Main Street Books - Minot, ND

Main Street Books, Minot, ND

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Main Street Books in Minot is the first bookstore I've visited in North Dakota.  I have a feeling that aside from the people in Minot, this store may be a hidden gem.  In fact, even though this business has been around for 11 years, it seems to be hidden from some of the folks in Minot.  I don't know why it would be.  This is a wonderful bookstore with a great location in downtown Minot and it offers a little bit of something for everyone.  If every bookstore in North Dakota is like this one, I'm going to see some fantastic indies.

This is the store's 3rd location in its 11 year existence and this is by far its largest space.  The one-level store occupies a space that was formerly a paint store.  But you can tell by the store front and interior that this was a classic 5 & 10 department store like an S. S. Kresge.  Main Street Books offers a variety of new and used books and an abundance of sidelines.  I thought the sidelines available for kids were outstanding, including a line of Melissa and Doug items.  They also offer a good variety of educational toys.  Among the other sidelines, crazy socks and greeting cards sell quite well.

The store has some author events, mostly featuring local authors.  They also offer story times for children three times a week.  Kids really enjoy the store's annual Polar Express party which features a visit from Santa and the staff members dressed as elves.  Take note other bookstores, this is one of the store's most successful events.  Kids will absolutely love this place and as Val S., the owner, told me, she's witnessed one child screaming while being physically dragged from the store.  I can relate to that child's feeling! 

Main Street Books enjoys a strong local customer base, an obvious for 11 years of business.  They also enjoy customers from the nearby Air Force base as well as tourists and travelers in the summers. Val mentioned that she can see more people understanding the importance of "buy local."  I always encourage schools to partner with their local bookstores to enhance the strength and bonds in any community.

Hey Minot, you have something that is the ENVY of many other communities who have nothing like Main Street Books.  Take advantage of this jewel with your patronage and support.  Regular customers, take a friend so they can see why you enjoy this store so much.  Kudos to Val for this great local business that complements and uplifts a community with its presence.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

JUST FINISHED:  The Hearts Of Men, Nickolas Butler.  One of the best books I've read this summer.  Boy scout camp in northern Wisconsin in the early 1960s.  Nelson is the camp bugler, very smart, knows scouting, but is picked on and bullied.  Only Jonathan occasionally sticks up for him but these two boys form a bond that lasts a lifetime.  Excellent story spanning the years and a shocking ending.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:   Dead Wake, Erik Larson.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Risen, Ron Rash.   

Another exterior view.  I hope you can tell from the pictures how much this looks like an old 5 & 10 store, both inside and out.  

No argument from me!

View looking into the store from the front entrance, a very spacious main floor.  

Way to go Minot! 

Main Street Books is an award winner.  

View looking to the right just inside the front entrance.  

A fine assortment of new fiction.  

Great table display of new releases near the front of the store.  

Many indies do "blind dates with a book."  Here at Main Street Books, it's "brown bag books."  I love these sales ideas.  

Some great mysteries on this spinner near the front of the store.  

This couch is near the front of the store looking out onto the main street through the large front window.  Yes please!  

A portion of the young adult books and a nice place to sit and try a book.  

There are lots of wonderful sidelines for kids at this store.  

These are only a few of the crazy socks available.  

The socks and greeting cards sell well here.  

Surely, this oven mitt would make a great gift for someone you know.  

A portion of the books of local interest and local authors.  

More people could use this particular brand of chewing gum, only available at independent bookstores.  

If you're on a budget, find this display.  Don't go away empty-handed.  

Another nice area of the store that looks into some of the shelves that have used books.  

You can find more great bargains in this area of the store.  

If you're a Game Of Thrones fan, this store has you covered.  

The nice thing here at Main Street Books is that there's enough couch space that you won't have to fight over it!  

A partial view of the children's section.  

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

Something else your kids will enjoy.  

This is true of EVERY independent bookstore.  Support them!

These are some great tote bags made from recycled plastic and yarn.  That's indie!  

With Val, the fine owner at Main Street Books.  Thanks for a great visit.