For many years, Cheney had shied away from the metaphysical community until in 1993, when Allene Malley started the very first metaphysical bookstore in historic downtown Cheney, 1st Street Books. Her business started to grow until she was diagnosed with cancer in June 1997. Within six months, she lost her life to the fight and the metphysical bookstore in Cheney disappeared.

     In 2004, Allan and Trish Gainer decided to open a bookstore in Cheney, Tree of Knowledge Bookstore, with its primary focus around EWU textbooks and the metaphysical community. The first couple of years were tough and the store came close to closing its door, but prayers prevailed. Today, they service many people in the community with metaphysical books, gifts and ceremonial materials. The store is now thriving with over 20,000 titles in stock and now employs their own in-store practitioner, Rich Baker.

     With the support of the community, hard work and prayers, Tree of Knowledge is growing at a rapid rate. Allan Gainer hopesa the store will grow into a bigger building and possibly opening another store in Spokane. With your support, Tree of Knowledge Bookstore may become well-known in the metaphysical community, not just in the Inland Northwest but throughout the country.

     The memory of Allene Malley lives within our bookstore today in spirit as she was the mother of Trish Gainer. Without her, Tree of Knowledge Bookstore wouldn't be here.