The Bookies - Denver, CO

The Bookies, Denver, CO

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I wasn't one step into this legendary bookstore when I was hit squarely in the face with a crystal clear thought.  Kids are going to absolutely love this place.  This store is a kids' playground with just about anything imaginable.  That said, I don't want you to get the impression that this store is exclusively for children.  Once you browse though the store and get further inside there's another group of people who need to make regular visits here.  If I were a teacher in the Denver area, of ANY grade level, I would hit this store often and hard.  What will you find?  Resources, classroom materials, books of course, and lots of IDEAS, among other things.  This place is nothing less than a win-win for all.

This one-level indie is jam packed with books and sidelines for people of all ages.  I've been to many bookstores with a dedicated children's section but it is an obvious strength here and in its DNA from its beginnings over 40 years ago.  The diversity of inventory for kids includes a plethora of games for all ages, jigsaw puzzles, arts and crafts, educational learning aids, and a variety of toys. If your child is a non-English speaker, there is an entire aisle devoted to foreign language books.  This store should be at the top of your list for holiday gift shopping.  Adults, do not despair because while your kids are having fun there is much here for you too.  Lots of adult fiction and non-fiction expertly curated by Larry, the store's book buyer with over 30 years in the business.  You can also find greeting cards, calendars, jewelry, and reading glasses to name a few.  

Sue L. began this business over 40 years ago in the basement of her house.  She did this with no background in business and it has evolved into a must-see Denver bookstore with a well-staffed group of employees, many who have a background in education.  I didn't get to meet Sue during my visit but as I told Ann, this store is a well-oiled machine with a lot of strong cogs.  Larry, Ann, Luke, Carolyn, Sharon, Jeannie and all the others were all wonderful to meet and share with me a bit about the store.  The customer service they offer here is unparalleled.

I like the Denver area and it is a pretty good bookstore town.  Every time I'm here I keep finding more good ones to visit.  If you're in the Glendale area of Denver, get to The Bookies for the kids or yourself.  There's no way you leave empty handed.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  What We Talk About When We Talk About Books, Leah Price.  Boring.  Really not interested in a book that sounds like a lengthy and scholarly work worthy of something produced at advanced schools of literature.  This is a book about the physical book and the connections/history we have with them.  I don't think this is accessible for the casual reader.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Reckoning, John Grisham.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Voices: The Final Hours Of Joan Of Arc, David Elliott.  Such Good Girls, R. D. Rosen.  

Another exterior view and one of the massive display windows.  

Yes.  And at every other indie.  

Story time was just getting started on the day of my visit meaning there was lots of energy in the store!

I would strongly encourage all teachers to pay this store a visit for multiple reasons.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  The majority of the store is to the right of this view.  

Looking to the left of the front entrance and kids will immediately be dazzled.  

Just inside the front entrance is this display of new calendars.  

Table display inside the front entrance will attract the kids.  

For those adults shopping here, this display of popular fiction is right behind the display pictured above. 

Hats are one of the many sidelines.  

Bookshelves of bestsellers with lots of shelf-talkers by The Bookies staffers.  

After you take a dozen or so steps into the store, this is your view looking to the right and the remainder of the store.  

A children's book with the hat to go with it.  Perfect.  

A nice display of travel and nature genres.  

You'll not only find books for your toddler, you'll find some hip clothes.  

And that toddler has his/her own section.  

Same for the early readers and young adults.  

Some really good leveled non-fiction reading options.  

I might've passed out if I hadn't found a healthy Harry Potter section. 

Find this section for something to fit your budget.  

I thought this was really cool.  Kids can put on their own theater production using finger puppets and this puppet theater.  

More wonderful gift ideas for the kids.  

You know that hat you found inside the front entrance?  Continue onward through the store and find a purse to go with it.  

A whole aisle devoted to children's foreign language.  Outstanding!

A dedicated area for arts and crafts items.  

Lots of little seats for little readers in the story time area.  

I really liked this.  A device that kids can use to help improve their reading.  

A very cute play area.  

I love this!

Of course they have greeting cards!

You might want to consider more than one of these totes for all the items you'll be getting.  

With Larry on the right, the fine book buyer at The Bookies.  Thanks for a great visit.