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| Bookbug, Kalamazoo, MI |
My very first thought when I walked in the front door of Bookbug was, why haven't I been here yet. If you've never been here, I hope you have the same reaction when you visit. And after entering the store and spending some time browsing, here's what I like about this place, EVERYTHING! A great selection of books with creative displays, an outstanding children's section (one of the store's strengths in my opinion), a variety of sidelines, easy and free parking, and more. And of course, the people here are as nice and knowledgeable as any I've met. Just another example that you can find quality independent bookstores anywhere across America, including this gem in Kalamazoo, MI.
Joanna P., one of the co-owners along with Derek and Nicole, told me that Bookbug opened in 2008, a time of economic uncertainty. But as with many indie owners, they didn't really think about that and jumped right in. Since opening, they've seen steady business growth each year, such a positive sign for this bookstore and the community. They opened originally as a children's bookstore but now offer books for everyone. Additionally, they offer a nice variety of sidelines including greeting cards, crazy socks, music on vinyl, t-shirts, and LOTS more. You can easily find gift ideas here for anyone. I thought their book displays were especially creative and attractive. The store has a great location in the Oakland Plaza with many other like-minded businesses. Bookbug has a very active events schedule, hosting on-site or at larger venues off-site if needed. They also have a weekly story time in the store every Thursday morning. There is a strong core of local customers and community support is obvious for a store that is 9 years old. I especially like that they're able to do book fairs with some of the local schools.
If you're not a regular reader of The Indie Bob Spot, I continue to drive home a common theme. The people you meet in bookstores are the best. The ownership team Joanna, Derek, and Nicole along with Sarah, one of the booksellers are wonderful to meet and so fun to talk to about books and the store. I feel so fortunate to meet people like this all along my journey.
If you're in the Kalamazoo area and haven't been to Bookbug yet, you're making a big mistake. Or if you're driving along I94, take the Oakland Dr. exit and head north, you'll drive right to it. I can guarantee you'll fall in love with this place when you visit, just like I did. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
JUST FINISHED: Norwegian By Night, Derek B. Miller. An 82-year old grandfather is transplanted from his home in NYC to live with his adult granddaughter and her husband in Norway. He becomes witness to a crime in their apartment building and flees with a little boy who needs his help. A pretty good crime fiction book.
CURRENTLY READING: Hillbilly Elegy, J. D. Vance.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: A really cool Bookbug t-shirt.
Joanna P., one of the co-owners along with Derek and Nicole, told me that Bookbug opened in 2008, a time of economic uncertainty. But as with many indie owners, they didn't really think about that and jumped right in. Since opening, they've seen steady business growth each year, such a positive sign for this bookstore and the community. They opened originally as a children's bookstore but now offer books for everyone. Additionally, they offer a nice variety of sidelines including greeting cards, crazy socks, music on vinyl, t-shirts, and LOTS more. You can easily find gift ideas here for anyone. I thought their book displays were especially creative and attractive. The store has a great location in the Oakland Plaza with many other like-minded businesses. Bookbug has a very active events schedule, hosting on-site or at larger venues off-site if needed. They also have a weekly story time in the store every Thursday morning. There is a strong core of local customers and community support is obvious for a store that is 9 years old. I especially like that they're able to do book fairs with some of the local schools.
If you're not a regular reader of The Indie Bob Spot, I continue to drive home a common theme. The people you meet in bookstores are the best. The ownership team Joanna, Derek, and Nicole along with Sarah, one of the booksellers are wonderful to meet and so fun to talk to about books and the store. I feel so fortunate to meet people like this all along my journey.
If you're in the Kalamazoo area and haven't been to Bookbug yet, you're making a big mistake. Or if you're driving along I94, take the Oakland Dr. exit and head north, you'll drive right to it. I can guarantee you'll fall in love with this place when you visit, just like I did. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
JUST FINISHED: Norwegian By Night, Derek B. Miller. An 82-year old grandfather is transplanted from his home in NYC to live with his adult granddaughter and her husband in Norway. He becomes witness to a crime in their apartment building and flees with a little boy who needs his help. A pretty good crime fiction book.
CURRENTLY READING: Hillbilly Elegy, J. D. Vance.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: A really cool Bookbug t-shirt.
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| Another exterior view. |
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| One of the display windows. |
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| Bookbug has an active calendar of events. |
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| View looking into the bookstore from the front entrance. Faithful readers will surely recognize the celebrity squarely in the middle of the photo. Yes, that's my mom. |
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| View looking to the left from the front entrance. |
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| Only a few reasons to visit Bookbug. |
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| Several indies do this promotion and I love it. Take a chance on a book wrapped in a plain brown wrapper. |
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| This is what I mean by a creative book display. The books of authors who will be appearing at Bookbug. |
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| A long wall of fiction to the right in the store. Notice all the staff recommendations with the "shelf talkers." |
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| Some of the items of local interest. |
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| I think you can find a pair of socks to "fit" anyone! |
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| A nice display of the new paperbacks. |
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| If you have a Star Wars fan in your house, come to the Bookbug and find this display! |
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| A few of the greeting cards available. |
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| Lots of great stuff here for kids. |
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| Kids are going to love this house to play in back in the children's section. |
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| Notice the roof of the house made of books. And if you look a little further, you might see a book bug. |
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| Find a literary onesie for your baby. |
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| View from the back of the store looking toward the front entrance. |
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| Music on vinyl and t-shirts. |
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| You can even get Bookbug candy bars. These go really good with any book you get! |
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| With Derek on the left and Joanna on the right, two of the fine co-owners at Bookbug. Thanks for a great visit. |
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