Nestled in the small, charming town of Sierra Madre sits Fables and Fancies, a bookstore that feels more like a cozy escape than a shop. The warm light, the scent of paper, and the friendly chatter make it a space where anyone can feel at home. Behind it all is Ana Buckley, the owner, whose love for books and community turned her lifelong passion into reality.
Buckley’s journey began long before Fables and Fancies opened its doors. She had worked in bookstores for years, always surrounded by the stories she loved most. When she was offered the chance to buy the store where she worked, she turned it down because she disagreed with the owner’s values. That decision sparked something new; “It was the first time it occurred to me that I could really just do it myself,” she said. So, she did.
Inspired by a book called “Fancies and Good Nights,” Buckley came up with the name Fables and Fancies, finding something that perfectly captured the magic of storytelling.
Everything about Buckley’s bookstore reflects her personality. From the large decorative tree in the center to the Polaroids of dogs lined up on her wall, the store feels personal and welcoming. When asked how she chooses what to sell, Buckley simply said, “It’s really just what I like to read.”
She also tries to support the community by not selling too many mystery novels, since the library down the street already carries them. Her choices show how much she values connection over competition.
It was essential for Buckley to hold a very significant purpose in the Sierra Madre community. She insisted on incorporating the already existing culture in the area into her business. She’s done this in countless different ways. From her specifically curated book selection to her great tree in the middle of the store that resembles a Southern California oak tree. Her part in the community does not stop at her business model.
They also host different events weekly in their store. They vary from story times to craft days, and it truly creates a welcoming environment to encourage the use of literature for all, no matter what age.
She is even working with other book stores on creating a passport network between them. To foster a fun adventure for all of the thrill-seekers or bookworms, where they would be able to go from store to store and get their “passport” stamped. This truly represents her belief in the bookstores and them being the center of resistance and culture, a place where ideas can spark change.
Buckley even joked that “the French Revolution was plotted in a bookstore.” She uses these ideologies and beliefs to truly cement the bookstore’s importance throughout modern-day society and our human culture.
The journey of Fables and Fancies demonstrates the importance of independent bookstores. They are meant for more than places to simply buy books; they’re spaces where imagination and community meet. Her work proves that stories come alive not just on the page, but in the connections that will inspire readers. In a world driven by convenience, her bookstore reminds us of the lasting power of human connection and shared stories.
