PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 91 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: DAVID HOFFMAN Once upon a time— 1955, to be precise— a man with big ideas opened a small independent bookshop. The man was called Roy Kepler; the shop, Kepler’s Bookstore. And it wasn’t long before this ardent owner and peace activist started attracting the like-minded to his little store. At Kepler’s, inquisitive minds and restless spirits found a place that welcomed the sharing of ideas and social causes. The shop harbored Stanford staff and students, Beat intellectuals and pacifists—even celebrity patrons like singer/activist Joan Baez and the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia. Former President Jimmy Carter stopped by for a visit. Progressive Roy also helped popularize the paperback. Back then, many “serious” booksellers refused to carry these softcovered books, resolved to have no association with lowbrow, penny dreadful shenanigans. But while some saw trouble, Roy saw the future. Roy has long since passed away—but the bookstore he built perseveres. This May, it reaches the venerable age of 70. To commemorate this anniversary, Keplerites share their memories of its milestones. What could be more fitting than to celebrate this seller of stories with a few fond tales? Find your squishiest armchair and settle in for storytime at Kepler’s. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: KEPLER'S BOOKS
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