The Indie Bob Spot: Lake Forest Book Store

Lake Forest Book Store - Lake Forest, IL

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

Independent bookstores are always happy places for me. But with some of them I visit, there is a vibe, an energy, an indefinable resonance. That's what I got at Lake Forest Book Store. Even if you're not a book person, your visit here will be worth it just to talk to Eleanor T., the owner, or Max G., the store manager. And if you're a book person, there is no reason for you to come away empty-handed.

Lake Forest Book Store is a one-level bookstore located in the historic Market Square of Lake Forest, a very quaint area. This square was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as the original concept of a shopping mall. They've been in their current location for approximately 18 years and the business has been going for over 65 years, a great achievement for any indie. It seems to me to be situated in a great location with many other businesses to attract good foot traffic, ample free parking close to the store, and the Metra station right across the street making it easily accessible for people who want to come here from Chicago.

The store is neatly arranged and offers all new books, including all the recent releases and bestsellers. There are a variety of sidelines and that is a very important part of the business. Kids will love this store for all the books and toy items, including offerings from the popular Melissa and Doug line. There are occasional events in the store but events more often are held off-site and coupled with a lunch or a wine and cheese party, a great way to promote the books and the business. The store has many nearby options for these off-site events with several unique cafes and restaurants in the area, another reason you'll enjoy your visit here. Lake Forest Book Store is also involved with book fairs at some of the local schools and is active with book clubs.

Eleanor and Max were just the best to talk to and told me so much about the store that I can't possibly recount it all here. They enjoy some out-of-town customers, folks who visit Lake Forest College for example, but the bulk of their business is a strong and loyal, local customer base, an indie hallmark. Eleanor has been here 2 years and things are going well for this indie. It certainly helps that it has been established and in place for 65+ years.

The original owners were a group of women who had the foresight to decide that Lake Forest needed a bookstore. Thank goodness they did because in hindsight, all of us who visit Lake Forest Book Store are the fortunate recipients of their vision. Here's another one to put on your list, readers. You won't regret it. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Red Notebook, Antoine Laurain. Bookshop owner in Paris finds a discarded purse belonging to a woman who was a victim of a mugging. He goes on a search to return it. I loved this book. Outstanding.

CURRENTLY READING: The Devil All The Time, Donald Ray Pollock. Not familiar with this author but I'm liking this book.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Bookshop, Penelope Fitzgerald.

The store is on a corner location of the historic Market Square. Diligent readers will note the celebrity rushing to enter the store. Yes, that's my mom.