Who We Are
Our Mission
At SE&B, our mission is to foster imagination, connection, and lifelong learning through the power of storytelling.
Our Values
Literacy
We value lifelong learning and believe access to books, storytelling, and education should be available to everyone. We champion functional literacy for all ages as a cornerstone of empowerment and opportunity.
Storytelling
We celebrate stories in all forms, with a particular focus on the written word. Whether reading, writing, or sharing stories aloud, we support creative expression as a powerful unifier and believe it is critical to the fabric of culture and society.
Community
We are more than a bookstore. We are a haven for imagination, growth, and self-confidence. Everyone who enters is a part of our story—and by making the right connections, may be a part of each other’s stories too.
What Makes Us Special
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: SE&B is more than just a bookstore—we are a literary sanctuary rooted in reading, creativity, and connection. Located in the heart of Elgin’s historic walking district, we blend the warmth of an independent bookshop with the unique potential of a cultural hub. From curated book selections and a cozy café corner to immersive literary events, writing workshops, and support for local creatives and entrepreneurs, we offer an experience that simply can’t be found online or in chain stores. As the only bookstore within 30 miles, we’re filling a vital gap—supporting literacy, championing local voices, and creating a welcoming space where readers, writers, and neighbors gather to grow, imagine, and belong.
You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
~ Mark Twain
About the Founder
Ash L. O’Rourke grew up in North Texas believing books were as good as magic and losing herself in fictional worlds every chance she got—both by reading and writing obsessively. She began self-publishing early (arguably too early) at the age of fifteen, making just about every mistake a person can make in the process. Those early missteps, however, became the foundation for a career shaped by first-hand experience and a deep understanding of both the craft and the publishing industry. Over the years, Ash has self-published again with much greater confidence, having spent time honing her voice, sharpening her skills, and learning the business inside and out. She has worked as a freelance editor for both fiction and nonfiction, trained up other editors, and counseled writers on an ongoing basis. Starting in 2025, she has particularly enjoyed the supporting burgeoning authors through the writing retreats she now hosts via Story Sirens Studio.
Ash earned her B.A. in English Literature from Grand Canyon University and eventually returned to her beloved home state of Texas. In 2021, she opened Story Sirens Studio, a creative production company focused on supporting writers and readers through podcasts, writing retreats, and literary-focused entertainment. Through this work, she has developed a sharp insight into what writers and readers are looking for, and how those needs evolve in the broader literary community. In addition to owning and operating Story Sirens Studio and co-hosting two of its podcasts (That Pretentious Book Club and The Scripturient Society), Ash has spent the last several years working full-time as a marketing and communications manager. Prior to that, she wrote full-time and continues to pursue her own fiction projects. She is also the ghostwriter behind two separate cozy mystery series for a well-known name in the genre.
In her free time, Ash annoys her endearing rogue of a husband, cuddles her beautiful son while he’s too little to be embarrassed, tolerates her ungovernable cats (redundant, she knows), and works on her own novels. She is deeply devoted to the em dash.
Connect with Us
Questions? Comments? Reach out anytime!