About Epilogue Books
Epilogue Books is an independent bookstore on East Bridge Street in downtown Rockford, right on the Rogue River. Rockford residents Pat and Valerie Burkholder opened it in the summer of 2018 because their hometown had no bookstore. Valerie came from a long career in pharmaceuticals and Pat from business management and teaching science, and they chose the name because they see the shop as the next chapter of their story rather than an ending.
The shelves hold a carefully chosen mix of books, and the children's section has its own mural. The owners and staff like to talk books and help you find the next read. A golden retriever named Tommy often greets customers and has become a store mascot.
The store hosts book clubs and author events through the year; its website keeps a calendar, and its social pages post the latest news. On Saturdays when the Rockford farmers market is running, the shop opens early at 9:30 a.m., which makes it an easy stop on a market morning.
Great Lakes Lavender Farm is about 20 minutes east of downtown. It is not open for farm visits, but online orders can be picked up there on Wednesdays and Fridays, and a browse at Epilogue fits well before or after.
What to do
- Browse a curated selection of new reads
- Take kids to the children's section with its mural
- Join a book club or author event
- Say hello to Tommy, the store's golden retriever
- Pair a visit with the Saturday farmers market downtown
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round
- Hours
- Mon–Wed and Fri 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (9:30 a.m. on farmers market Saturdays); Sun noon–4 p.m. (posted on their website, which notes hours can change)
Tips for your visit
- Check their social pages for current hours and events, since the website says its details may be out of date
- Saturday hours start at 9:30 a.m. on farmers market days
- Sunday hours are short, noon to 4 p.m.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Great Lakes Lavender Farm · about 20 minutes away
Great Lakes Lavender Farm is about 20 minutes east and open for order pickup on Wednesdays and Fridays, not for farm visits.
Getting there
Questions
When did Epilogue Books open?
In the summer of 2018, founded by Pat and Valerie Burkholder.
Does the store hold events?
Yes, book clubs and author events; check their calendar for dates.
Is there a store dog?
Yes, a golden retriever named Tommy often greets customers.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Rockford, Lowell & Grand Rapids, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
