Deseret Book history

George Q. Cannon, the original publisher of the Juvenile Instructor, also opened a territorial bookstore in 1867, a store intended to sell his magazine and other “uplifting” publications.

The company was incorporated in 1886.

Cannon sold the bookstore to the Church in 1900.

It remained at this location until 1901, when, on the death of Elder Cannon, it was purchased by the Deseret News and became the Deseret News Bookstore.

TheChildren’s Friend, prepared by the Primary (children’s organization) began in 1902.

On October 1, 1919, the Deseret News Bookstore merged with the Deseret Sunday School Union bookstore and become Deseret Book Company, the name by which the organization is known today.

Following a 1920 merger of the Deseret Sunday School Union Bookstore with Cannon’s company, Deseret Book came into existence.

Branded chiefly as a children’s magazine, it was adopted by the Sunday School and eventually, in 1930, became the Instructor.

Advertisement, Deseret Book Company, Utah Chronicle, March 24, 1943, 6.

“Deseret Book Is Gift Center,” Davis County Clipper, October 4, 1946, 6.

Beginning in January 1971, all regional and Church-wide magazines were discontinued and three basic publications were instigated: the Ensign, geared to adult members; the New Era, focused on teenagers; and The Friend, for children.

In April of 1999, Deseret Management Corporation acquired Bookcraft, Inc., an independently owned publisher of LDS books and materials, and the publishing divisions of the two companies were combined.

In late 2004, Excel Entertainment Group also joined the Deseret Book family, vastly expanding our ability to produce quality LDS music and media choices.

Steven Oberbeck, “Seagull Books will retain its niche as discount retailer, Deseret says,” Salt Lake Tribune, December 30, 2006.

An article written by Trent Toone for the Deseret News on December 15, 2016, discussed the company’s best accomplishments and current goals.