Southwest Book Trader is one of Durango's most iconic book stores, recognizable by floor-to-ceiling towers of books that leave only narrow walkways for customers. Despite the surplus, owner George Hassan knows precisely where everything is and he has a great collection.
George Hassan works on his computer behind the counter of Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
The Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
A leaning tower of books found within the Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
A customer is silhouetted in the doorway of the business operated by George Hassan. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
George Hassan conducts a search at the request of a book reading club in the stacks inside his Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
George Hassan looks for a book in the stacks inside his Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
There’s limited space to maneuver among the thousands of books stacked from floor to ceiling at Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
Books for sale are stacked from floor to ceiling inside Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
George Hassan speaks to a customer from behind the counter of his Southwest Book Trader on east Fifth Street. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.
