The Empire Bookshop - Kewanee, IL

The Empire Bookshop, Kewanee, IL

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What came first, the chicken or the egg?  The same can be said for adjacent bookstores and coffee shops since it is such a natural partnership.  This is the question in Kewanee, did the bookstore come first or the coffee shop?  These two spaces are beautiful twins, but Coco’s coffee shop came first, a few years ago during the pandemic.  In the meantime, co-owner Nicole C. had been interested in opening a bookstore so she and her husband finally took the plunge and opened The Empire Bookshop, almost three months ago, the equally attractive twin of Coco’s.  Nicole’s hope was for the bookstore to complement the coffee shop in an arrangement that would allow customers to enjoy both businesses.  Mission accomplished!  Both businesses have their own exterior entrances but are easily accessible from the inside.  And despite the 1897 origin of the building, the interiors of both spaces look very modern.  Well done Nicole and John.

The Empire Bookshop offers new and used books in a gorgeous setting that has an abundance of natural light with their expansive floor to ceiling windows, enhancing the store’s beauty.  You’ll find all new books and some used books that are shelved separately in the back of the store.  Customers can donate their books or receive store credit for what they bring in.  You always have the option of ordering online through bookshop.org if you can’t visit in person.  I really like that Nicole has the used books on a data base so she knows exactly what’s in the store.  I thought the sidelines were numerous and varied including book page holders, unique mugs and socks, candles, stickers, and reading glasses to name a few.  I thought the sidelines offered for children were outstanding and Nicole confirmed that they are selling very well. 

Nicole and John have done a good job of retaining the building’s history as well as giving the space a makeover.  This history includes the store’s name, The Empire Bookshop, named after The Empire Tap Room that was in the space decades ago.  

If you’re in the Kewanee region, it’s time you discover this new bookstore just across the street from Good's Furniture.  Buy a book and then go next door to Coco’s for a coffee and a pastry.  Or vice-versa.  Either way, it’s a win-win.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Nobody's Girl, Virginia Roberts Giuffre.  The deeply disturbing and ultimately heart-breaking memoir of the author's experience under the control of Jeffrey Epstein.  This document should be exhibit A for any trial persecuting the rich and powerful who abused 100s of Epstein's victims.  A difficult read but reinforces the truth and pursuit for justice.  This should be required reading for every politician even though some of them don't or can't read.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash, Jean Shepherd.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Summer Island, Kristin Hannah.  

 

One of the fun things in Kewanee is that they have murals on many of the downtown buildings.  This one is on the side of bookstore.  

Right next to the bookstore is this very nice coffee shop.  You can enter here on the outside or you can enter from inside the bookstore.  

One of the large display windows.  

View looking into the bookstore from the front entrance.  Notice the entrance halfway back on the left between the bookshelves to enter the coffee shop.  

Attractive display just inside the front door.  

Here you go, grandparents.  Find a gift here for one of the grandkids.  

This unique display is for the "blind date with a book" promotion in the front of the store.  

I've noticed recently that indies who offer the "blind date with a book" promotion have really upped their game with creative wrapping and descriptions like this one.  Excellent work!

A display with holiday ideas.  

Go to the left side of the store and begin your browsing here.  

Display of new arrivals on the left wall.  

The natural lighting in this store is outstanding, enhancing the beauty and comfort of this nice seating area.  

As if the natural lighting isn't enough, you can't miss this gorgeous lighting fixture in the center of the store.  Also notice the historic ceiling pattern.  

A few of the greeting cards offered.  

A few of the stickers available.  

If you know someone who isn't a reader, get them a pair of unique socks.  Often, you'll only see these at independent bookstores.  

The sidelines for kids are excellent.  This is halfway back and on the right.  

Of course they have bookstore themed candles.  

The is ready for your holiday shopping experience with a variety of fine gift ideas.  

All aboard.  

I always enjoy seeing the staff picks.  

Overview of the children's area.  

Two perfect chairs to sample a book.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

After you buy your books, enter through here and begin your coffee break.  

From inside the bookstore looking to the left and the exterior entrance of Coco's Coffee Shop.  

