A true community does more than welcome—it embraces all varieties, genres, and styles—two legs or four. Sunriver Books & Music is an independent shop that holds true to these principles.

“We do have two rules: you can’t bite anything or water anything,” said Deon Stonehouse, founder and co-owner of Sunriver Books & Music.

Deon and her husband, Richard Stonehouse, opened Sunriver Books & Music in 2005. In the heart of Sunriver Village, the shop has watched the community grow with and around them. As an independent company, they’ve withstood the changing economy, erratic Central Oregon weather, and the unfortunate loss of their dog, Flashman (the CEO), an adorable boxer breed and staple of the store.

While the Stonehouses realized the lifelong dream of opening a bookshop, it takes lifelong effort to keep the store running in its current capacity. The passion that pours out of Deon shows that she is up for the challenge. Sunriver Books & Music is not a run-of-the-mill storefront, crammed with dusty, picked-through literature. Deon, Richard, and the entire staff make a constant effort to breathe life into this Sunriver oasis.

“We both wanted to create a bookstore where people would feel free to browse or to let us share recommendations with them,” said Deon.

It’s this idea of allowing people to be who they are, find and read what they want, and feel comfortable doing so that keeps people coming from far and wide to the local literary hub. Both Deon and Richard are insatiable readers. Richard is responsible for ordering biography, history, current events, golf, fishing, and children’s books. Deon takes care of the fiction, mystery, animal, nature, travel, hiking, biking, yoga, gardening, journal, and local interest sections. Anything not covered by the dynamic duo is supplemented by a small part-time staff.

Deon admits that music has played a much smaller role in the store since it has shifted to mostly digital platforms. The book side, however, is thriving. Not only are Deon and Richard constantly seeking out new literature, they also spend a commendable amount of time building relationships with and hosting top-level authors.

“Craig Johnson, author of the Longmire series, is the star of our lineup. Last year we had about 600 people at his event. He will be with us at Three Rivers School on September 21. His new books is Land of Wolves. Craig’s event is a ticketed event requiring the purchase of the new book. Jane Kirkpatrick also has a strong, loyal following. She will be with us on August 31,” said Deon.

Sunriver Books & Music has several books clubs that meet periodically, bringing people together to discuss, question, and explore what they’ve read.

“We felt bookstores should be good members of the community, a place where the community can come together,” said Deon.

Literature has a way of offering new perspectives, information, and ideas. Sunriver Books & Music connects people not only to these books but to one another. As a business, they’re dog-friendly, thoughtful, and inspired by the products they offer—what more could a community ask for? •