The Indie Bob Spot: Fox Den Used Books

Fox Den Used Books, River Falls, WI

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I've had this bookstore on my radar to visit for quite awhile. In fact, I can remember specifically when I added it. When I was visiting 6th Chamber Used Books in St. Paul, MN, I found out from James W., the owner, that his wife Heather was also in the business. Great, a husband and wife team. How fun that must be for both of them. Except for one thing. They are the owners at two different bookstores, James at 6th Chamber and Heather at Fox Den in River Falls. And now that I've been to Fox Den I feel like I've completed a two-part series.

In terms of inventory, both stores are similar. Fox Den is a medium-sized one-level store with a great assortment of used books. And as much as adults will enjoy this store I think kids will like it even more. The number of sidelines here that will appeal to kids is endless. Games of all varieties for all ages, lots of educational toys and puzzles, every Harry Potter item imaginable, and come on, what 10-year old wouldn't love fart bombs?! For the adults you can pick from a variety of jigsaw puzzles and greeting cards to name just a few. Then of course there is the extensive inventory of used books. As far as I could tell, all of these books were in great shape and many looked like new. And if they don't have the book in the store, they can check with James at 6th Chamber and get it from him. What a great advantage for both stores!

But the big thing here are the abundance of events. Everything from a game night (just like 6th Chamber) where you get to play games to story times for children. They have Harry Potter "productions" in the store and if you have a Harry Potter fan in your family, this store is a MUST SEE. How about an art class? Maybe you'd enjoy a science class or an astronomy class? You'll find those here. If you're in the River Falls area, I would encourage you to keep an eye on all the events you can enjoy at Fox Den.

I had a great time talking to Heather and her mother, Louise, who was helping in the store on the day of my visit. Two wonderful women who told me a lot about the store and the community. Heather has degrees in art and literature and her creativity is obvious throughout the store.

Hey Twin Cities, this is an easy drive to River Falls and you can escape the congestion of a big city and be here in no time. Bring the family to Fox Den Used Books and you'll easily find lots of wonderful books and gifts that you just can't find anywhere else, thanks to Heather and a terrific independent bookstore. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Residence, Kate Andersen Brower. True story of the many people who work behind the scenes at the White House and their interactions with the first families. The butlers, ushers, maids, electricians, painters, florists, chefs, and more who have impacted our first families through the years. Covers the period from the Eisenhower administration through Obama administration. This is a rare glimpse of what goes on at the White House through times of tragedy, stupidity, and immorality, seen through the eyes of the people who work there. If you like historical non-fiction, this is your book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: In The President's Secret Service, Ronald Kessler.

Another exterior picture.

One of the display windows. Thanks to the reflection, you also see the other side of the street!

Another great front window display.

View looking straight through the store from the front entrance.

Looking to the left and the variety of sidelines that will catch the kids right away. The children's section is behind this display, in the front of the store.