The Plains Trading Co. Books - Valentine, NE

The Plains Trading Co. Books, Valentine, NE

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This indie is another example of just when I think I've seen it all, I find another remarkable store that has survived incredible odds.  The Plains Trading Co Books in Valentine is in the northwestern part of Nebraska, about nine miles south of the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.  The population in Valentine is approximately 2800.  This town is remote and there is little of consequence within a couple of hours.  Against this backdrop, a bookstore has survived and endured for 25 years.  What a store this is and what a grand record of success.  Given this history, you would think this bookstore has limitations.  Think again.  This indie can do just about anything any of the others can.

This is another store that I was tipped off about when visiting elsewhere.  Before Chad at Main Street Books in Norfolk, NE opened his store, he paid a visit to Valentine and Plains Trading to get some ideas and advice.  When I met Chad at Main Street Books, he told me I should go to Valentine, so here I am.  As you might expect with its location, the store has a strong section of local, regional, Nebraska-related, and Native Amercian books and sidelines.  But they also have a good assortment of new general fiction and non-fiction.  I thought their other strength was their variety of children's books, toys, games, and educational items.  If you can't make it to the store, you can always visit their website and place an order online.  And if they don't have the book you want in the store, go ahead and order it from them.

The sidelines they have here are numerous and definitely critical to the store's success.  I especially like some of the Native American art work available and for sale.  You can also find wine, gourmet coffee, Native American flutes, greeting cards created by local artists (like Duane G., the owner), and so much more.  They also have enjoyed a 25-year relationship with some of the South Dakota schools as well as the school and library in Valentine, another important part of the business.

I didn't get to meet Duane on this day but I did meet his wife Darlene and Teena, one of the staffers.  As you would expect, after 25 years Darlene really knows her stuff and she's part of the reason that Plains Trading marches on in the bookstore business.  New indie owners can take hope in the success of a bookstore like this one.  This place is right on Highway 20 that cuts through the country.  On your next cross-country tour, hit this one along the way.  It will be a while before you get to another.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Peace Like A River, Leif Enger.  This was a big book award winner some years back but I think it's overrated.  Too literary for me but I know that will appeal to many readers.  Story of the 16-year old boy who kills two bullies that have harassed his family.  He escapes confinement becoming a fugitive and the remaining story is of the father, brother, and sister who try to find him.  Liked it, didn't love it.

CURRENTLY READING:  Grief Cottage, Gail Godwin.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Jesse James wine.

Another exterior picture.  Notice the red hearts and then remember what the name of this town is.  

A great place to sit outside the store on a nice day.  

Very attractive display window.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left inside the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Great display near the front entrance.  

Another nice display of popular releases.  

Some books for the kids.  

A portion of the children's area.  

Lots of sidelines here are created by local artists.  Attentive readers may recognize the celebrity on the right.  Yes, that's my mom.  

Have a seat and sample a book.  

Native American artwork is available here and can be found throughout the store.  

A long wall of books and artwork.  

Need a quilt book?  Find them here.  

A variety of Native American flutes.  I loved seeing these.  

Coffee and wine.  Along with the books, what else would you need?!

Just to make sure, go ahead and get one.  

A variety of sidelines.  

Lots of stuff for kids here.  

View into the back room area.  

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

Not many bookstores offer pure honey.  

With Darlene in the middle and Teena on the right.  Thanks for a great visit.