The Willow Bookstore - Perham, MN

The Willow Bookstore, Perham, MN

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Owner Greta G. and I talked about the fact that the great thing about books is they never spoil.  Stock up, readers, you have nothing to worry about.  However, the same cannot be said about bookstore names.  The Willow Bookstore has an expiration date and it’s all about Greta putting her own stamp on the business.  Greta is the new owner here, taking over the business about 5 months ago.  A business that has been present on the busiest street in downtown Perham the past 5 years.  This entry will become somewhat dated next May 2024 when The Willow Bookstore becomes Big Pine Books, named after Big Pine Lake, an area outside of town where Greta grew up.  This is just one of the many new ideas that Greta is bringing to this store and community.

The one thing that won’t change are the terrific books you’ll find here.  Additionally, books and sidelines will continue to evolve with the name change.  There are a few used books here and that is a part of the business Greta hopes to expand.  Customers will receive store credit for books the store accepts.  Most of the sidelines here were present with the previous owner and Greta is hoping to move some of those along to make room for her new ideas.  Currently, you’ll find candles, bookstore socks, and tote bags.  When the name changes Greta plans to bring in Big Pine Books merch like shirts and/or hoodies, and/or totes, and much more.  She also hopes to provide stationery including journals, and plan books to name just a few.    Hopefully, she’ll be able to add events which may include open mic nights and music.  Greta has formed an ambitious and impressive plan. Well done!

So what does a new bookstore owner, with a background in library sciences, need to know when starting her bookstore business?  Despite Greta’s extensive educational background, she never took the class about becoming a barista.  But she’s tackled that problem enthusiastically and now serves coffee and lattes to customers as well as herself.  What a dream!  It seems she’s now the perfect fit for one who enjoys books and coffee.  Congratulations Greta.

Perham is a successful bookstore community in a small town that’s supplemented by throngs of summer tourists.  Find out what the regulars and tourists have discovered.  A super bookstore with an awesome owner.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

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

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Book of Goose, Yiyum Li.  

Beautiful storefront in the heart of downtown Perham. 

I parked behind the bookstore and on my walk around to the front entrance enjoyed this absolutely remarkable mural. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Over to the right after entering the store.  I was tempted. 

A great space in the front of the store to enjoy your latte and a book. 

Hey teachers in the Perham community, do you know about this? 

Attractive display of popular releases. 

If you bring your kids or grandkids into the store, ask them if they know what this is. 

Beautiful setting near the children's area. 

I love the hollow in that tree trunk. 

I have discovered that Minnesota has MANY wonderful authors. 

Go to this area in the back right of the store to browse some of the used books. 

Display of new releases. 

Quirky bookstore socks. 

Literary-themed candles. 

I think this would be a great poster for avid fishermen. 

A few of the non-fiction items of regional and local interest. 

Partial overview of the children's area. 

When I first saw these in a bookstore I thought they were fantastic.  Drool proof, chew proof, toddler proof. 

Another angle of the children's area. 

Partial overview of the coffee service area. 

I didn't get the story behind this but it made me curious. 

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

If you have kids or grandkids go to this area. 

With Greta, the fine owner at The Willow Bookstore.  Thanks for a great visit.