GUSTINE — In the heart of downtown Gustine, Scribble, Scrawl & Smirch Books is quickly becoming more than a storefront. It’s a gathering place — a cozy corner where stories, creativity and community meet. And behind the counter is Marie (who requested only her first name be used), a traditionally published author who has spent her life immersed in words and the people who love them.
“I’ve always been fascinated with the written word,” she said, a sentiment reflected in the shop’s distinctive name. Marie chose each part with intention. “Scribble: write hurriedly. Scrawl: write something in a careless manner,” she explained. “Smirch comes from an old printer term — it means blot or smear, the print… like an ink blot.” She wanted rhythm, she wanted an ampersand — “I love them,” she said — and she wanted a name that felt like the world she was building. And, of course, there are the dragons. “You can’t just have one dragon,” she joked. “I have three.”
Opening a bookstore wasn’t a whim. It was a dream 34 years in the making. “Since my twenties, maybe even since I was a kid,” Marie said. Though she has lived in Gustine only six years, she chose the town with purpose. “I selected Gustine as I wanted to build something for the community to come together,” she said. “I am not a wealthy woman and I put my life savings into my store and this town. This shop is how I eat, pay my bills and survive.”
Inside the store, Marie guides customers toward books that match their interests — even those who insist they’re not readers. “Most people know what film or television shows they like,” she said. “I start there… many shows are built from books.” What she treasures most, though, are the connections. “The community,” she said. “I have young teachers coming in and we chat about Classics novels, little kids excited to read… I love the little support village I am building.”
Every item on the shelves is chosen with intention. “Every item in my store is selected with the community in mind,” she said. “I don’t have unlimited funds, so I have to be selective.” Responding to local interest, she plans to expand in-store activities. “In February, I am starting to offer more crafts projects to be done in store and more events as the community has asked for it,” she said. “I can pivot and tailor the store.”
Books are only part of the experience. The shop also carries vinyl records, Funko Pops, plushies, mugs and artisan-made goods. About 85% of the items come from women-owned businesses — a point of pride for Marie. “Women couldn’t get a loan for a business until 1988,” she said. “So the fact that myself and other women own them now is a milestone I want to support.”
Marie believes independent bookstores are experiencing a resurgence nationwide, and she wants Gustine to be part of that momentum. She has already welcomed customers from across the Valley and beyond. Her message to the community is direct: “I believe in Gustine and want to create something amazing… I need the community’s support to grow. So come down, buy books.”
Scribble, Scrawl & Smirch Books is located at 536 5th Street in downtown Gustine.
