The Bookloft
The Bookloft was founded in 1976 by Rich and Judy Wandschneider who recognized that Wallowa County could use a place for book lovers to commune. After creating a mainstay for the county, they sold the store to Mary Swanson in 1988. Mary created an oasis and a haven for book lovers and coffee aficionados in Wallowa County and beyond, but, after 32 years, Mary was ready for retirement. The county is lucky that Mary has not gone far but enjoying her retirement nearby where we continue to benefit from her knowledge and good nature. By chance and good fortune, she found two people who were eager for the opportunity to try to continue to provide a welcoming space for all.
Katy Madrid moved to Wallowa County in 2015 after growing up and then raising her kids in and around Coeur d’Alene and Boise, Idaho. Katy had worked for the federal government for 30 years, most recently as the Geospatial Area Manager for the Wallowa Whitman National Forest located out of Joseph. Katy retired in March of 2020 and worked with Mary to purchase the Bookloft to fulfill a long-time dream of spending her retirement surrounded by books and coffee. Katy can most likely be found walking one or all four of her dogs on some remote trail in the far reaches of Wallowa County or spending time with her gregarious and adorable monster of a grandson, Theo.
Becky Wyland moved to Wallowa County with her partner, Joel, in 2017. Becky was born and raised in Bend, OR where most of her family still reside. After going to school at the University of Oregon, Becky moved to Portland where she lived, worked and played for over 10 years before making the move back into the sunshine. Becky had spent the last 10+ years before purchasing the Bookloft in careers at non-profits that focus on public health. Becky is happiest being in the sun (preferably in the woods or by the lake), reading a good book.
