With Her Nose in a Book

Interview with Paige Dungan

Tell us about where your love of books began.

Books have always been my thing. Even as a kid, I didn’t just care about the stories—I loved how a really great book could bring people together, turning strangers into instant friends. That feeling never went away. I built a career in book publicity, spent almost 20 years making sure writers got noticed and readers found their next favorite voice. But honestly, there was always this other dream tugging at me. I wanted a real place—something more than just a shop—where books felt alive. That’s what Little Blue Pigeon Books is about. It’s a spot on Larimer Square where people come for more than just a new read. Here, connecting over books and sharing stories isn’t just a mission statement. It’s the reason we unlock the door every morning.

What’s behind the name?

Little Blue Pigeon got its name from Eugene Field, my favorite poet. I’ve loved his work since I was a kid—still do, honestly. In his poem “Japanese Lullaby,” there’s this “little blue pigeon with velvet eyes,” curled up and dreaming as a mother sings above. That poem captures warmth, safety, and the kind of love that keeps you close while everything else just keeps going outside. When it came time to pick a name for this place, I knew it had to be Little Blue Pigeon.

Running a bookshop seems so glamorous. Are there any unexpected aspects of being a business owner people would be surprised by?

Owning a bookstore has its glamorous side, but there is so much happening behind the scenes that customers never see. I was genuinely surprised by the complexity of the systems that have to work together just to get a title onto the shelf.

And while selecting every book in the store was a dream come true, it comes with its own challenge: learning not to self-edit. I have to constantly step back and make choices that aren’t about my own tastes or interests, but about every single reader who might walk through the door—their interests, their stories, and making sure a full range of voices has a place on our shelves.

How do you choose what books to stock?

Every reader who walks through our door deserves to find themselves in a book. We carry the titles everyone is talking about, but the heart of our shelves lives in the in-between—a carefully curated selection across every genre, chosen with intention.

Curation here is a collaboration. I bring nearly two decades of publishing knowledge to every shelf, and the community brings the rest. Book clubs—the places where books truly come alive—have been invaluable partners in shaping sections like romance and fantasy, because no one knows what readers are hungry for better than the readers themselves.

The result is a collection that feels both expertly guided and genuinely alive.

What do you love most about serving local residents?

Honestly, my favorite part of any given day is when someone comes in and has no idea what they’re looking for. That’s where the magic happens. There is nothing better than handing someone a book they never would have picked up on their own and watching something click.

The people who have shown up for this store—our neighbors, our regulars, the ones who just wandered in—have blown me away. I genuinely love meeting every single person who walks through that door. Everyone carries a story with them, and more often than not, there is a book that meets them right where they are. That connection is the whole point.

Tell us about some of your favorite books.

Right now my nightstand is a little out of control...in the best way!

I am completely taken with “The Wilderness” by Angela Flournoy. She is such a gifted storyteller and this novel is proof of that. It’s the kind of book that pulls you under and doesn’t let go. The writing is stunning and the story lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Exactly the kind of book I want to press into everyone’s hands.

For mystery lovers, “How to Seal Your Own Fate” has been so much fun. It’s a propulsive, keeps-you-guessing read that is perfect for anyone who loves to be surprised.

And in nonfiction, I am currently reading “Startlement” by Ada Limón. I have always loved poetry, and Ada has a way of finding the exact words for feelings you didn’t know you needed to name. Quiet and stunning all at once.

Are there any up and coming events we can keep an eye out for?

We have so much good stuff ahead. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up!

• Grand Opening — April 25th

The celebration we’ve all been waiting for. Come browse the shelves, get your aura photographed with Ignite Your Aura, grab a complimentary caricature photo, enjoy small bites, and help us open our doors in style. It’s a full day of books, community, and a little extra magic — and you’re all invited.

• Mom & Me Bouquet Design Workshop — May 9th

A hands-on floral design workshop for mothers and daughters, led by the talented team at TeeLee Floral and Events. You’ll design a beautiful bouquet together using premium seasonal flowers, and each pair goes home with a curated book from Little Blue Pigeon. Two intimate seatings available. Tickets are $125 per pair.

• Finding My Voice, Writing My
Story — May 17th

A free, interactive writing workshop for middle and high school students, led by author Antonio Farias (“In the Company of Wolves”). Students will explore voice, ideation, and plotting—and leave with the opening paragraph of their very own story. Free and open to all.