we do this. We love to talk books, or just life in general, and donate our time and books to our communities — especially to youth, and schools. We want these community spaces of connection and storytelling to stick around, and the best way to ensure that is to shop local and show up to support your bookstores—all year long!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.legendariumbooks.com
- Instagram: @legendariumbooks
- Facebook: The Legendarium
- Twitter: @legendariumbook
