The Indie Bob Spot: Content Bookstore

Content Bookstore, Northfield, MN

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Readers, you're really going to enjoy your visit to this bright and cheery bookstore. This store has a wonderful content of books, both new and used, all on one-level. And when you enter and see the nice displays and attractive arrangements, you will instantly become quite content. I guess this means you will be content to see the content in Content (you can decide how to pronounce the name of the store!).

When you drive through the downtown district of Northfield, it has a kind of Norman Rockwell-ish feel. The kind of vibe where you can't imagine this town without a bookstore. It turns out that this has been true for many years. Content is only in its 3rd year at this great downtown location but the bookstore has been here many years under different names. Most recently it was Monkey See, Monkey Read. This town of approximately 20,000 has supported bookstores for years and now it is behind Content. It's beneficial to be the home of 2 colleges, Carleton and St. Olaf, which helps with the level of education and community members who engage with an independent bookstore. In a town of this size, strong local support is critical and that's a big factor here.

One of my favorite events they have here is called Happy Hours. It's a story time with snacks for the kids and wine for the mothers. "Honey, I'm taking little darling to Content for story time." Really Sweetie? Again? Do they have it every day of the week? This would seem to be an indie grand-slam to me. Happy Hours aside, the store is very active with author events and has good flexibility with space on-site. They have a modest amount of sidelines which are important, but as Chloe, one of the booksellers told me, the books do really well here. Several book clubs are involved with the store and you'll also be able to get future discounts if you're part of the customer rewards program.

I didn't meet Jessica, one of the co-owners, during my visit but I did have a nice email exchange with her and she said Chloe would be able to answer my questions during my visit. The store was in great hands with Chloe and she was terrific to talk to when I was at the store. This is one of the reasons I enjoy bookstore visits so much. I think we could've talked about books and bookstores all day.

I would find it hard to believe if any of the 20,000 inhabitants of Northfield haven't been to this store. If not, I wouldn't admit it to anyone. This place is a 5-star gem and you need to see what you're been missing. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Unexpectedly, Milo, Matthew Dicks. I thoroughly enjoy this author (Memoir Of An Imaginary Friend) and this is the 2nd book of his I've read. Story of Milo, a 30-something in a failing marriage and Milo has severe OCD which interferes with his daily life. Compulsions like waking up in the middle of the night and needing to go to a bowling alley and bowl a strike. Or singing karaoke to a song with German lyrics. Or letting the air out of his car tires and putting in fresh air. Very quirky, but you'll never see the end coming by what you read in the beginning. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The Residence, Kate Andersen Brower.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Kids Of Appetite, David Arnold.

Great front window display.

Another exterior view.

Looking into the store from the front entrance.

Looking directly to the left from the front entrance.

The first shelf of fiction right inside the store with several staff recommendations.

A couple of great seats in the front of the store.

A few of the greeting cards available.

Some of the various sidelines located near the front of the store.

Another great chair to try out a book.

I'm surprised some of my faithful readers haven't bought me this book!

A portion of the children's area.

This is part of the area where in-store events are held.

There is a connecting doorway in the back of the store that takes you into this yarn shop. If you have a friend or relative who enjoys knitting, take them here after you buy a book!