Lake Country Booksellers - White Bear Lake, MN

Lake Country Booksellers - White Bear Lake, MN

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Think back to your school days, readers.  Think back to that student who was in your room, the one you didn't really know.  He or she was very quiet, didn't rock the boat, did all their school work, but that was all you knew.  Until one day the student opened their mouth to speak and you very quickly came to know this person as one intelligent, well-informed individual.  Among bookstores, Lake Country Booksellers is that student.  You might not notice this indie when lined up with all the rest but once you do, it will be one that sticks in your mind.

Actually, there's no reason for this bookstore to be the unnoticed quiet kid.  Heck, it's been around for 35 years and in independent bookstore years that's the equivalent of forever.  It was originally founded by a group of women and although none of them are owners today, the store is still owned by a group of women.  The fab four of Faith, Nancy, Susie, and Bert are the owners now and they're continuing a successful tradition of independent booksellers in White Bear Lake.

This one-level store has a great corner building location in downtown White Bear Lake, surrounded by many other independent businesses.  It has a nice selection of new and used books and the used books are all donated.  When a bookstore can acquire books through donations, it would seem to indicate strong community support of the business.  This is all the more impressive here in a community of only 20,000+.  There are very few sidelines here, but there are some especially nice ones that kids will enjoy.  Some of these sidelines may change slightly through the year, like during the holiday season for example (December is one of their busiest months of the year).  Just outside of the store is a weekly farmer's market during which there is always an author present to sign books.  Author events are also held occasionally in the store and they also have access off-site for larger gatherings as when William Kent Krueger appears (his book Ordinary Grace is outstanding and I highly recommend it).

On the day of my visit I had a great talk with Bert, one of the owners.  She told me a bit about the store and its history as well as her co-owners.  And, of course, we talked about a lot of books, one of my favorite things to do with all owners and booksellers.

This is an easy trip just north of the Twin Cities.  Easy to find, very visible, and free on-street parking.  Readers, I'm doing everything but walk you there myself!  Lots of times that quiet kid becomes your best friend.  This could become your favorite bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  My Real Children, Jo Walton.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Dr. Mütter's Marvels, Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz.

A wonderful exterior view.  

The side of the building around to the left from the front view.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  

Looking straight through the store from the front entrance.  

A hidden passageway of books on the far left of the store, behind the check-out counter.  

A few of the greeting cards available here.  

An attractive display of the recent releases.  

Atop the shelves?  Tulips!

Go to this area if you want to find a good used book.  

Or check out this display for a bargain.  

Some of the kid-friendly sidelines.  

A nice section for local interests and local authors.  

A portion of the children's section.  

View from the back of the store looking toward the front.  

Check this board for upcoming events.  

Check this board to see what the co-owners are reading.  

With Bert, one of the fine co-owners at Lake Country Booksellers.  Thanks for a great visit.