By the time Marie Hall unlocked the doors to her long-awaited bookstore in downtown Gustine, she’d already spent decades writing the prologue.
“I’ve wanted to open a bookstore since I was 20,” said the traditionally published Young Adult author and Turlock High School graduate. “Books are my world. I’ve been trying to open this shop since I moved to Gustine in 2019, and everything finally came together.”
Located at 536 5th Street, Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Bookshop is more than a retail space—it’s a literary sanctuary built on grit, imagination, and community spirit. The store offers a wide selection of new and bargain books, many marked with red stickers for 20% off, alongside a carefully curated collection of used titles. Genres range from cozy mysteries and romance to science fiction, health, humor, and history. Spanish-language books are already on the shelves, and Marie is working to expand into Portuguese titles.
But the shop’s heartbeat lies in its creative programming. Marie plans to host writing classes, book clubs, children’s story time, craft workshops, and full-scale murder mystery nights—complete with crime scene tape and chalk outlines. “My son’s a police officer, so I’ve picked his brain,” she said with a laugh. “Participants will be the detectives solving the case.”
Her background in theater adds flair to the events, and her passion for storytelling is evident in every corner of the shop—from the sticker wall to the planned mural in the children’s section. Even the name carries literary weight. “Scrawl, Scribble, and Smirch are all words that describe writing,” Marie explained. “Smirch comes from the old typesetting days when smeared ink was called a smirch. They’re also the names of my dragons.”
The store also features vinyl records—both new and used—thanks to a partnership with a local DJ, and a growing collection of gifts and collectibles, including Funko Pops, Pokémon cards, and handmade artisan goods. Local creators Jennifer and Stephanie contribute engraved and hand-painted items, while others offer sewn crafts and stained glass.
Marie is a member of the American Booksellers Association and participates in an international bookseller mentor group. She’s currently on a waitlist for an IndieCommerce website but encourages online support through Bookshop.org and Libro.fm.
Opening a small business in a small town wasn’t without risk. “It was terrifying,” she admitted. “But I had to bet on myself. I’m a hard worker, and I just need people to show up.”
With her creativity, determination, and deep love for books, Marie hopes Scrawl, Scribble & Smirch Bookshop will become a cherished gathering place for readers across Gustine, Newman, Patterson, Los Banos, and beyond.
For more information, visit scrawlscribblesmirchbooks.com or follow the shop on Instagram @scrawlscribblesmirchbookshop.