Beautiful counter and pastry case inside the coffee shop.  

With Nicole, the fine co-owner at The Empire Bookshop.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique - Madison, WI

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique, Madison, WI

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Most bookstore owners come to their ownership from a different background other than a bookstore.  Eden A. is the co-owner of Ink & Ivy along with her mother Shannon.  Although she had some bookstore experience at Kismet Books in nearby Verona, that wasn’t her career goal.  Her time spent working in the trauma unit at UW Hospitals was what pushed her to Ink & Ivy.  Being around death, stress, and even the morgue persuaded her to pursue something that would be, well, less traumatic.  So it was her idea to open an independent bookstore and her mother readily agreed.  I could tell by Eden’s enthusiasm that she’s perfectly fitted for this adventure.  I’m happy to hear that this brand new indie (only 9 months) is off to a great start.  Way to go Eden and Shannon!

This bookstore has numerous advantages that will boost its continued success.  A fantastic location on very busy Regent St., surrounded by residential neighborhoods allowing for accessible foot traffic, a true neighborhood bookstore.  It is also very close to the UW campus which has provided a strong base of business.  Additionally, there are three nearby schools, another important asset.  And finally, a sympathetic and flexible landlord that understands the importance and health that an independent bookstore brings to the community.

Ink & Ivy offers all new books in a small one-level setting.  There are many sidelines offered including puzzles, greeting cards, stickers (they’re hot!), many unique gift ideas, and creative works of art by local artists.  The three book clubs that Eden offers are so popular that she had to start a waiting list.  Impressive.  Author events, signings, and story times are all part of a busy events schedule.  One of the best events offered was a Practical Magic party.  I can verify that there was dancing in the bookstore, thanks to Eden’s video.

Madison has a great bookstore scene and now it just got even better.  If you haven’t checked Ink & Ivy out yet, it’s time to do so.  A charming new bookstore and a delightful owner await your arrival.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Wild Robot, Peter Brown.  A wonderful book for a young reader and the young at heart.  A shipment of robots crashes into a deserted island and only one survives.  All the animals are scared and think it is a monster.  Over time, the robot befriends all the creatures and even becomes a parent to an orphaned gossling.  A fun, light book and the basis for a popular movie.  Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  Nobody's Girl, Virginia Roberts Giuffre.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  My Next Breath, Jeremy Renner.  

Attractive storefront of a historic building.  

The mural on the display window is beautiful.  

Yes, yes, and yes.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  

Assortment of greeting cards and wrapping paper just inside the front entrance on the right.  

Read about the owners and their journey.  

If I were a regular, this would be my comfy spot in the front of the store.  

Head over to the left side of the store and begin your browsing.  

Table display of assorted sidelines.  

A few of the puzzles offered.  

The art displayed throughout the store is created by talented local artists.  

I love the art found in independent bookstores.  

Pick up a wonderful impulse buy for a special person.  

This picture doesn't do justice to the creative touch of an ivy wrapped log in the center of the store.  

Ink & Ivy already dipping its toe into the holiday season.  

Unique and locally created jewelry.  If you see it here and you like it, GET IT!  Items like this are difficult to find elsewhere.  

If you haven't discovered the popular Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, give it a try.  

The blind date with a book promotion is a popular seller here.  

 

 

One of the store's blind date books.  Excellent wrapping and design.  Check out all of their blind date selections.  

 

Along the right wall toward the back of the store, numerous sidelines and artwork.  

A few of the stickers available.  

Overview looking into the children's area.

Partial view of the children's area.  

This really cool house is for pint-sized readers and would make a great holiday gift.  Best of all, it folds up for easy storage.  

Another partial view of the children's area.  

Visual confirmation.  Not available on Amazon.  

The perfect container for a tooth for the tooth fairy.  I think I wrapped mine in kleenex.  

Another cool thing in the children's section, a very large snake wrapped around a tree.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Absolutely darling picture of the owners  (about 20 years ago!).  I love this picture.

If you're a regular, this is a must.  

With Eden, the fine co-owner at Ink & Ivy Book Boutique.  Thanks for a great visit.