By: Emily Schlackman
Photo by: Webster’s Bookstore and Cafe
As you descend the steps into the underground oasis, you are immediately surrounded by an atmosphere oozing with passion, creation, and appreciation. Located at 133 East Beaver Ave, Webster’s Bookstore and Café is one of State College’s hidden gems that provides the perfect haven for members of the literary community, as well as one for students or the curious passersby. Glancing around what appears to be your regular bookstore, you sense the life that gathers amongst the pages and quirks of the Webster’s walls is all but the same. The collective group of Webster’s goers consists of a wide range of people: students, parents, adults, elderly people, dogs – you name it. Despite the gap of similarities between those gatherers, Webster’s builds a distinct community of literature lovers who yearn for a spot of solitude, discoveries, and a great cup of coffee. Webster’s provides an energy and an outlet for the literary community Penn State, especially for us at Klio.
Over the years, the bookstore has held multiple release parties for Kalliope (our sister literary print journal), local authors, and a recent event for Klio. Introducing new work to the literary community through small gatherings allows Penn State to conceive a tight-knit group of literary lovers.
History
Webster’s is Penn State’s only bookstore located downtown, making it even more crucial to our community. However, before Webster’s was the Webster’s we know of today, it was called Book Swap. According to their website, Webster’s was originally founded in 1974 as Book Swap on Fraser Street. Then in 1993, it became Mountains Books. Six years later, the bookstore was doubled in size and was relocated to Allen Street. Finally, the name Webster’s Bookstore and Café was given to the bookstore, and it has resided on Beaver Ave since 2012. The owner and creative energy behind Webster’s is Elain Meder-Wilgus. Aside from managing the bookstore, Elaine is also known for her acting in the State College area since 1980. Elaine graduated from Penn State in 1993 with a self-designed biological anthropology major.
Books/Vinyl
The eclectic collection of literature lines the walls and shelves of Webster’s, enveloping every nook of the bookstore with all genres, and editions new and old. Colorful book spines line the countless shelves, giving the bookstore a technicolor and 
bright environment . Majority of the literature featured is a wide selection of secondhand books. The previous use of these used books enhances the hidden secrets between every
page. Along with the pages worn in with enjoyment and history of previous readers, it provides these secondhand books at a much lower price to customers. In addition to the books, there is a wide variety of new and used vinyl records – a commodity that draws in many customers, allowing them to indulge their old souls in the spinning sounds of the past. However, the books and records are not the only factors transform customers into familiar faces around the Webster’s stacks.
Food/Coffee
Great literature and music is nothing if it is not accompanied by a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a delicious slice of homemade apple pie. Webster’s provides a lengthy menu of coffee beverages, while only using organic, fair-trade coffee beans. Many of their café items are made right there at Webster’s, and many of them are locally made, gluten-free, and vegan. Their food menu consists of delicious and healthy meals, such as salads and soups; breakfast favorites like egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, bagels and pancakes, and of course their selection of treats each day. All Webster’s baristas and staff members are personable and ready to strike up a real conversation with anyone who strolls through that door – adding to the homey, personal feel of the café.
Events
Webster’s also provides State College with a jam-packed calendar of nightly events, mainly focusing on literature, poetry, art, theater, and live music . With these events, the regular Webster’s goers, along with fresh faces, have
the opportunity to enjoy a culturally filled night of unwinding and literary talent. During this upcoming week, some of the events held at Webster’s are the following: Slam Poetry to acknowledge National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Argentine Tango, WORDS, and a book event with author Dona ld Knott Jr. Recently, Klio held an event at Webster’s called Art Jam. Art Jam was an Open Mic night where any artistic talent could be shared with the crowd, all while enjoying the company of new and old friends and delicious snacks.