Wordsmith Bookshoppe - Galesburg, IL

Wordsmith Bookshoppe, Galesburg, IL

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Regular readers know that my journey began as a project to visit every bookstore featured in, My Bookstore, by Ron Rice.  That book was the inspiration that began my madness and now I've met someone else equally inspired by the same book.  Teri P. opened Wordsmith Bookshoppe 2+ months ago along with her husband John.  She had extensive experience for many years at a small independent chain store, Book World.  Sadly, Book World stores are no longer in business.  But when one door closes another one opens and John said let's open our own bookstore.  But as Teri told me ("John, are you kidding me?!"), owning a bookstore is a lot different from working in one.  She needed information and resources fast.  Enter My Bookstore, by Ron Rice.  Her education included reading about all those successful indies and learning about numerous marketing ideas for her newly opened store in Galesburg.  The results?  A knock it out of the park home run in a town that previously had nothing like it and was also welcoming and enthusiastic about a new business like Wordsmith (way to go Galesburg).  Well done, indeed.  

Clearly, Teri is knowledgeable about the business and that is huge for opening a bookstore.  She got a great bargain from Book World and acquired all of their shelving at a low price.  These shelves are a wonderful enhancement to the store's beautiful and spacious (2100 sq. ft.) interior.  Wordsmith offers all new books along with some literary themed sidelines.  The candles and Bob Ross swag are selling very well.  I can't imagine any place in Galesburg offering as extensive a variety of magazines as they do here.  The store plans to top out their magazines at 1500 different titles.  They'll also be selling an assortment of comic books soon.  Teri has plans to eventually flesh out an active events schedule.  They already host a scrabble night and book club night to name a few.  Watch for story time to begin soon. 

Best of all, Teri has surrounded herself with a staff of rock stars (yes, Leah, rock stars!).  Husband John, her parents Ron and Leah, and bookseller John all contribute their individual talents to make this a shining star in downtown Galesburg.  If you're in the Galesburg area and haven't been here yet, your first visit will take your breath away.  Congratulations to Teri and staff and congratulations Galesburg.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Don't Make Me Pull Over!, Richard Ratay.  Part memoir, part historical look at all things travel related including the highway systems, automobiles, rest areas, Stuckey's, air travel, and more.  If you went on a family vacation as a kid and your dad's main goal was "making good time", you might like this one.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Salt To The Sea, Ruta Sepetys.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Faithful, Alice Hoffman.  

This display window gives the store lots of space to work with.  

Just keep this in mind for the next 5 months or so.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Just inside the front door and along the wall to the right is an endless offering of magazines.  Impressive.  

Also just inside the front door are some great places to page through a book.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  Notice the historic brick wall above the shelves.  

Hey bookstore owners, this sideline is hot here at Wordsmith Bookshoppe.  

These literary-themed soy wax candles are selling well here as well as many other bookstores I've visited.  

You find the most unique sidelines in independent bookstores.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Another view of the historic brick wall.  Owner Teri is getting ready to sell a book naturally!

I like this display of large print books because it is displayed in way that makes it easily accessible for seniors.  

An assortment of audio books.  

If you want to find out about some of the country's best bookstores, get this book (or follow this blog!).  This was a HUGE help for Teri when getting started at this store and was the inspiration for my journey.  

The large front display window from the inside, a great set-up.  

A long wall of books.  

In addition to the graphic novels already here, the store will also be adding comics.  

YIPPEE!  It's new book day!

Relevant table display for the holiday season.  

A great display in appreciation of our veterans and Veteran's Day.  

Lots of literary-themed sidelines to choose from.  

Kids will enjoy this display.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

Find a 2020 calendar for your sports fan.  

A nice selection of books by local and regional authors.  

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

This is the great group of people you'll meet when you visit Wordsmith Bookshoppe.  From L-R: John, John P., Leah, Ron, and Teri P.  Thanks for a great visit.