Main Street Books - Lafayette, IN

Main Street Books, Lafayette, IN

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One of the things I enjoy about my bookstore visits is seeing the space that they're housed in.  Main Street Books in Lafayette, IN is in a building that was built in 1837.  Beautiful original brick walls, and a mostly original iconic tin ceiling that has now been white-washed to give it a little sparkle and lighten the store.  And if these walls could talk they would tell you that the space was previously a newsstand with papers, magazines, and some books.  But now, its one of the new generation of bookstores, only two years old, and merging into the independent bookstore family.   I continue to see and hear good news everywhere I visit.  Indies are not closing, they're returning, they're opening, and they're finding business in a competitive sector.  Here in Lafayette, its thanks to people like Tamsin and Ted M.  

Tamsin and Ted moved to Lafayette from Alaska a few years ago and Tamsin asked a sci-fi bookstore that was going out of business if she could buy their inventory, kind of on a whim.  Then she asked husband Ted if she could open a new bookstore.  He said, "No."  And with that, Main Street Books was born!

This attractive and comfortable store is a one-level with two long adjacent rooms.  They carry an assortment of new and used books and you'll find the used books shelved right along with the new ones.  Their sci-fi and fantasy genres are particularly strong.  They have a few sidelines here including greeting cards and literary teas (Charles Dickens Black Tea Blend, e.g.) but that's one of the things that is still evolving for the store  The same can be said for author events and signings as they try to find the best way to generate interest in these events  They have a great downtown location which is advantageous when there are complimentary events in this area.  The nearby farmer's market and an annual music festival are great for helping the store's visibility.

I had an absolutely great talk with Tamsin who since opening has discovered the cooperativeness and camaraderie offered by other bookstore owners and booksellers.  Even though they are at different bookstores, they are all truly on the same team.  Sadly, there are people in the community unaware of the existence of an independent bookstore here.  If you're a regular, help them out and spread the word.  Return to the store with a friend.  Newbies, go back a second time and bring a friend.  Step into a beautiful bookstore and enjoy the feeling in downtown Lafayette.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Poet Of Tolstoy Park, Sonny Brewer.  

Don't mind if I do!

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  There is a room parallel to this on the right.  Tamsin is on the phone taking a book order.  

Looking directly to the right from the front entrance.  Walk that way then take a left and you'll be in that second room.  

Enjoy a cup of coffee while you browse.  

I thought this was a very unique metal sculpture near the front of the store.  Apologies for the lighting.  

Two comfy chairs to sample a book.  Perceptive readers may recognize the celebrity browsing the store.  Yes, that's my mom.  

If you don't want a coffee, consider a Coke while browsing.  

A portion of the children's section.  

A little picture of a little chair for a little reader.  

A nice row of shelves offering book series'.  

In addition to new books, the store does offer a few used books.  

If you're a Trekkie and you need help with your Klingon, come here and find this book.  

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

Display of recently popular books.   

A multi-purpose tote bag.  

A great look at some of the original brick work and tin ceiling.  A beautiful store.  

Not sure I've seen these in any of my previously visited bookstores.  Literary teas.  

There are a few here.  Ask to see them.  

With Tamsin on the left, one of the fine co-owners at Main Street Books.  Thanks for a great visit.