The Story Behind Curbside Books
Hi! I’m Dani, book lover, trolley renovator, and the human behind Curbside Books. And that little fluffy ball beside me? That’s Snoots. He’s my four-legged sidekick, mascot-in-training, and strong believer that every box of books needs to be sniffed thoroughly before shelving.
Curbside Books is a mobile bookstore based in Boise, Idaho. We create cozy, creative spaces where readers can slow down, discover something new, and feel part of a community. Right now, that looks like popping up around town with our trusty kiosk while we transform a vintage trolley into a full bookstore on wheels.
It all started during a very normal walk with Snoots back in 2020. I was listening to The Bookshop on the Corner when the phrase “mobile bookstore” hit my ears. At first, I pictured a sketchy white van (you know, the windowless kind you’re taught to avoid at all costs), but by the end of the walk, I was spiraling, in the best way.
What if a bookstore didn’t need four walls?
What if it could roll into neighborhoods, coffee shops, and parks, and just belong?
That’s the idea that stuck. And it’s what we’re building now.
Meet Dani & Snoots
I’ve always found comfort in stories. Growing up in Boise, some of my best memories are library trips with my Grandma Marie, leaving with a full tote (or sometimes two) of books. She made books feel like portals: to new worlds, new ideas, new ways to be. I’m also a millennial, so obviously I assumed that if I read enough, I might unlock my inner Matilda powers. Still waiting on that one... but I’ll keep practicing.
Snoots is a mini Aussie with big opinions and no tail. He helps me at events, supervises shipments, and ensures there’s always time for snack breaks.
We’re building something a little imperfect, very heartfelt, and deeply people-centered. And as this little bookstore takes shape, it’s helping me find my own voice too.
Where We Are Now
Right now, we’re in the thick of the trolley transformation, and by “thick,” I mean: the seats are out, the floor plan is a sketchy mix of rulers and eraser dust, and I’m driving a giant 1990 trolley through Boise traffic with white knuckles and a lot of hope.
It took some serious road miles to get here, my dad and I actually flew to Kansas to find this trolley, and once we did, I knew this was it. Since then, it’s been full steam ahead (with plenty of bumps and reroutes) as we work to bring it back to life. It’s early days, but we’re getting there, one shelf, one book, one scribbled blueprint at a time.
The Dream We're Building
My dream is for Curbside Books to become a full-time bookstore on wheels, rolling into Boise area neighborhoods five days a week, creating connection and curiosity everywhere we go.
Here’s what we’re working toward:
- A free rotating space inside the trolley for local artists to showcase their work
- Regular author events, readings, and creative gatherings
- Multiple book clubs, paired with local venues or experiences
- Reader retreats—starting with a Practical Magic-inspired weekend for book lovers (coming 2026)
- Trolley trips beyond Boise, with dream pop-ups in Sun Valley & Tamarack
- And in the background, building a Mobile Bookstore Society to support and connect other mobile bookshop owners across the country
That’s the big dream. The list keeps growing but this is where it starts!
How You Can Support Us
We’re still early in our journey—and there are a few simple ways you can help bring the trolley bookstore to life.
Shop With Us
Visit a Pop-Up
Spread the Word
Crowdfunding Coming Soon
This Is Just the Beginning
We’re not just building a bookstore, we’re creating a space for joy, curiosity, and connection.
If you’ve ever believed in the power of stories to bring people together (or you’ve ever secretly wished you could be Matilda too), you’re in the right place.
Thanks for being here. We can’t wait to meet you!
Dani & Snoots
