About Us

Originally opened by the Diocese of St. Cloud in 1949, the St. Cloud Book Shop has seen decades of growth and change. In those earliest days, the store also served as a learning center where various lectures were offered, and even boasted a lending library with books available for a penny per day!

The St. Cloud Book Shop became a family business under the stewardship of John Gamades Sr, who purchased the store in 1982. Since that transition, the store has steadily maintained its position as St. Cloud’s leading Catholic goods retailer.

Today, The St. Cloud Book Shop is managed by John Sr.’s wife, Janet, with the help of her three sons, John Jr., Michael, and Pete. Built on a tradition of integrity and community building, the Gamades family is proud to provide St. Cloud with a robust collection of Catholic books, Bibles, rosaries, art, and gifts.

We are always happy to offer book recommendations, accommodate special orders, or simply offer our space for you to come in and browse.

We hope to see you soon.