Beagle & Wolf Books & Bindery - Park Rapids, MN

Beagle & Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, MN

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Beagle and Wolf is my 571st bookstore visited and yet, I never tire of seeing and experiencing what I did here.  Places like Beagle and Wolf always impress me because they are able to sustain and survive despite the fact that Park Rapids is a town of approximately 4000.  Granted, as bookseller Doni told me the population expands to approximately 20,000 in the summers but nevertheless, there are so many communities much larger with nothing at all.

Beagle and Wolf is a result of the merger of two bookstores; Beagle Books and Bindery and Sister Wolf Books.  It has been through more than one ownership but for the last 16 years it has been owned by Sally and Bob W. and managed by their daughter Jen.  The one-level store is located just off the Main Street business district, a great spot for frequent foot traffic.  They offer both new and used books and I especially like that they have the used books on a data base, something that can’t always be done at other stores.  The store offers store credit to customers who bring books in but they will be particular about what they take.  They have a beautiful children’s area in the left rear of the store and also also offer a weekly story time.  They also host frequent author events throughout the year.  

Beagle and Wolf offers a variety of sidelines and the greeting cards sell very well.  You’ll also find a variety of art supplies, puzzles, and bookstore socks to name a few.  For kids, the finger puppets have been very popular.  But my favorite sideline was the earrings made from repurposed tin and/or plastic gift cards, created by an artisan with a local connection.  As Sally told me, the sidelines for this indie are an important part of the business.  

Another arm of the business is the book binding that Jen does.  Do you have a Bible that’s been in the family for generations that needs some TLC?  How about an old family favorite cookbook?  There is NOBODY in the region that can fix these books other than Jen so pay her a visit and she’ll be able to help you.

The people here are the best.  Owners Sally and Bob, daughter Jen, bookseller Dori (be sure to ask her about buying eggs in the bookstore!  Really!), and last but not least, loyal and regular customer, Lee.  I can’t believe how much fun I have meeting people like these.  There’s only one thing missing here.  MORE CUSTOMERS!  Come on Park Rapids, this place is a blast!  Shop local, buy local to keep it in your community.  If you’re a regular, bring in a friend who’s never been here for a wonderful bookstore experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Stranger Beside Me, Ann Rule.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The River We Remember, William Kent Krueger.  Good Eggs, Rebecca Hardiman.  Saving Emma, Allen Eskens.  

 

A beautiful fall day at Beagle & Wolf in Park Rapids. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance. 

Looking to the right from the front entrance. 

A few of the art supplies on the spinner near the front entrance. 

Extreme Dot to Dot.  I never knew!

A few of the greeting cards offered. 

Recommended reads. 

An assortment of items for young readers. 

I always tell people if you see something you like in a bookstore, get it.  These unique earring are fashioned from repurposed tin and plastic gift cards.  Congrats to the artisan who made these. 

Attractive display of new releases on the left wall of the store. 

Loyal customer Lee with a book recommendation.  Beagle & Wolf isn't the only bookstore he frequents though.  If you see him come to your bookstore, he's an easy target (like me).  Start selling him books!  Go Twins! 

Bookstore socks. 

This beautiful artwork is done by a talented artist with local ties.  You can't find stuff like this just anywhere.  If you like it, get it here. 

The store hosts fall reading retreats, based on these books.  Another terrific variation on a book club. 

Compression leg wear. 

Most bookstores have banned book displays. 

Just a few of the used books available. 

View looking into the children's area. 

These finger puppets have sold very well. 

Little chairs and table for little readers in the children's area. 

Good buys for your budget. 

One of the side rooms of books. 

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

I really like that the large print books are displayed in a manner and at a level for the readers who need them.

Jen's office and work space for this part of the business is located in the basement.  Trying to decide if that Bible that's been in the family for generations is worth saving?  It is and Jen can do it. 

This is down in the basement and is the work area for Jen's book bindery business. 

This is the guillotine, built in 1889, and Jen said it is incredibly dangerous for undisciplined fingers.  They keep it behind a closed door.  And this thing is unbelievably heavy prompting Jen to say, it will never see the light of day again.  I was nervous just standing by it. 

 

With Sally on the left and Jen on the right, two of the fine people you'll meet at Beagle & Wolf Books & Bindery.  Thanks for a great visit.