Brand Storytelling & Blogs

Persnickety Books:

The place you go to find your story.

Our Mission:

To push the limits of what a downtown bookstore can provide by promoting public good and community collaboration.

Our Story:

Persnickety Books began in 2017 when founders Shawna and Herb Gentert first moved to Burlington, North Carolina. As they began to explore their new hometown, they realized the closest bookstore was over ten miles away. With Burlington’s location in the heart of the state and a quick exit off of I-40, our founder set out to create a shop that would draw in travelers and regulars from the coast to the mountains.

By gathering used books locals no longer wanted, lasting relationships formed and grew. What began in a 2,500-square-foot space on the corner of Davis Street has since transformed into a community hub spanning three floors filled with thousands of titles in the heart of Main Street.

“Being able to inspire people and say this is what a downtown book store can be like. That's what really makes my day” -Ian Baltutis

We consider ourselves a “third place,” a gathering space beyond the home and place of work that builds culture.

“People will be surprised to hear that we don't mind if they come in with their book from home, tablet, or their laptop and don't always buy something and that's ok with us.” -Shawna Gentert

Whether you are searching for your new favorite read, a coffee on a cold day, a friendly face to chat with, or a calming corner to plan your next adventure, we create an environment of creativity and support as you find your story.

Through our partnerships with Sustainable Alamance, Benevolence Farms, and Saxapahaw Prison Books as well as our trade-in program, we give back to the community that has allowed for our growth. We salvage books bound for recycling plants, support jobs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and expand access to literacy across our town.

We give books and people a second chance because every story deserves to end with the words “happily ever after.”

I am Elon with Devon Rocke ‘26

Sophomore cinema and television arts major works to bring underrepresented perspectives to film

As a writer and creative at heart, declaring a major in cinema and television arts seemed like the easy choice for Elon sophomore Devon Rocke. However, only 22% of women make up the film industry. Through Cinelon, Elon's student-run production studio, Rocke has found and fostered a community that opens doors for those prone to facing biases in an already competitive industry.

“It can be difficult sometimes because it is a predominately male industry, but a lot of the upperclassmen have taken me under their wing and taught me what it means to be a woman in film,” she says.

When Rocke first accepted the Communications Fellowship, she still questioned her place within Elon’s School of Communications. She joined Cinelon in September of her first year to better understand the different facets of film. Through weekly meetings, workshops, networking events and long weekends on set, Rocke has built lifelong connections with peers and solidified her love for film.

Now as the organization’s 4th female president, she hopes to continue the support and inspiration she has received from past organization leaders. “I want to make sure Cinelon continues to offer a safe space for everyone where different perspectives can be shared,” Rocke said. “I love meeting all the new people and helping others find their way in the creative space that is film.”

Anybody can pitch their script to Cinelon to receive funding and resources for casting and crewing. Rocke says the opportunity to give underrepresented voices a place to share their visions helps to break barriers at Elon and beyond. As she begins her new role as president, she hopes to bring real set experience and a community of support to anybody with a story to tell.