Chapters - Miami, OK

Chapters, Miami, OK

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This article is my "call-to-arms" to all the fine folks in Miami, OK.  You have a gem in your midst yet some of you haven't visited yet.  What gives?  There is no need to visit a large, discount department store when you have a perfectly fine local, independent business right in the middle of downtown.  A business that will keep your money in the community.  The "shop-local, buy-local" movement is gaining ground all over the country and I think it's an important component for all communities to recognize.  Thankfully, many of the people in Miami are all over this.  

This one-level store in a historic building offers a nice assortment of new books but clearly the strength of the business is its sidelines and cafe.  If you come here and can't find gift ideas you're not trying!  I would compare this store to a museum where you would see something new and different on every visit (newbies, this means you'll have to return).  And I would love to be here if a bus load of kids came in.  They will love this place!  You'll find items for all ages and tastes.  Everything from a line of Vera Bradley and some wonderful designer jewelry produced locally, to fake mustaches.

One of the things that gave the store a big boost was when it was able to offer Starbucks coffee in their cafe.  This brought them more business and also brought in people who otherwise might not have visited.

Chapters has a nice room in the store that's available for use by groups and/or events.  It's also a great area for the monthly book club.  Whether you come here to use this large room or just to see the store you'll enjoy finding easy on-street parking right in front and for free.

I didn't get to meet the owners on this visit but I am so glad I got to meet Lee M., assistant manager.  She was so much fun to talk to and told me a lot about the store and the town.  The store is on a good run dating back to 2006 and I see no reason for it to come to an end anytime soon.

Miami has a population of approximately 13,000 and there are many towns much larger who have nothing like this.  Show your appreciation for this wonderful store with your presence and patronage.  I know all the regular customers will agree!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Evolution Of Bruno Littlemore, Benjamin Hale.  This is a memoir/autobiography of Bruno Littlemore, a chimp who learned how to talk and became very educated.  He "evolved" into a human and he tells his story from captivity in a zoo, to science experiment, living with Lydia, the human love of his life, and all the experiences afterward.  This is a pretty good read but it took me awhile to get into it.  I thought it was a bit verbose and could have been edited down some.  But in the end, I enjoyed the story even though it was weird at times.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Last Night At The Lobster, Stewart O'Nan.

The store has lots of great window display space,  

Lots of stores I visit have a history as another business.  Back in the day, this was the store you'd enter.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  Long-time readers may recognize the celebrity on the left powering through the store.  Yes, that's my mom.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

This store has EVERYTHING!

If you have a toddler, check these out located near the front entrance.  

A partial view of the kid's section.  

Find this display for bestsellers.  

Every Harry Potter fan in Miami should have one of these.

Find these shelves for children's fiction.  

Find this room near the back of the store, a great space for meetings and/or events.  

A great Oklahoma mural in the meeting room.  

Always ask about gift cards at any indie.  

Women will find many great items to shop for.  

The store has a large cafe counter.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

A nice self-help section.  

If you're goal is to travel Route 66, you'll go right by this store.  Make sure you stop in.  

A good section of history and local interests.  

Grab a coffee, a seat, and a book.  

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

Every kid in Miami needs one of these.  Local teachers, you can thank me later.  

With Lee, one of the fine people you'll meet at Chapters.  Thanks for a great visit.