Saturday, March 16, 2024

Rivendell Bookstore - Abilene, KS

Rivendell Bookstore, Abilene, KS

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This is another one of MANY bookstores I visit that I hope can provide encouragement to other small towns who have nothing.  That’s because if it can succeed and thrive here in a town of approximately 6500 it can happen in your small town if you have the right owner.  The right owner at THIS indie is Lisa S., who just began her ownership position within the last year.  But this indie was around way before this for more than 15 years and Marilyn was the owner and founder until Lisa took over.  Credit to Marilyn for the great job of getting Rivendell off the ground but in her words, Lisa has taken it to a whole new level.  That was clear to me on the day of my visit and when I asked Lisa what her secret was she told me, “because I’m good.”  Even though she’s only owned the store for a year, she spent several years learning the business from Marilyn as a bookseller.  She already knew what to stock thanks to her relationship with Marilyn and the many local regular customers who come to Rivendell.  On the job training made it easy for Lisa to step into ownership.  

This creatively arranged store allows for a unique browsing experience that includes new and used books shelved together.  For customers who bring books in they can receive store credit in return.  But as Lisa told me, they’re particular about what they take. Best of all for customers is that the store has the used books entered in a data base so they know exactly what they have.  Customers can’t purchase books online yet but Lisa hopes to offer that sometime in the future.  The store offers a nice variety of sidelines including puzzles, teas, and loose dice but without a moments hesitation Lisa said stickers are THE hot sideline here, something I've heard everywhere.

If you’re planning summer travels, Abilene is easy to visit just off I-70.  Head to the store’s great location in the heart of downtown Abilene and enjoy the company of kind, knowledgeable people like Lisa, Sam, and Marilyn who can help you find your next great read.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Cactus League, Emily Nemens.  I was hoping this would be a little bit more about baseball but it's relevance to baseball is due to the characters involved in baseball.  A bit slow in places but maybe that's like a baseball game itself for some people.  This book was nothing but a big fat strike out for me.  There are many baseball books out there much better than this one. 

CURRENTLY READING:  A Winter's Rime, Carol Dunbar. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree.  

 

The historic building in downtown Abilene. 

Picture of the same historic building when it was much newer.  I love it when I get to see things like this. 

 

The store has a lot of display window space.  This is only some of it. 

When you enter the front doors you can go to the left...

...or you can go to the right.  A fork in the road right off the bat!

This is what you'll see if you go to the right. 

Looking toward the back of the store from the right side choice of entry. 

The stickers are hot sellers and it looks like a good variety to me. 

Looking at a cross section across the front of the store. 

Wonderful table display for kids' books. 


New customers take note. 

One of the many book nooks. 

Looking across the back section of the store. 

Overview of the mystery area and just some of those books offered. 

If you ever wonder about books that are part of a series, how many, and what order, head to this display. 

Historic buildings tell many stories.  At one time, this space was home to Hamburg's Ladies Fashions.

For a great assortment of puzzles head to this display in the back of the store. 

If this were your TV, you'd have no other choice. 

A perfect place to sit and chat about books. 


I took this overview of the store from the back balcony, a common design found in old department stores.  The bookshelves make it a fun maze. 

View across the balcony in the back of the store. 


Just a few of the books by local authors. 

Take a look around the store for book art like this. 

Always one of my favorite promotions. 

These dice are selling well. 

Books made famous on social media. 


A great way to help your local school and support a local business.  This is a win-win for Abilene.

Overview of the children's area. 


With Lisa, the fine owner at Rivendell Bookstore.  Thanks for a great visit. 

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Bent Oak Books - Ft. Madison, IA

Bent Oak Books, Ft. Madison, IA

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Well, like so many other bookstores that I follow from their beginnings, I just couldn't wait to visit this new one in the small Mississippi River town of Ft. Madison, IA.  Bent Oak Books has been open for only a little over two months.  I probably should've waited a little longer since owner Danette B. is still learning the ropes and finding her way.  Since Ft. Madison has been without a bookstore for a few years, Danette was determined to fill that void.  What she might lack in experience she makes up for with passion, personality, and energy.  Having visited many bookstores, I'm 100% confident that this place will bloom and grow.  

When I entered this bookstore the first word that came to mind was cozy.  The kind of space where you could find a comfy seat, enjoy a hot or cold beverage, and try out a book.  That's exactly what Danette told me she was aiming for.  Heck, that couch is so comfy I heard you could even take a nap on it.  The store offers an assortment of new and used books as well as some vintage and collectible editions.  Danette is beginning to see an increase in the used books coming in, many of which are donated.  At this time, purchasing online is not offered but might be sometime in the future.  Sidelines include greeting cards, stickers, games, and bath bombs to name a few.  But the hottest sidelines here are anything Taylor Swift related.  This would seem like a natural option for any independent bookstore and I'm surprised I haven't seen more of it.  The children's section is just inside the front entrance and the store already offers a regular story time in that area.  The store has a great living room space and is happy to host local book clubs.  If you're starting a book club in Ft. Madison, bring them here for their meeting.  Bottom line?  Things are going great and community support has been outstanding.  Way to go Ft. Madison!

The inspiration for the store name, a great story. 

Best of all is the store name, Bent Oak Books, and the story behind it.  The Bent Oak Lodge sign in the store used to be part of an archway you'd drive under to visit her in-laws at their home.  It was here that she had many memories with them and her future husband.  This was where he proposed to her and with that in mind, this sign and now this store are part of her history and journey.  An excellent way to honor the past and look to the future.  Congratulations Danette and Ft. Madison!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and The American Struggle, Jon Meacham.  I like this historian/author and the research he did for this book is incredible.  The most recent work in the long line of Lincoln bibliography and for fans of this genre, it won't disappoint.  The author is so brilliant that there are stretches that are challenging but this is still worth it. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Cactus League, Emily Nemens. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Tailspin, John Armbruster.  The Beatles, Judy Katschke (a Little Golden Book)


Beautiful storefront in a historic building. 

I love stores that offer an outside seating option. 

Another view of the storefront. 

Step into the street in front of the store and you'll get a great view of the Mississippi River, only a block and a half away. 


One of the two spacious front display windows. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Directly to the left from the front entrance you'll see the children's area. 

Recent releases displayed just inside the entrance. 

Head to the right after entering and enjoy this comfy seat. 

If a hot beverage isn't your thing, grab a cold one to sip while you browse. 

Attractive display placed just ahead of the center of the store. 

A few of the sidelines available. 

Bent Oak offers vintage and collectible editions.  These are just a few. 


Lots of great gift ideas. 

A few of the greeting cards offered. 


I call this the Taylor Swift shrine.  If you're a Swiftie in the Ft. Madison area this is a must see. 

The bath bombs have sold well. 

Enjoy a hot beverage while you browse. 

Cat people and dog people are covered. 

I love this living room area in the center of the store.  Book clubs should ask about meeting here. 

A game of chess in between browsing. 

Another overview of the living room area. 

Head to the left side of the store and start your browsing. 


Very cool browser-friendly display. 

If you're looking for a bargain, head to this display in the back of the store. 

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

Head to the back and curl around to the right into this small room for additional used books. 

If you're a Sarah Maas fan, Bent Oak has you covered. 

These are the perfect cushions for the kids who come to story time. 

There are even bargains in the children's books. 


With Danette, the fine owner at Bent Oak Books.  Thanks for a great visit.