Page & Palette will mark its 60th anniversary throughout 2026 with author events, community partnerships and a large public celebration at the end of the year, while highlighting the evolving role of independent bookstores, a news release said.

Founded in 1966 and family-owned since 1968, the Fairhope bookstore has served generations of readers while growing alongside the community. According to the bookstore, research of continuously operating, family-owned independent general bookstores selling new books in the United States ranks Page & Palette as the nation's third-oldest bookstore of its kind and the oldest in the American South. More information about the research criteria and historical ranking is available through Page & Palette.

The anniversary will celebrate the bookstore's history while also looking toward the future of independent bookstores and their role in communities and the broader literary landscape.

Over the years, Page & Palette has expanded beyond books into hospitality, events and new experiences while maintaining its focus on books, culture and community.

“Independent bookstores have always been about more than selling books,” Karin Wolff Wilson, owner of Page & Palette, said in the release. “They become part of the identity of the towns they serve. As we celebrate sixty years, we are also excited about helping explore what the future can look like for independent bookstores willing to thoughtfully evolve while staying true to who they are.”

Wilson and her husband, Kiefer Wilson, who has been part of the bookstore for nearly 30 years, are helping lead the transition of the business into its fourth generation through daughters Tyler Wilson and Tanner Wilson.

“I grew up in this bookstore alongside my sister Tanner, and now we have the opportunity to help lead it into the future,” said Tyler Wilson. “For generations, Page & Palette has created connections between people, books, authors and community. We are excited to build on that foundation while investing in new technology and operational systems that can help strengthen independent bookstores for the years ahead.”

The bookstore's family legacy extends beyond its walls. Karin Wolff Wilson grew up in the business alongside her twin sister, Kelley Wolff Lyons, who owns neighboring Lyons Share with her husband, Mike Lyons. The gallery and frame shop evolved from what was once part of Page & Palette's original creative space and continues the connection between literature, art and independent culture in downtown Fairhope.

The anniversary also will recognize the influence of Betty Joe Wolff, grandmother of Karin Wolff Wilson and Kelley Wolff Lyons, whose impact on Fairhope's literary community continues through the Betty Joe Wolff Writer's Cottage behind the Fairhope Public Library. Named in her honor by the Fairhope Center for the Writing Arts, the internationally recognized Writer in Residence program has welcomed writers from around the world since 2004.

The celebration also will honor the memory of Robbie Wolff, Karin and Kelley's father, for his contributions to Fairhope's arts community and creative culture.

As part of its long-term vision, Page & Palette plans to continue developing a literary tribute walkway surrounding the bookstore. The project features bronze open books honoring iconic authors connected to Fairhope and the Gulf Coast literary tradition.

The walkway began nearly a decade ago with the late Winston Groom, who participated by leaving his signature, handprint and footprint in the sidewalk outside the bookstore alongside the first bronze open book installation. The bookstore plans for the tribute to continue expanding over time as a permanent recognition of the region's literary heritage.

The yearlong anniversary will conclude with a public celebration during downtown Fairhope's annual New Year's Eve festivities at the end of 2026. Additional author events and anniversary announcements are planned throughout the year.

For more information, email karin@pageandpalette.com, call (251) 680-6595 or visit www.pageandpalette.com.