Happy news from Book Larder in Seattle, WA:
Vivian (center, in stripes) and the Book Larder team
Hello everyone,
I’m Vivian Irving, and I’m writing today with deep gratitude and excitement to introduce myself as the new owner of Book Larder.
Like many of you, the first time I walked into the store, I remember thinking, “Wow, a cookbook store… what a dream!” What I found was even more magical: a warm, welcoming space built around a love of food, learning, and connection—with a community that brings it all to life. I was hooked! Not long after, I joined the team behind the scenes as its Operations Manager, and now I’m honored to step forward to carry the store’s mission onward.
I want to begin by thanking Lara for her extraordinary leadership over the past 14 years. With vision, heart, and deep care, she built far more than a bookstore. She created a beautiful space, a vibrant community, and a true gathering place for people who love food. She extended opportunities to so many, including me, and her generosity and sense of purpose have shaped every part of what Book Larder is today. Her imprint is everywhere: on the shelves, in the kitchen, during the events, and in the people. Her legacy continues, and I feel honored to steward what she so lovingly built.
A little more about me: I was born and raised in Indianapolis, where I grew up cooking, baking, and collecting cookbooks. That collection has grown with me over the years and now includes hundreds of titles. I moved to Seattle in 2009 and spent over a decade in tech, which left little time to do more than stack new books on my shelves. Since joining Book Larder, though, I’ve had the chance to slow down and truly read, cook from, and appreciate my collection more than ever before.
These days, I live in Woodinville with my husband Kevin, who works in wine production. (For those outside the area, Woodinville is a town northeast of Seattle known for its wineries and tasting rooms.) With one of us in wine and the other obsessed with cookbooks, it goes without saying that our lives revolve around what’s for dinner and what’s in the glass. Most weekends you’ll find us reading, spending time with friends, enjoying the outdoors, or planning our next restaurant or wine adventure.
Every day I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside our amazing team (from left to right above: Erin, Sophie, Fareena, myself, Naoise, Mira, and Jen). From the beginning, I was struck by the brilliance, curiosity, and warmth this group brings. They are the heartbeat of the store and care deeply about creating a meaningful experience for everyone who walks through the door. It was this team, more than anything, that made me fall in love with the idea of taking on this role. I wanted to do meaningful work with people I admire, and that’s exactly what I’ve found here.
If you’re wondering what this transition means for the store, the short answer is: we’re still us. You’ll see the same familiar faces and the same thoughtful curation, hospitality, and programming you’ve come to love, with a few new ideas along the way.
I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months[…]. If you see me behind the counter or at an event, please say hello. I’d love to meet you and hear what you’re cooking, reading, and dreaming up in your kitchen.
-Vivian
For Book Larder’s exciting upcoming events, please see their event calendar.
