The Indie Bob Spot: Bluebird Books

Bluebird Books, Detroit Lakes, MN

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Finally, Detroit lakes has its own, spanking brand new bookstore filling a void that has been missing here for several years. And boy, did they do it right. A perfect location on the downtown main street. A gorgeous and bright interior that took a ton of work. The pictures below won’t do it justice. The organization is very neat and second to none. And best of all, the two people I met were friendly and very knowledgeable. Owner Amy E. And bookseller Mary were a delight to meet and visit with. But if you’re a regular customer, NONE of this is news to you. Unfortunately, this store is only about a year old and some haven’t discovered it yet. Detroit Lakes, it’s time to get behind this terrific bookstore and support a place that completes the Detroit Lakes business district.

When you visit Bluebird Books you’ll find a well-curated space with all new books. If I were a regular I’d pick one out and go to the living room setting in the front of the store. Always keep in mind that if you can’t visit in person you can always place an order on their website. The cookbooks and Bibles sell especially well. The sidelines are varied and displayed throughout the store. Candles, many greeting cards, stickers, and varieties of chocolate to name a few (Mary talked me into one of the chocolate bars and it was out of this world. Listen to Mary.). One thing I enjoyed here are the many works of art in different mediums that feature local artists, Amy does a great job of promoting local talent and offers her space as an option of making these works more visible and available for purchase. Well done, Amy.

Two of my favorite things here are located on opposite ends of the interior. In the front of the store, I LOVE the floor to ceiling window of glass that makes up the store’s front wall. Lots of light and a beautiful way to watch downtown Detroit Lakes. Then go to the back of the store and see the most remarkable piece of art designed specifically for a bookstore. A sculpture of a bluebird breaking through the wall, glasses on beak askew, reading To Kill A Mockingbird. This creativity by a local artist is fabulous.

There's no resisting this cutie.

Aside from those two things, I need to add a cherry on top of it all. Bailey is the bookstore dog, a rescue, that belongs to Mary and greets the visitors. As Mary told me, some people come in just to visit Bailey and I can see why, she’s a little charmer.

Come for the books, the art, Bailey, or her people. When you discover this place, I don’t think your first visit will be the last. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Stranger Beside Me, Ann Rule. The author met and worked with Ted Bundy before he became the notorious suspect in multiple murders. She stayed in contact with him and shares the sordid and disturbing story of Bundy’s savage journey and the attempt by prosecutors to connect all the dots. Fascinating and upsetting on many levels. The book though was about as long as it took Bundy’s multiple court appeals. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The River We Remember, William Kent Krueger.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Candy Club cinnamon spice almonds and two Hammond More S’mores bars. All of these are but a mere memory now!

One of my favorite things about this storefront is the floor to ceiling glass window.

Twist my arm!

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

View looking to the right from the front entrance. I absolutely love this setting. Two comfy chairs, fireplace, coffee table, and floor to ceiling front wall of glass to watch the town and the weather.

Amy is a huge advocate for local artists and their work. You'll see it displayed throughout the store. Find something you like and buy it.

Just a few of the greeting cards available.

Display of various sidelines on the right wall of the store.

Attractive table display with a little bit of everything.

"Please Mr. Indie, I don't have time for a photo shoot I have customers to greet."

Uniquely crafted soaps made just for Bluebird.

The creative art in this store comes in many mediums.

A long wall of bookshelves for leisurely browsing.

Fun gift bags at the checkout counter.

New releases display.

Just a few of the art supplies offered. Make your own creation and maybe it can be featured in the store.

I bought one of these. Highly recommended.

If cinnamon almonds aren't your thing, try some taffy.

Make sure to take notice of the incredible art work displayed throughout the store.

Partial view of the children's area.

A beautiful touch in the children's area.

One of the most beautiful sculptures of original artwork done especially for a bookstore I've ever seen. The artist is Hans Gildorf from right in Detroit Lakes. You need to see this in person. Just stunning.

Side view perspective.

Hey Detroit Lakes, get your Bluebird merch and represent.

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

Lots of gift ideas for kids.

The artwork on this mug was created by a local high school student who now has her own successful business. Very impressive.

Just a few of the books in the store by local authors. I've learned along my journey that Minnesota has MANY excellent authors.

Gorgeous display of handmade unique tapas plates created by Ellen Moses using impressions from local tree leaves. Her studio is right in Detroit Lakes.