Mitzi's Books - Rapid City, SD

Mitzi's Books, Rapid City, SD

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It was always Mitzi's hope and dream to have a bookstore in Rapid City, SD.  Unfortunately, she didn't live long enough to see her dream fulfilled.  Mitzi's Books has been around for 7 years thanks to Mitzi's brother Ray, who embraced his sister's vision and his manifestation of Mitzi's Books has allowed the customers to enjoy the spirit of a woman who wanted to be part of an independent bookstore.  Well done Ray, and thank you.

Mitzi's has an excellent location in the heart of downtown Rapid City surrounded by many other retail businesses and a nearby park/square.  This location is perfect for foot traffic and for folks who drive here it is easy accessible with on street parking or in a nearby parking garage.  The store has a main level and an upstairs mezzanine with a wrap around balcony.  This indie offers all new books and a good variety of sidelines including women's handbags and totes (these sell very well), greeting cards, jewelry, teas, and lotions to name a few.  The organization of the store made perfect sense to me.  The staircase in the center divides the main level into two halves with most of the books on the right side of the store and many of the sidelines on the left.  Mitzi's has a strong core of regular customers but also a huge tourist business that often includes tour buses (thank you Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills National Park, Badlands, and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally).  They also enjoy hosting author events in the store and have the option of hosting in the nearby library for larger crowds.

One of my favorite things here was the beautiful and ornately designed display tables and chairs.  It's a line of functional art called Sticks, and every piece designed is one-of-a-kind.  All of the pieces here are book themed and true works of art.  And if you want to check out more original art work, take a look at the walls in the children's section in the back of the store.  As nice as any I've seen.

It was my good fortune to met Mary A., store manager, and Heather, one of the store booksellers.  These two ladies re-confirm to me that all bookstore people are the best.

There's lots of summer vacation time left so when you plan your visit to the South Dakota tourist attractions you've got one more site to add to the list.  Don't miss out on Mitzi's Books in downtown Rapid City.  But be careful, you'll enjoy it so much you might miss your tour bus.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Heavenly Table, Donald Ray Pollock.  I like this southern author and I like this book.  It's 1917 and three brothers in the south who've already lost their mother, lose their father and must decide their future.  Their poverty is so constraining that they decide their only way out is crime.  Of course, this is just the tip of the story.  Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  I Am I Am I Am, Maggie O'Farrell.

Sometimes sidewalk boards are scribbled out in a hurry.  Not this one!  Nicely done.  

Better check out this cart before you go in.  

A front outdoor patio is the perfect place to sit and try a book.  

Front door with Mitzi's picture.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  My picture doesn't do it justice.  Beautiful.  

Table display of recent releases just to the right after entering.  

You'll see this long wall of books on the right wall of the store.  

Display of bestsellers.  How many of these have you read?  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Variety of sidelines near the front entrance.  

Many stores I've visited this summer are featuring displays of books featured on The Great American Read.  

A fine display of staff picks.  

You can find some of the coolest and unique things in a bookstore.  I'm sure you all know someone who could use gifts like these.  

The store takes advantage of the space underneath the stairway.  

A portion of the children's section.  

You'll see some great art work around the children's section.  

Lots of creativity that you really need to see in person.  

Beautiful artwork in the children's section. 

Lots of gift ideas, all over the store.  

Display of books of local interest upstairs on the mezzanine.  

Partial view of bookshelves on the mezzanine level. 

Visitors to the area need this book.  

This chair is absolutely beautiful.  

Looking down on the store from the mezzanine.  Alert readers may recognize the celebrity shopping downstairs.  Yes, that's my mom.  

Check out the intricacy of this display table.  

Looking downstairs from the mezzanine and toward the front entrance.  

I love this picture.  

Some really unique rings.  

With Heather on the left and Mary on the right, two of the fine people you'll meet at Mitzi's Books.  Thanks for a great visit.