The Raven Book Store - Lawrence, KS

The Raven Book Store - Lawrence, KS

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Readers, whenever you visit a college or university town, I strongly encourage you to check out the independent bookstore scene.  Regular readers of The Indie Bob Spot know how much I enjoy these towns and their bookstores.  Lawrence, KS is like many of those towns I've visited.  Home to a major university and home to a wonderful, long-running and established independent bookstore.

The Raven has been around for 29 years and originally began as a bookstore specializing in mysteries.  Like all indies, it has evolved over time and now has a good variety of books in almost every genre.  The store offers all new books except for a very small section of used paperback mysteries, a nod to its original roots.  It has a good location in downtown Lawrence, just off the main street.  I was easily able to find close parking right on the street at one of the meters.  The store has two medium-sized rooms with a very open feeling all on one level, making browsing a cinch.  In addition to books, there are a good variety of greeting cards, journals and calendars, and some sidelines the kids will enjoy.  The only thing not for sale here?  The two independent bookstore cats, of course!

I had a great time talking to Heidi R., the owner here for 9 years now.  Like all indie owners, the business has had challenges but it is continuing to endure and is well-supported by the community.  Being located in a college town is a definite plus since many events at Kansas University bring people into town and then to the bookstore.  The Raven is very active with author events which can accommodate up to 50 people in the store.  For larger events, they have options off-site that are available.  The store is also involved with a few of its own book clubs as well as community book clubs, all great ways to bring customers into the store.  But best of all, like almost all my bookstore visits, people like Heidi and Chris who I met here couldn't have been nicer.

So what's the bottom line at The Raven?  You're going to find a warm, comfortable, and solid independent bookstore.  You'll have a wonderful time browsing AND buying your next book.  Don't miss this one.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Songs Of Willow Frost, Jamie Ford. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Language Of The Dead, Stephen Kelly.    

Another exterior view.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Just inside the entrance you'll find a nice assortment of magazines.  

Just to the left of the entrance are a nice variety of unique postcards.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

This is the room to the right after entering the front entrance.  

Some great sidelines for kids.  

A portion of the children's section with a great chair to sample a book.  

A nice display of new non-fiction.  

Shelf-talker recommendations can be found throughout the store.  I always love seeing these.  

Some of the books of local and regional interest.  

When you visit here check out this quilt mounted on the wall.  It's decorated with "patches" noting the many author visits.  You'll have to visit because it looks much better in person.  

Ask about the used mystery paperbacks.  They have some great deals in this section.  

There are two cats here but I was only able to provide photographic evidence of one!   

Start a series.  

From the back of the store looking toward the front entrance.  

This is an important and relevant display for our country's conversation.  I've read a few of these and they are great.  Educate.  

A nice assortment of journals and planners.  

With Heidi, the fine owner at The Raven.  Thanks for a great visit.